[Doug Nash]

Ah! I’m starting to see what you mean. So this wouldn’t even be an expression, per se. Right? You’re actually talking about a regular script, which could theoretically be applied to any layer, and achieve a similar affect?

I would have no clue how to do something like that. Is there a way to have AE record some actions? Kind of like when you make a shortcut in PSD or Ill?

Thanks again.

[Doug Nash]

Yeah, the problem is that wouldn’t be any different than just literally duplicating that master layer. Correct?

My issue is as follows:

I have many comps, with text in each.

In each comp, there is the master text layer, with custom and fine-tuned type setting, so that the words and letters clear the boundaries of the background images.

I then have two or three additional text layers, based directly off the first. However, each of these subsequent “clone” text layers have a variety of different effects applied. Things like blurs, color tints, and then some of them are converted to adjustment layers, to affect the video beneath.

So, you see, just copying the master, is only a fraction of the actual work. I still have to go back and re-add all the special effects and settings to all the child text layers.

On top of that is the production reality that the client can and will alter the copy for this piece, as we proceed. All the more reason that I need to be able to adjust the text only once, and have it propagate down to the special custom text layers beneath.

[Doug Nash]

Thanks, Dan.
Just to be clear. I’m trying to get additional text layers to adopt the EXACT look as the “master” one. I wasn’t sure if that was clear in my initial post. Is that how you understood my question?

As for what you’re saying, wouldn’t whatever script I used have to see all those additional parameters to work? Besides just replicating the exact letters, it would have to also match the kerning, line-spacing, tabs, spaces, etc.

So, whether that script acts in real time, as I make the adjustments to the “master”, or instead applied to the “child” text layer after the work is done on the “master” – that expression script would still need to do what I don’t know how to do. Confusing…

[Doug Nash]

[Brian Charles] “There may be an easier way, OSX allows you to customize shortcuts for any application from the keyboard System Preferences.”

Thanks. Now that I know how to find the silly hidden Library directory, I’ll be able to change the settings like before. However, I may also try some tricks with your suggestion of going through the OS, too.

Cheers!

[Doug Nash]

WOW! Thanks for that info. Apple is truly going to the birds with professional support. Why in the world did they hide that directory???

[Doug Nash]

Wow! Thanks so much. That answers everything.

Cheers!

[Doug Nash]

Thanks for the fast reply. I’m already splitting the layers, but with the complexity of the project I’m working on, that’s already getting hairy. That would be a very nice feature for Adobe to consider adding.

I’m so spoiled, working with Cinema 4D all the time, as that program really sets the standard for flexibility.

[Doug Nash]

Did you try hitting “COMMAND shift H”?

[Doug Nash]

Feel free to chime in.

[Doug Nash]

Has no one else found this obvious problem with the program? Some comments?

I’ve tracked it down to the use of the “system color picker”. But not sure why that’s a problem, and what the solution should be. I want to be able to use that color picker as it is superior to the one in the program. I am not holding my breathe on Adobe knocking out a fix, just for that…