Autotrace mask not converting to compatible shape layer. Been searching for solutions for days.

[GhostheArtist]

Hi I'm new to after effects so bare with me. I've been searching for a solution for days. No solid effecient answer. I copy and pasted the auto traced mask path keyframes to the Shape layer paths to create a 3d layer out of my ai file but my shape layer paths can't seem to properly fill. I either get a blank layer with paths or one filled letter out of 4. Tried the fill effect but the effect disappears as soon as I turn it into a 3d layer leaving nothing but paths on the screen. Missed the Halloween release window for my artwork. Help very much needed.

[Jqke]

try this: https://community.adobe.com/t5/after-effects-discussions/convert-mask-path-to-shape-path/td-p/169023...

i know it's old but it should work

[GhostheArtist]

Seen this thread yesterday. Did the instructions. Same results. The autotrace came up to 12 masks. I copy and pasted multiple mask path keyframes, all of them at once, into one Shape layer path keyframe. All masks are visible in the Shape layer. But can't fill correctly. Tell me what I'm doing wrong.

 

 

[Warren Heaton]

It's a little hard to tell from your 2nd screen shot, but it looks like you need to drag Fill 1 below Path 2, Path 3, and Path 4 in the Contents tack.

Here's a before and after example:

Fill 1 below Path 1, but above Path 2, Path 3 and Path 4.

Fill 1 below Path 1, Path 2, Path 3 and Path 4.

[Warren Heaton]

Is your goal to turn the Illustrator paths into After Effects Shape Layers that can then be extruded?

Try selecting the AI file in the Composition and then choose Layer > Create > Create Shapes from Vector Layer.

This may also be helpful:

• Working with 3D
  https://helpx.adobe.com/after-effects/how-to/work-in-3d.html

[GhostheArtist]

Tried. option is blocked out

 

[Warren Heaton]

Your  screenshot shows that the selected layer is a nested Composition.  

The selected layer needs to be vector source footage, like an Adobe Illustrator document with outlines (text objects need to be outlines, Appearances need to be expanded, etc.).  It could also be an EPS file.