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devinv49834874
Known Participant
October 13, 2018
Question

Connect dots in a curved way

  • October 13, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 3458 views

Hey,

I want to visualise a fictional node based software. For this i need to be able to make some kind of connection between two points.

I don't want the connection to be linear, but curved (like in the link) and i want it to update automatically when you move one or two points.

Connections - YouTube

Is this possible in After Effects?

Thanks in advance.

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    3 replies

    D
    devinv49834874Author
    Known Participant
    October 14, 2018

    Wow thanks you all! This is very helpful.

    R
    Community Expert
    Rick GerardCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 14, 2018

    The modification of the script I shared will break if there are more than two points i the path. Someday I’ll fix it so it works with multiple points.

    Mike_Abbott
    Mike_Abbott
    Legend
    October 13, 2018

    Broadly speaking:

    Create a 'stroke only' shape layer with four points using the pen tool - with RotoBezier mode on.

    Window menu > Create Nulls from paths.jsx

    Seelct the path in the shape layer - note: the path itself, not the path group.

    Click the 'Points follow Nulls' button in the above dialog.

    This will give you four nulls you can now animate. The path points will follow those nulls.

    The Rotobezier mode will give you a more natural 'automatic' curvature to the path.

      D
      devinv49834874Author
      Known Participant
      October 13, 2018

      Cool! Is this the "newest functionality of AE2018 of accessing vertex (and tangent) data" the first comment on this post is talking about? CreativeCOW

      Like this feature.

      Thanks!

      Mike_Abbott
      Mike_Abbott
      Legend
      October 13, 2018

      Yes - the feature I referenced above is based on expressions which were new functionality in 2018.

      Using the rotoBezier method I suggested removes the need to control bezier tangents - the curvature is calculated automatically. So, less control, but less work.

      If you want to use Bezier handles for more control - perhaps have a look at:

      https://nomagnolia.tv/ae-link-path-points-tangents-nulls/

      and

      Hooker - aescripts + aeplugins - aescripts.com

      Mylenium
      Mylenium
      Legend
      October 13, 2018

      Sure it's possible, but if you really want to make it like in Houdini, then this will be complicated. Houdini doesn't use simple Bezier noodles like most node-graphs do. Otherwise feel free to have fun e.g. with the legacy Path text effect or by making good use of mask and shape layer paths connected to Null objects with expressions. You might also consider using a commercial plug-in called Plexus.

      Mylenium

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