after effects error: attempt to iterate a time stream with no key values. ( 29::34 )

[Arthur Perry_FREELANCE]

i am trying to copy a path onto a position of a shape layer like in the tutorial below.

Smooth Text Reveal Effect - After Effects Tutorial - YouTube 9:05

whenever I do this error message to appears

after effects error: attempt to iterate a time stream with no key values. ( 29::34 )

I imported my path from adobe illustrator and turned each one into a shape layer. i am fairly new to after effects. can anybody help me understand this issue?

i am copying this tutorial step by step and can't seem to move past this point. any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Rick Gerard]

When I want to use a vector path as a motion path I always

1. Select the vector path in the timeline
2. Click the stopwatch to set a keyframe for the path
3. Press Ctrl/Cmnd + x to cut that keyframe
4. Select the position property I want to target in the timeline or the Effects Control Panel
5. Click the stopwatch for that position property to set a keyframe
6. Press Ctrl/Cmnd + v to paste the path data saved to the clipboard to the position path

I get a fair amount of criticism for setting a position keyframe because just selecting the path usually works, but this method is foolproof and always gives me a motion path from a vector path.

The motion path will only line up with the vector path if the Layer>Transform Position, Scale and Rotation properties are at the default value. The position must be exactly half the comp width and half the comp height. The Scale must be at 100% for both X and Y, and the rotation of a 2D layer must be at zero. If you have vector path on a 3D layer then the Z rotation must be at zero. Any other values for the layer transform properties will foul up the placement of the path. You also cannot have the Transform effect applied and modified to a vector layer that you want to use as a motion path.

The other thing that will foul up the workflow is an animated vector path. You can copy an animated vector path but when you paste that animated data you will bet a strange and unpredictable motion path that is almost always useless. That is another reason that I set and then cut a keyframe for the vector path that I am copying. If the path is animated, as long as the CTI is not resting on the current keyframe, if I set a new keyframe then cut it I will get a motion path that exactly matches the shape of the path at the current time.

If these suggestions do not work, and AE is up to date, and you have met the minimum system requirements, then there is probably some other workflow error. We need complete workflow details and a screenshot of your project with the modified properties of the layers you are working with revealed. Select the layers, press uu then PrintScreen and paste to the forum. Maybe we can figure out the problem together.

[defaultt1xdiqaoqrxn]

I'm having the exact same problem... the solution offered by Rick G doesn't work for me. I thought it might be the asset I'm trying to paste the path to, which has a time remap applied. So I dropped that clip into another comp but the problem persists. I get the problem whatever I so. Even if I try to paste to another shape layer. Is this a known problem in AE 2024?

Did you find a solution?