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GhostheArtist
Participant
November 3, 2021
Question

Autotrace mask not converting to compatible shape layer. Been searching for solutions for days.

  • November 3, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 1065 views

Hi I'm new to after effects so bare with me. I've been searching for a solution for days. No solid effecient answer. I copy and pasted the auto traced mask path keyframes to the Shape layer paths to create a 3d layer out of my ai file but my shape layer paths can't seem to properly fill. I either get a blank layer with paths or one filled letter out of 4. Tried the fill effect but the effect disappears as soon as I turn it into a 3d layer leaving nothing but paths on the screen. Missed the Halloween release window for my artwork. Help very much needed.

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2 replies

Warren Heaton
Community Expert
Warren HeatonCommunity Expert
Community Expert
November 3, 2021

Is your goal to turn the Illustrator paths into After Effects Shape Layers that can then be extruded?

 

Try selecting the AI file in the Composition and then choose Layer > Create > Create Shapes from Vector Layer.

 

This may also be helpful:

 

    G
    GhostheArtistAuthor
    Participant
    November 4, 2021

    Tried. option is blocked out

     

    Warren Heaton
    Community Expert
    Warren HeatonCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 4, 2021

    Your  screenshot shows that the selected layer is a nested Composition.  

     

    The selected layer needs to be vector source footage, like an Adobe Illustrator document with outlines (text objects need to be outlines, Appearances need to be expanded, etc.).  It could also be an EPS file.

     

     

      Jqke
      Jqke
      Legend
      November 3, 2021

      try this: https://community.adobe.com/t5/after-effects-discussions/convert-mask-path-to-shape-path/td-p/1690236

       

      i know it's old but it should work

       

      ~Jake
        G
        GhostheArtistAuthor
        Participant
        November 4, 2021

        Seen this thread yesterday. Did the instructions. Same results. The autotrace came up to 12 masks. I copy and pasted multiple mask path keyframes, all of them at once, into one Shape layer path keyframe. All masks are visible in the Shape layer. But can't fill correctly. Tell me what I'm doing wrong.

         

         

        Warren Heaton
        Community Expert
        Warren HeatonCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        November 4, 2021

        It's a little hard to tell from your 2nd screen shot, but it looks like you need to drag Fill 1 below Path 2, Path 3, and Path 4 in the Contents tack.

         

        Here's a before and after example:

         

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