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September 14, 2019
Answered

No Motion Paths on Shape Layer Object When Using Transform Position to Set Keyframes

  • September 14, 2019
  • 1 reply
  • 4463 views

Hello. I am trying to alter the path of a shape object as its position moves through time. This should be easy, however, when I set keyframes for the positon of the object, there is no motion path, so I can't alter the Bezier handles that would typically be present. I have read a lot on the forums, and I have tried all of the suggestions to no avail. Perhaps somebody could point out where I am going wrong, or perhaps make a suggestion as to an option I might have configured incorrectly.

Here is the problem:

 

 

As you can see, I have a shape layer that has keyframes set for the Position property of the Transform controls. My playhead is positioned between the 2 keyframes, yet there is no motion path that I can manipulate using anchor points or Bezier handles.

 

Here are the proposed solutions I have tried:
Solution 1

 

 

In the Composition panel, under Panel Options>View Options..., I have AE set to display Masks, Motion Paths, and Motion Path Tangents.

 

Solution 2

 

 

In the Composition panel I have also enabled Toggle Mask and Shape Path Visibility. This is evident because the path outline is showing up on the shape in the Composition panel, yet there is no Motion Path.

 

Solution 3 

 

 

Under Edit>Preferences>Display I have selected the option for All Keyframes. Still no Motion Path.

 

I am at a loss as to where to go from here. When I use the pen to to create a shape, I can still create paths with handles, fills, and strokes, but even then, when I change the Position property of the Transform controls, I get no Motion Path.

 

Tech Specs:

Adobe After Effects Version 16.1.2 (Build 55)
No Creative Cloud updates available

 

 

Windows 10 Enterprise 64-bit OS

Intel Core i7 Haswell-E/EP CPU

24GB DDR4 RAM

3GB EVGA NVidia GeForce GTX 1060 GPU

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Tomas Sinkunas

    I would say you are zoomed-in too much. Zoom out and see where the anchor point of the shape is - motion paths are drawn on the position of the Anchor Point.

    1 reply

    Tomas Sinkunas
    Tomas SinkunasCorrect answer
    Legend
    September 14, 2019

    I would say you are zoomed-in too much. Zoom out and see where the anchor point of the shape is - motion paths are drawn on the position of the Anchor Point.

    CodeMints
    CodeMintsAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    September 14, 2019
    Is there anyway to change that?
    Tomas Sinkunas
    Legend
    September 14, 2019
    Oh! But I can click on my shape layer and change my anchor point to be in the same position as the starting point of my shape. Then in that case the motion path would follow the shape's position.
    Yes, changing the position of the Anchor Point would be the only solution to your issue in this case. However, just for the record, motion path does not follow shape's position, but rather follows layers position.