Skip to main content
J
joem29802641
Participating Frequently
January 30, 2023
Answered

Creating shapes from effect in Appearance Panel

  • January 30, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 550 views
Hi there 🙂
I have some text as shown in the picture below. I've put a '3d effect' on it using the Transform, Copies tool in the appearance tab.
I need to be able to convert this to a shape to get it into after effects. I'm struggling to figure how to do this. The type will convert no problems, but it leaves behind the transform effect in the appearance tab.
Unfortuntely I'm working into someone elses AE project so I need it prepared in this particular way.
Any one know a way?
Appreciate any help.

 

 

 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Rene Andritsch

The difficulty with this approach is that you get 50 copies of your “shadow”, which will be 50 layers. But if you need to do it this way you can “Expand Appearance” of your word (in the Object Menu), then ungroup everything (CMD+SHIFT+G several times so all groups are ungrouped). Only select the red letters and “Cut” (CMD/CTRL X) them. Select all the blue shapes and use the Pathfinder to unite them. Then paste the red type from the clipboard in front (CMD/CTRL + F). Now you have two shape that you can handle more easily. 

But because of the transform effect your shadow edges will be quite jagged. Something to be aware of if you have to scale it up a lot.

 

1 reply

Rene Andritsch
Community Expert
Rene AndritschCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
January 30, 2023

The difficulty with this approach is that you get 50 copies of your “shadow”, which will be 50 layers. But if you need to do it this way you can “Expand Appearance” of your word (in the Object Menu), then ungroup everything (CMD+SHIFT+G several times so all groups are ungrouped). Only select the red letters and “Cut” (CMD/CTRL X) them. Select all the blue shapes and use the Pathfinder to unite them. Then paste the red type from the clipboard in front (CMD/CTRL + F). Now you have two shape that you can handle more easily. 

But because of the transform effect your shadow edges will be quite jagged. Something to be aware of if you have to scale it up a lot.

 

J
joem29802641Author
Participating Frequently
January 30, 2023

Hi Rene,

That's defintely the outcome I'm looking for. Thank you so much for that.

It well end up having a stroke put on it in After Effects, so hopefully that will help hide any imperfections in the edges. Other wise I might have to create more that 50 copies in my initial Appearance setup.

Either way I can now move forward.

Appreciate the help.

Rene Andritsch
Community Expert
Rene AndritschCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 30, 2023

If that is what you were looking for, please mark the answer as correct. Thanks!

Another thing to bear in mind is, that the edges are not only jagged but if you opt for converting your files into Shape Layers in After Effects this will create a lot of anchor points, too.

Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices