How to animate hiding Optical Flares layers?

[Shaun5FC3]

Hi

Is there a way to hide Optical Flares layers dynamically on the timeline? I want to hide particular layers of the Rim Light preset at particular times. I can't find an opacity settings for the individual layers - only in the Options window, where the change has to be saved as static change.

Thank you.

[ShiveringCactus]

I don

t think there is any option there, but you could use multiple optical flares effects (each with different elements active) and drive their brightness using a simple expression.  That would give you the end result you describe.

[Shaun5FC3]

Thank you ShiveringCactus.

Is the idea to use each flare on a totally new layer? I'm trying multiple flares in the one layer, and animate the opacity setting of each layer?

[ShiveringCactus · Accepted solution]

Depending how you want the flare elements to disappear, I would suggest having each on its own layer and either using the brightness to control their visibility or the layer opacity.  Brightness will give you more control but you might prefer to have the elements just drop off.

[Shaun5FC3]

Sorry - I hit enter too soon - no idea how to edit posts here.

I meant to say - Is the idea to use each flare on a totally new layer, and animate the opacity setting of each layer?

[Mylenium]

Flares don't fade based on opacity, they are based on a lights brightness and Optical flares recognizes AE lights' settings if the flares are bound to them. Just name your scene lights accordingly and reference them in the effects settings. You may want to (re-)watch Andrew's tutorials on some basics of the plug-in.

Mylenium

[Shaun5FC3]

Thanks Mylenium - I will delve deeper into the tutorials.