After Effects 3
Matttuc
Keyframes & Interpolation Interpolation To interpolate means, is to insert between fixed points. Looking at position key frames - Enable key-framing for the position property - Set up 3 key frames Interested in looking at the path between those key frames (value for a particular property at a particular time) The interpolation method that After Effects has applied is bezier curves, same as working in illustrator we have the option to change the path between these key points. Called vertices not anchor points. First thing to change the type of interpolation, the pen tool - Standard pen tool - Add vertices - Delete vertices - Convert vertex tool Can use this to change the path between these position key frames, Vertex tool - changes the spacial interpolation
Original
Delete vertices
Convert Vertex
Add vertex
Hold Keyframe Temporal interpolation how property changes over time Spacial interpolation Effects the shape of the path in the composition window Can right click to shortcut to Keyframe interpolation Alt + Cmd + K Hold key frame Select all key frames - Right click one of the key frames - Toggle hold key frame, makes the key frame a half diamond, no in-between frames created, the position remains fixed until another key frame is reached. Position is held until we reach another key frame, neither Linear or Bezier.
Roving Hold Keyframe Roving - To move The default option for any key frame is that its locked in position in the moment in time that its created. E.g. Key frame at one second will stay there unless you physically changes its position. Can change the key frames to rove across time, will not fix them at a moment in time, but will position them relative to the first and last key frame. Gives you a constant speed between each one of those key frames, makes it much smoother.
Create a shape on illustrator then you can paste into After Effects into the position (under transform) and the block will use this as its path, will be at a consistent speed around the shape. If you want it to move in the opposite direction (clockwise / Anti clockwise) - can use the Animation > Key Frame Assistant > Time Reverse Key Frames In transform options there is an option for Auto Orient - orientation of the layer relative to path, by default its off so the layer always remains in the same horizontal / vertical location. You can change it to make it relative to the path Alt + Cmd + O - Auto Orient
Can use the ‘make comp size’ to get a solid block Can use the ‘make comp size’ to get a solid block of colour the same size as the document. With the layer selected create a circle over the top, this will give you a mask. Because they were made using illustrator they have the same properties, they do not become pixelated. Can edit the shape using handles or using the bounded box. This can be changed for different key frames, so you can start to animate shapes and really get a sense of movement.