How can I create these shapes in AE

Report · Jul 03, 2022

So I am trying to use the Difference mode to show a new color as these strokes overlap. So far, as strokes, the result works fine.

Although, in addition, I would like to add the "choke" effect to have these forms partially fuse together as they overlap. so I believe for that effect to work, these forms need to be shapes, as opposed to strokes/paths.

Since I couldn't find if AE has a "create shapes from outlines" function, I tried to import SVGs, but AE doesn't seem to support this file type, as it is greyed out. Then, I imported the shapes as an .ai file, but when I "created shape from vector layer" the shape is no longer hollow and the center is expanded. I’m pretty stumped, even though this seems like it would be a simple solution. I would love any help. Thank you.

[difference mode working great, but the forms are only strokes]

[shapes look perfect, below, in AI]

[Below: After trying to "create a vector from file" for the first shape, the center is "expanded"]

Report · Jul 03, 2022

Since I couldn't find if AE has a "create shapes from outlines" function,

Of course AE has such a function and it's in the Layer menu! You need to adapt your thinking and not just assume AE would work like AI. The rest doesn't matter. Any effect applied to a shape layer will enforce rasterization and the effect thus exclusively operates on the pixels. It doesn't matter whether you use strokes fills or combinations of both nor would it in fact be required to convert the AI artwork to shapes if you don't do any animation. Blending modes could be an issue, but that could just as easily be resolved by organizing the shape groups and layers and pre-composing (parts of) you artwork if necessary. Similarly, continuous rasterization could cause odd effects that may need to be resolved by pre-comping. Anyway, and no offense, perhaps it would be a good idea to read the online help instead of flyng blind...

After Effects User Guide

Mylenium

Report · Jul 03, 2022

I appreciate your help, but I have yet to find a way to make these strokes into shapes so that I can get the desired effect with the Simple Choke effect (since it only works with shapes). I have looked extensively in the Layers menu, and have went to the AE User Guide, and have yet to find anything about a solution.

Report · Jul 03, 2022

So now that I have the right shapes and animation right, no mattre if I precompose or not before adding an adjustment layer with the Simple Choke, nothing happens, sadly. Any advice?

Report · Jul 03, 2022

Basically, outside of the animation itself, I have two visual goals: have these shapes change color when they intersect and, secondly, use the Simple Choke effect to have the shapes partially fuse as they intersect.

The first goal was achievable by having the background and the three shapes be the same color (white here) and then setting the shape layer modes to "Difference." Although now to change the BG color to something else, I have an Adjustment Layer with Tint to taking the BG and changing to Cyan.

The problem is now the "fusing" effect by using the Simple Choke matte. Here's a simple tutorial of a similar idea here.

No matter if I precompose this or not, the Simple Choke won't work on the shapes themselves, but I notice it doing it to the white fill, but not the shapes. I need the fill as white to get "difference" effect. I know this is can be fixable by a different process or organization, but I am so confused, so any help is very welcome.

Report · Jul 03, 2022

If anyone has this issue with their shape in AE, twirl down the "contents" in the layer panel, under "merge paths" switch to "subtract"