How could I make a loop of a static image sliding down?

Report · Feb 11, 2024

Hey, I have an image I want to use for the background of a quick animation I'm doing for a video. What I want to do is animate this image so it slides downward in a continuos loop but not have it slide off screen, I'm not sure how I would even start this or if its even possible. I just think it would look better than just having a still image behind the animation.

If you need more info or anything let me know, any help is appreciated.

Report · Feb 11, 2024

It does not look like the image has a repeating pattern, so here is the approach you should use.

Create a new comp from the image that is about 10 seconds long
Duplicate the image layer and name Layer 1 "Bottom'" and Layer 2 "Top"
Open the Transform/Anchor Point (a) property and add the layer height to the current value to move the "Top" layer above the "Bottom" layer
Parent the "Bottom" layer to the Top layer
Set a Position keyframe at frame zero for the Bottom layer position (Alt/Option + p)
Move down the timeline to 5:00 seconds and add the layer height to the Y value to move it down exactly to the bottom of the comp frame
Select both layers with the CTI (current time indicator) still at 5:00 seconds and trim both layers to that time (Alt/Option + ])
With both layers still selected use the Layer menu, right click, or keyboard shortcut Shift + Ctrl/Cmnd to pre-compose the two layers
Make sure trim to comp length is selected and name the Pre-comp "loop"
Use the Layer/Time menu or the keyboard shortcut Alt/Option + Ctrl/Cmnd to add time remapping to the loop layer
You will see 2 Time Remapping keyframes and still see the image
This is important; use the diamond in the center of the keyframe navigator to set a new time remapping keyframe at 5 seconds
Use the k key to move to the last time remapping keyframe, and the image should disappear
Use the diamond in the center of the keyframe navigator to delete the last time remapping keyframe
The image should now appear
Hold down the Alt/Option key and click on the Time Remapping keyframe to add an expression
Type loopOut() and click on the layer to apply the expression
The graphic will now scroll down indefinitely, and you can slide the last keyframe up or down the timeline to adjust the speed of the loop.
Extend the duration of the composition to be long enough for your needs and nest it in the main comp where you need the background

The workflow looks something like this:

As long as the images created by the first and last keyframe of any animation are identical, loopOut() will give you a seamless loop.

I have included a 2023 project file for you to fiddle with that uses your image.

Report · Feb 12, 2024

Hey, I have an image I want to use for the background of a quick animation I'm doing for a video. What I want to do is animate this image so it slides downward in a continuos loop but not have it slide off screen, I'm not sure how I would even start this or if its even possible. I just think it would look better than just having a still image behind the animation.

If you need more info or anything let me know, any help is appreciated.

By @ThomasOrTombo

Hello, Thomas340280951x48

I can see your query and I give you the best answer please see below...

There are different ways to create a looping animation from an image in After Effects.

One way is to use the time-remapping effect and keyframes to create a loop cycle.

Another way is to use the Offset effect and expressions to create a seamless loop.

Using Time Remapping:
Select the layer with the image you want to loop, then right-click and choose “Pre-compose.”
In the pre-composition, apply the “Time Remapping” effect by right-clicking the layer and going to “Time” > “Enable Time-Remapping.”
Open the Time Remapping property and add keyframes to create a loop. For example, if you want to loop the image for 5 seconds, add a keyframe at 0 seconds and another one at 5 seconds with the same value. Then add another keyframe at the end of the layer with the same value as the first keyframe.
Select the last two keyframes right-click and choose “Toggle Hold Keyframe.” This will make the animation stop at the last keyframe and loop back to the first one.
Extend the duration of the layer to match the length of your composition. You can also trim the layer to remove the extra frames at the beginning and the end.
Go back to your main composition and animate the position of the pre-composed layer to make it slide downward. You can also add some motion blur to make it look more realistic.
Using Offset:
Select the layer with the image you want to loop, then go to “Effect” > “Distort” > “Offset.”
Open the Offset effect and adjust the “Shift Center To” property to make the image move downward. For example, if you want to move the image by 100 pixels, change the Y value to 100.
Alt-click the stopwatch icon next to the “Shift Center To” property to add an expression. In the expression field, type loopOut("cycle"). This will make the image loop endlessly with the same offset value.
Adjust the duration of the layer to match the length of your composition. You can also add some motion blur to make it look more realistic.

You can find more detailed tutorials on how to create looping animations in After Effects in these videos https://helpx.adobe.com/in/express/using/animation.html/DogNeedsBest that explains the different types of loop expressions and how to use them.

I hope my answer is very helpful to you, If any queries please tell me and if it's helpful please select the best answer...

Best regard,

Booker EVail