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dissidently
dissidently
Inspiring
August 23, 2013
Question

convert rectangle to editable Path?

  • August 23, 2013
  • 3 replies
  • 35874 views

How do I create a rectangle of my desired size/shape and position as a Shape Layer then convert it to an editable Path?

    3 replies

    Warren Heaton
    Community Expert
    Warren HeatonCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 23, 2024

    Does right-clicking Rectangle Path 1 and choosing Convert to Bezier Path work for what you are trying to do? 

      R
      Ronnie28851259apnf
      Participant
      January 27, 2025

      Thank you, man!

      richardw46112898
      richardw46112898
      Participant
      August 31, 2018

      Use the add anchor point tool to add an anchor.
      Do whatever you need to with the shape, then delete the extra anchor

      Roland Kahlenberg
      Roland Kahlenberg
      Legend
      August 31, 2018

      You must be a very busy time traveller. ;-)

      The post previous to yours was five years ago. lol

      For now, with CC 2018, AE has an installed script called Create Nulls from Paths. This script will appoint a Null Object/Layer to each vertex/point on a Shape Path.

      Additionally, you can convert a parametric Shape Path; such as a Rectangle Path, into a Bezier Path by context (right-click) clicking on the Rectangle Path label to bring up a contextual menu from which to convert said Parametric Path to a Bezier Path.

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        Mylenium
        Mylenium
        Legend
        August 23, 2013

        You don't. There is no such feature.

        Mylenium

        dissidently
        dissidentlyAuthor
        Inspiring
        August 23, 2013

        What about a work around, for pixel perfect creation, placement and then subsequent editing?

          R
          Community Expert
          Rick GerardCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          August 23, 2013

          Holding down the Alt/Option key while dragging out a shape rectangle gives you an editable path instead of a mathematically defined path. This works with the Rectangle, rounded rectangle, ellipse, polygon and star tool.

          If your shape is already created then you can select the shape layer and use auto-trace.

          To perfectly place vertices on whole pixel values set the composition window to 100% scale, design in illustrator with snap to pixel turned on, or work in  Photoshop.

          Pixel perfect is only a viable or necessary option in video production if the graphic you are creating does not move or comes to rest. Single pixel width lines and single pixel height lines cause all kinds of problems when you introduce movement so this brings up the question "what are you trying to achieve?"

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