Fix the starting point in a closed shape while using trim path or tapering

[gauravpanti]

I am working on a project that involves moving the points of a closed path. The stroke is tapered.

But when I am moving some points aroud, suddenly the starting point of the tapering changes.

Please see the screen recording that I have shared.

Is there any work around this problem or is this a bug/function?

[Rick Gerard]

If you reveal and select the path in the timeline and have the selection tool (v) active, as you get close to a vertex the cursor will change to a white arrow. You can then draw a selection around the selected vertex and go to the File/Mask and Shape Path/Set First Vertex and change the first vertex.

That should fix your problem. 

You can also change the direction of the path by changing the direction options in the timeline:

Hopefully, that will solve your problem.

[gauravpanti]

Thanks Rick for such a detailed answer.

I did what you suggested, but the problem persisted.

But this time I was able to narrow it down. The merged path is causing this problem, even when the paths aren't intersecting.

As soon as I move the points around a little bit, the starting point changes (see the image below):

You can clearly see that the paths above aren't even intersecting. However, when I am using a simple path (without MERGE PATH operator), the issue isn't replicating.

Do you think it is an issue with After Effects, or am I doing something wrong here?

[cpailha1]

Hi. This will not help OP in the past, but to anyone else with the same problem, you can adjust the offset in the trim operator. If you have multiple paths (like in a text), add a trim path below the merge path of the affected characters and you will be able to offset the starting point for the trim.

[tate_1038]

To fix this, you need to manually set the starting point. First, reveal and select the path in the timeline, then activate the Selection Tool (V). Hover near the vertex you want as the starting point until the cursor changes to a white arrow, then click to select that vertex. Next, right-click on the selected vertex and go to Mask and Shape Path > Set First Vertex.

This ensures that Trim Paths or Tapering operations begin from your chosen point. However, certain operations like Merge Paths can sometimes alter the starting point, even if paths don’t intersect. If the issue persists after setting the first vertex, try simplifying the path structure or adjusting the order of path operations within the shape layer.