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ChaseCrom
New Participant
October 29, 2019
Question

Center Several Objects Together

  • October 29, 2019
  • 3 replies
  • 8314 views

I have two separate text objects, one with an animation. How do I center *both* of them *together* so that the center of the composition is in the middle of the selection, not just one or the other of them? If I select them both and click center align, they both move to the center of the composition. I just want to move them both as one group, but apparently you can't group in AE. A pre-comp doesn't help at all because it keeps them grouped and spaced like they already are.

 
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3 replies

Roland Kahlenberg
Roland Kahlenberg
Braniac
October 30, 2019

If you position the two layers as how you want them, relative to each other and you then place the Null Object at their center and you then proceed as recommended, I can't see how you're not able center them. I suggest you think through the issue and the recommended solution and see how best to work your way towards your intended result.

Very Advanced After Effects Training | Adaptive & Responsive Toolkits | Intelligent Design Assets (IDAs) | MoGraph Design System DEV
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ChaseCromAuthor
New Participant
October 30, 2019

Okay so how would I go about getting the two objects centered in the Null layer? I have zero experience with AE so I'm still trying to get the basics down. I worked through most of the built in tutorials.

Roland Kahlenberg
Roland Kahlenberg
Braniac
November 1, 2019

Apologies for the late reply. Have you managed to solve your issue?
If you haven't, it will be good if you provided screen shots of a BEFORE and AFTER, with the AFTER showing what your Composition Panel looks like. FWIW, all you really need to do is to align the two layers in terms of how you want them to be positioned, relative to each other. Then use Parenting and the Null to center them and if required, nudge the Null such that the other two layers are exactly where you want them. You may want to use Rulers and Guides to help you place your layers with precise measurements.

Very Advanced After Effects Training | Adaptive & Responsive Toolkits | Intelligent Design Assets (IDAs) | MoGraph Design System DEV
    Roland Kahlenberg
    Roland Kahlenberg
    Braniac
    October 30, 2019

    Place a Null Layer where you want the center for both layers to be. Then parent the other two layers to the Null Layer. Then use the Layer>Transform>Center in View menu command to center the Null Layer - the other two layers will now be centered, as per your requirements.

    Very Advanced After Effects Training | Adaptive & Responsive Toolkits | Intelligent Design Assets (IDAs) | MoGraph Design System DEV
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      ChaseCromAuthor
      New Participant
      October 30, 2019

      They still don't seem to be centering at all. Adding a null layer and parenting had no impact on them when I centered the null object through Layer -> transform -> center.

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      ChaseCromAuthor
      New Participant
      October 29, 2019

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