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hee_chong
Participating Frequently
February 13, 2018
Answered

How to draw square brackets perfectly?

  • February 13, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 16224 views

I am trying to make a shape in "[   ]" or:

I have tried the Trim path, Dash, Offset. But I feel it is not accurate.

Anybody know how to draw them in AE very precise?

Thanks.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Rick Gerard

    I would start by creating a shape layer with the rectangle tool. Then I would position the rectangle in the center of the comp by pressing the U key twice and zeroing out the Transform Rectangle 1 position property. Then Right click on Rectangle 1 Path and select Convert to Bezier Path. Now change to the pen tool and select two of the points on the path by holding down the Ctrl/Cmnd key and dragging a selection around the left or right side of your rectangle. Now right click on the path you selected and choose Mask and Shape Path and click on Closed to open the path.

    You now have a perfect square bracket centered on a layer that you can duplicate, rotate the copy 180º and then tie Transform Rectangle Anchor points together with an expression so you can precisely adjust the spacing between the brackets. You can then use layer position to move these brackets anywhere you like in the comp, easily animate the spacing and do whatever you want with them.

    The screenshot shows you everything you need to know to duplicate these perfect brackets.

    2 replies

    November 30, 2021

    I used the pen tool to draw mine and then grouped it. I can scale and rotate so it seems much easier than the description below unless I'm missing something.

     

    dj.summitt
    Inspiring
    February 13, 2018

    Not sure what you're trying to do but why not make a text layer with [, convert to shape layer, duplicate and flip?

    Rick GerardCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    February 13, 2018

    I would start by creating a shape layer with the rectangle tool. Then I would position the rectangle in the center of the comp by pressing the U key twice and zeroing out the Transform Rectangle 1 position property. Then Right click on Rectangle 1 Path and select Convert to Bezier Path. Now change to the pen tool and select two of the points on the path by holding down the Ctrl/Cmnd key and dragging a selection around the left or right side of your rectangle. Now right click on the path you selected and choose Mask and Shape Path and click on Closed to open the path.

    You now have a perfect square bracket centered on a layer that you can duplicate, rotate the copy 180º and then tie Transform Rectangle Anchor points together with an expression so you can precisely adjust the spacing between the brackets. You can then use layer position to move these brackets anywhere you like in the comp, easily animate the spacing and do whatever you want with them.

    The screenshot shows you everything you need to know to duplicate these perfect brackets.

    hee_chong
    hee_chongAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    February 14, 2018

    Super nice! Your method is accurate and parametric.Thanks for your help