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thepixelsmith
thepixelsmithCorrect answer
Community Expert
November 2, 2023

Evan Abrams has a tutorial on this technique. 

Diverging Paths

https://youtu.be/v7XWyc_zsWA?si=ETvH4-Usdqg_yMsX

 

As he did, I would use shape layers as the lines and use the Trim Path effect to reveal them.

Then I would use the Create Nulls from Paths panel command Trace Paths to create a null that follow the lines and attach the circle to follow the null.

Jerron Smith | www.thepixelsmith.com
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thepixelsmith
Community Expert
thepixelsmithCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
November 2, 2023

Evan Abrams has a tutorial on this technique. 

Diverging Paths

https://youtu.be/v7XWyc_zsWA?si=ETvH4-Usdqg_yMsX

 

As he did, I would use shape layers as the lines and use the Trim Path effect to reveal them.

Then I would use the Create Nulls from Paths panel command Trace Paths to create a null that follow the lines and attach the circle to follow the null.

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Jerron Smith | www.thepixelsmith.com
    J WoodsAuthor
    Known Participant
    November 2, 2023

    Thanks, this looks like it.

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    Mylenium
    Mylenium
    Legend
    November 2, 2023

    Create the paths as shape layers or masks, copy & paste them to the position properties of the dots. Apply Trim Paths operators or a Stroke effect to the paths, animate the completion. Tweak the timing of everything. Pre-compose, move the layer around as a whole in the parent comp to create the illusion of motion.

     

    Mylenium

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      J WoodsAuthor
      Known Participant
      November 2, 2023

      Thank you, I can have a crack at this and reply back.

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      Mylenium
      Mylenium
      Legend
      November 2, 2023

      Simple mask paths or shape layer paths will suffice. There is no genuine motion anywhere. It's all just wavy paths being pushed around and being revealed, a.k.a. a classic stroke reveal, just with a creative twist.

       

      Mylenium

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        J WoodsAuthor
        Known Participant
        November 2, 2023

        Thanks— it indeed does look simple, but oddly after hours my efforts haven't quite cut it, so far anyway.  Could you point me to a URL/tut anywhere that has a little detail on the technique?

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        Community Expert
        Rick GerardCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        November 2, 2023

        If you have the budget, Trapcode 3D Stroke would be my tool of choice. 

         

        You could also animate a shape layer path. You won't be able to wrap one path around another like you can with Trapcode 3D Stroke, but you can get close. 

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          J WoodsAuthor
          Known Participant
          November 2, 2023

          Thanks, I might have to have a crack at it in Blender/C4D instead. I've spent an age trying to get it with shape layers, not there yet though.

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