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Creating a zigzag wave rotating on an oval shape?

Forum|Forum|5 months ago
August 9, 2025
3 replies
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Hi, I am trying to find a solution to create something like the example below.

I need to create this affect in adobe animate, is it possible? Notice the left and right edges rotate and stay on path. I was initially thinking each little raised zig zag part would need to be a layer and have to create a seperate motion for each one. It would be too time consuming and difficult to get right when duplicating it.

Then I found the example - which is a snake movement example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLcD4Me1QeI?

What is the best and easiest way to create this where the zigzag parts look correctly following a path?

Correct answer JoãoCésar17023019

Hi.

This is how I would approach it:

- Create a perfect round blob with spikes using the Polygon tool;
- Wrap this raw vector shape in a Graphic symbol container;

- Animate this newly created Graphic symbol rotating in a perfect loop;

- Wrap this whole timeline animation in another Graphic symbol;

- Squeeze this second container by reducing the scale on the Y axis;

- Add the same amount of frames used for the rotation animation to the timeline containing the second symbol;

- Play it.

Here is a sample:

https://bit.ly/477I28b

Just please note that I used perfect triangles but you can draw them rounded/smooth as required.

My idead here is just to demonstrate the principle.

Regards,

JC

Vladin M. Mitov

Inspiring

Hello!

Here’s a tutorial on the topic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htIjuBFM-EQ

Although the example uses a “chain,” the principle is the same.

- Vlad: UX and graphic design, Flash user since 1998Member of Flanimate Power Tools team - extensions for character animation

P

Paz4392Author

Participant

Thtats useful too thanks.

JoãoCésar17023019

Correct answer

Community Expert

Hi.

This is how I would approach it:

- Create a perfect round blob with spikes using the Polygon tool;
- Wrap this raw vector shape in a Graphic symbol container;

- Animate this newly created Graphic symbol rotating in a perfect loop;

- Wrap this whole timeline animation in another Graphic symbol;

- Squeeze this second container by reducing the scale on the Y axis;

- Add the same amount of frames used for the rotation animation to the timeline containing the second symbol;

- Play it.

Here is a sample:

https://bit.ly/477I28b

Just please note that I used perfect triangles but you can draw them rounded/smooth as required.

My idead here is just to demonstrate the principle.

Regards,

JC

P

Paz4392Author

Participant

Thanks for the sample files. I think your solution does the job. I created the shape in illustrator first then imported it. When i squash it down to an oval shape, it is still a slight difference in shape but looks close enough but at least works how I wanted it to. Thanks!