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Matthew D Bayfield
Matthew D Bayfield
Participating Frequently
April 1, 2020
Question

Emulating The Photoshop Offset Tool In After Effects

  • April 1, 2020
  • 1 reply
  • 915 views

Easy all. Been experimenting today with trying to make a looping background out of a 3D render out of C4D and I'm trying to figure out a way to emulate the Photoshop offset tool in After Effects.

I was going to use a Motion Tile to mirror the edges of my animation, but it only seems to mirror the edge of the frame. I'm sure there's a tool hidden somewhere in AE that works the same as the offset tool from Photoshop, but can't find it / now questioning if I made it up.

Essentially I want to extend the edges of my animation horizontally same as the PS Offset below. The current output from the Motion Tile can be seen on the right. Any help warmly received!

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1 reply

R
Community Expert
Rick GerardCommunity Expert
Community Expert
April 1, 2020

I am not sure how you are using Offset in Photoshop. By default offset just moves a layer around. If there is transparency then you get holes in the image because offset, by default, moves the whole layer around. 

 

Motion Tile repeats the layer and it is based entirely on layer size. If you add a solid that is smaller than the comp, create a mask around the outside edge, then add motion tile you get a bunch of copies of the layer without overlap.

It would really help to see your timeline and have a better explanation of what you are trying to do.

    Matthew D Bayfield
    Matthew D BayfieldAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    April 2, 2020

    Hi Rick, thanks for the response.

    So I actually solved this one after a bit more messing about:

    In Photoshop, on the Offset settings, you can use "repeat edge pixels" and it extends the pixels at the edge of your image see fig 01)

    I seemed to recall Motion Tile in AE having the same function but couldn't find it. Turns out the function I was looking for was in the CC RepeTile effect. You just need to change the Tiling Mode to "Slide" and then expand the necessary edges of the original image.

    Leaving these here to help anyone else out who may have the same / similar problems.

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