Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects, 5th Edition

32 Shape Layers

These new vectorbased layers open a multitude of graphic possibilities

Shape layers are one of the most versatile graphic creation tools inside After Effects. Shapes may be created using simple primitives, the Pen tool, or copied from masks as well as other programs. They can be cleanly scaled to any size, as well as filled and stroked with solid, semi-transparent, or gradient colors. A single layer can contain multiple individual shapes which can be grouped, merged, and intersected in a number of ways. They can be modified using a large selection of shape effects, including the Repeater which quickly creates grids and constellations of shapes. And of course, shapes – including most of their parameters – may be animated; some ...