How to use noise function/random number generator in keyframes

[Chuan5FAB]

Hello,

I'm new to after effects, I wanted to create a simple flicker effect, and I thought the way to do this would be to add a noise function to the brightness/opacity property. I feel like my thinking is way off mark though because I searched around and no one even mentions the existance of such a function, or even mentions the need for such behaviour. I found a "wiggle" function that seems to be made specifically for position translation. Is there anyway to get a noise function that outputs values from, say, a 1D perlin noise map, and then somehow plug the output to any keyable property of an element? Even just a random number gen. If doing this ends up needing scripting/expressions, could you point me to resources that could get me started with custom AE expressions? Thanks in advance.

[Mylenium]

wiggle() is your Perlin noise and just because a majority of people use it on position doesn't mean it can't be applied to other properties. Rather than relying on questionable tutorials on the Internet a simple excursion to the online help section on expressions could have told you that and on top of it educated you about other random functions as well.

Mylenium

[Chuan5FAB]

Ok, thanks.

For anyone looking for the method, this website https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/wiggle-expression helped. Also https://helpx.adobe.com/au/after-effects/user-guide.html/au/after-effects/using/expression-basics.ug...

The expression system is very streamlined. Literally put "wiggle()", nothing like "setBrightness(noise(iterator))" or anything like that(tbf wiggle is a pretty funny name for this function). Will look further into expressions to see if there is a more hands on expression system with a bit more user control.

On top of this, found an opacity flash effect. It already exists! Yay!