Shape layer manipulation adding points and deleting

Question

Hi Forum.

I'm adding an ellipse shape, and adding some points to the shape. But when I delete the points on the shape, rather than the shape splitting like it would in Illustrator its resulting in making a line across the shape still connecting the ellipse. I'm trying to achieve result A but I am getting result B as shown in this example.

Thank you.

Rick Gerard · Accepted Answer

If you want to open a bezier path on a shape layer or as a mask select the path in the layer first. This will let you use the selection tool (v) to select individual points, bezier handles, or draw a marquis around a group of points. Select the point you want to delete, then select the two points that are between the path you want to open, go the Layer/Mask and Shape Path/ menu and click on Open to break the connection. Using trim paths can put a break in the stroke, but it does not change the path.

One more note: If you are animating paths is is almost always a bad idea to reduce the number of points on a path. If you need to do that then set your first keyframe with the fewest number of points, then add them so you are working backward.

RP_Schmidt · Answer

Really late to this, but here is the real answer.

You have Illustrator.

Create the circle with the cuts where you want them in Illustrator. The size, thickness of line, etc. is irrelevant.

All that matters is that you separate your circle where you want it.

Save the AI file.

Import into AE.

Drop into your timeline.

Select the layer, go to Layers in the top menu, select Create and create shapes from vector.

You have the exact half circle shape you wanted as a shape, no rigamarole, no screwing around with masks, blah blah.

If you are creating multiple shapes to import, make sure you place them all on separate layers in your AI file and name the layers.

That way, you can import them separately.

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