[Pdebster]

Thanks Dan, I thought that to be the case, so I think I’ll just make presets out of the original ‘Shift Channels’ effect

Pdebster

[Pdebster]

I think i got it:

center = thisComp.layer(“tracks”).effect(“center_track_avg”)(“Point”);
corner = thisComp.layer(“tracks”).motionTracker(“Tracker 3”)(“UL_forward.ascii”).attachPoint;
s = effect(“ULMult”)(“Slider”)/effect(“ULNormalize”)(“Slider”);
v = normalize(center – corner);
o = effect(“Angle Control”)(“Angle”);
corner + (v+o)*(1/s)

thanks to all, pdebster

[Pdebster]

Thanks again Dan, works perfectly – I’ve never seen ‘normalize’ – what a great tool to have!

[Pdebster]

Through the magic of Dan’s expression and nab’s Create Custom Effect script, I created an .ffx for creating a crenelated or ‘scalloped’ spiral effect through the write-on effect. Who knows if it’s useful in and of itself, but it goes to show the power under the AE’s hood (and of online collaboration).

I’ve posted an image here:
https://members.shaw.ca/pdebay/cren.jpg

anyone can email me pdebay@shaw.ca if they want creation/install instructions (you’ll have to tinker with the PresetEffects.xml file at your own risk)

thanks again, Dan and nab,
Pdebster

[Pdebster]

Dan,

That works beautifully – it is a true pleasure for all of us to have access to your abilities and your generosity.

I will now attempt to figure out your handiwork,
regards, Pdebster

[Pdebster]

Hi Dan,
I’m sure the renowned Mr. Ebberts has a more elegant solution, but this has worked for me in the past when ‘extruding’ in Z:

1. make a solid that acts as your base layer
2. add a ‘child’ layer directly above the base layer that you wish to offset in z
3. to the position property of the child, add:
offset = 10; //you may want to drive this with a slider
p = thisComp.layer(“base”);
offsetInterval = Math.abs(index – thisComp.layer(“base”).index);
[p.position[0], p.position[1], p.position[2] + (offset*offsetInterval)];

then duplicate your child to your heart’s content.

hope that is what you were looking for (or in the ballpark),
pdebster

[Pdebster]

Splanker,

gibe this a try:
https://www.motionscript.com/design-guide/invisible-facing-away.html