Create nulls from path - can't edit the path

[mårten-sthlm]

(AE v24.6.4)

Hi. I'm trying to see if I can use nulls created from a shape path (illustrator design) in my work flow. It seems after using the script and getting nulls for all the points in the path I can no longer go back to edit the path itself. Am I doing something wrong here? Is there a workaround?

I'm making a noodle type arm for a character and I just want to have a controller/null for the endpoint/wrist of the path so that I can parent it to the hand shape. As it is right now the entire shape of the path gets locked as soon as I use the null-script. Moving the null works, rotating the null have no effect. I kinda want to be able to set keyframes for the null motion (of the hand and the end of the path) and then keyframe an edited version of the path to get the correct curvature of the path. Using pentool after running the scrip just wants to create a whole new shape...there are no point handles to move around to change the path anymore.

Am I stuck or is there a way out....or any other ways I can do the same thing without getting plug-ins? 

I tried to rig a skeleton in Duik but it doesn't seem to work unless I use puppet pins on the path (trying to stay away from puppet pins since I want the vector info intact).

If you know a sollution to this, or know any good tutorials about this please let me know.

thanks.

/Marten

[Rene Andritsch · Accepted solution]

Have you tried working with DUIK pins? They are actually Shape Layer controllers for anchor points of paths. So your vector stays intact.

Once you have those pins in place you can rotate them and access the tangents of the path to make it loook the way you want.

[mårten-sthlm · Accepted solution]

Thank you. I actually didn't know they keep vector information so I haven't bothered with them so far. I'll definitely give it a try.

I also found a great script from this guy: https://youtu.be/DHLiE5xh13s?list=FLj7yZu2p0MGu2yQTkinFnyw

that give you some more control of the nulls from path function.

/m