Trouble Creating Shape Layer from Vectors

Question

Hi there,I'm just learning after effects and this is probably a very simple thing but I'm trying to import an illustrator .ai file into after effects, convert it to a shape so that I can then use the repeater to create many copies of it. This is the image:When I then 'Create Shapes from Vector Layers' and click on the shape layer this is what I'm getting:There is only one layer in the original illustrator file as I don't need to do anything with individual layers. I don't understand why the outline of the original illustrator artboard is showing up also and am wondering if the burger is hidden behind that? There seem to be many more groups in the shape layer than there were in the original illustrator file also. Any help would be much appreciated, thanks,Frank

Roei Tzoref · Accepted Answer

not all features are preserved when converting to shapes. look here:

from the help files:

Create and customize shapes and masks in After Effects

if all you want to do is repeat a layer, there are other ways but the repeater to achieve that and converting to shape, especially for a complex artwork with many vectors, may prove to be inefficient.

here are some effect that can repeat:
Motion Tile
CC Repetile
Tiler

and there is this tool which is name your own price tool:
Layer Repeater - aescripts + aeplugins - aescripts.com

Rick Gerard · Answer

Unless you are using shape layer animators, animating the vector path, or extruding the layer, there is no advantage at all in converting a vector layer to a shape layer. If the vector shapes are complex, you will actually increase render time.

If you must have full access to complex vector layers (Illustrator files with gradients, brushes, effects, and some other things), open Adobe XD, start a new document using the File New, then use the File/Import menu to Import a PDF compatible Illustrator file, then immediately use the File/Export/Export to After Effects. After Effects opens, you will have comp containing shape layers instead of Illustrator layers.

If your file is really complex, you could end up with hundreds of layers and dozens of nested comps, but the layers will all be shape layers, and most of the common Illustrator features will be preserved.

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