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Giulia33565346l0q3
Participant
June 2, 2025
Answered

3D camera following a stroke?

  • June 2, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 277 views

Hi there, I have a 3D camera that's moving forward and it has a rollercoaster-like movement, it goes up, down and rotates and does all sort of things. I'm trying to visualize its motion path, kind of like the camera following a trail, and this trail needs to bend anticipating the camera motion.

 

I've tried with a regular shape layer stroke with the script "nulls from paths" and Trapcode 3D stroke but I can't seem to make them work. I think the easiest way to explain it is that I'd like to make visible the position path of the camera. 

Thanks in advance.

Correct answer Kevin J. Monahan Jr.

Hi,

Thanks for the post. Welcome to the forum. I can see what you're trying to do, but I've not tried it yet.

I have heard that you can download and install the Path Visualizer script from https://adobe.ly/3FyWM4w (search for “Path Visualizer”). Once installed, restart After Effects. Generate a path in the custom panel. Let me know if that helps you get your path looking right.

 

I read that this expression might help when added to a null in anticipating a camera's movement:

thisComp.layer("Camera 1").transform.position.valueAtTime(time + 0.5)
 
I hope the advice works for you, or gets you pointed in the right direction. Otherwise, I hope a team member or user will assist you here shortly.
 
Thanks,
Kevin
 
 

2 replies

ShiveringCactus
Community Expert
ShiveringCactusCommunity Expert
Community Expert
June 3, 2025

I know Kevin has answered your question directly, but just in case this helps, I made a tutorial a few years back for flying down a wormhole and wanted similar camera movement:

https://youtu.be/0oz62W7LuK8

    G
    Giulia33565346l0q3Author
    Participant
    June 9, 2025

    Thank you, I ended up using Kevin's expression but I'll definitely keep this tutorial in mind for similar situations!

    Kevin J. Monahan Jr.
    Community Manager
    Kevin J. Monahan Jr.Community ManagerCorrect answer
    Community Manager
    June 2, 2025

    Hi,

    Thanks for the post. Welcome to the forum. I can see what you're trying to do, but I've not tried it yet.

    I have heard that you can download and install the Path Visualizer script from https://adobe.ly/3FyWM4w (search for “Path Visualizer”). Once installed, restart After Effects. Generate a path in the custom panel. Let me know if that helps you get your path looking right.

     

    I read that this expression might help when added to a null in anticipating a camera's movement:

    thisComp.layer("Camera 1").transform.position.valueAtTime(time + 0.5)
     
    I hope the advice works for you, or gets you pointed in the right direction. Otherwise, I hope a team member or user will assist you here shortly.
     
    Thanks,
    Kevin
     
     

    Kevin Monahan - Sr. Community and Engagement Strategist – Adobe Pro Video and Audio
      G
      Giulia33565346l0q3Author
      Participant
      June 9, 2025

      Thanks a lot! I hadn't thought of the expression and it really helped, I managed to get pretty close to what I wanted with a null and a particular. I'll keep on perfecting it but I think that's the way to go!

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