How to checkout path from a different layer (SDK)

[Richard Rosenman]

Hi gang;

I know how to checkout masks from the layer the effect is on, but I would like to be able to do that from another layer. I have seen this from a few other plugins so it seems like it's possible. This would allow me, I assume, to checkout paths as well (as opposed to just masks), correct? There are interesting things paths can do like animated squiggly lines that masks cannot.

I searched through the example projects but didn't see any examples on how to do this. Does anyone have any insight or code snippets they are willing to share?

Any limitations or issues in checking out another layer's paths / masks?

Thanks,

-Richard

[shachar carmi · Accepted solution]

basically, you can fetch any mask using AEGP_MaskSuite6, and then read it's vercitces using AEGP_MaskOutlineSuite3.

if i recall correctly, shapes can be parsed using AEGP_MaskOutlineSuite3 as well... (just push the shape data in to the same suite callbacks... it's fiiiiine! you'll be fiiiine!)
it's a bit of a hassle to find a shape layer's shape param. you'll need to traverse the layer's dynamic streams to arrive at the correct one. solve it once, earn the badge.

but! as fat as i know, both mask and shape vetices data is delvered to you "unmodified". masks won't be delivered expanded by the "expand" param, shapes won't arrive "rounded" if have been set so by the user.
some shapes aren't shapy. say, a "star" shape layer is parametric. there's no shape param to read.

so it is possible, but somewhat messy and limited.