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

[CodeMints]

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

[Tomas Sinkunas · Accepted solution]

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]

Is there anyway to change that?

[Tomas Sinkunas]

To change what?

You could reposition Anchor Point with Move Behind tool if you wish. Alternatively, you can move shapes points closer to Anchor Point.

[CodeMints]

To change the motion path to follow the actual object instead of being drawn from the center anchor point of the document.

[Tomas Sinkunas]

Shape Layers don't really have size - they inherit the size of the composition. So as far as AE cares, Shape Layer is a full layer that fills entire composition (same as a Solid layer). And therefore, when you are moving the Shape Layer, you are moving the entire object, and not shape vertices.

[CodeMints]

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.

[Tomas Sinkunas]

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.

[CodeMints]

I appreciate all your help. I'm new to this and following a tutorial, but he's starting in the center of the document so his shape is following the path perfectly. I just don't know how to do that.

[Tomas Sinkunas]

Well, either draw your shape in the middle of the document, or reposition Anchor Point manually to where you've drawen the shape.

[CodeMints]

You saved the afternoon. Thanks man! I figured out that you can change the anchor point using the Pan Behind tool or the Transform Anchor Point property to align it with the shape. You solved this one for me. Thanks!

[Tomas Sinkunas]

Glad to help. Have a good one!

[rollenderBoller]

If you go to Preferences - General you can check "Center Anchor Point in New Shape Layer". This way AE puts the anchor point to the center of a new drawn shape. If you add more shapes to the layer, the anchor point will remain in the center of the first shape

[Omolade311382571d7w]

Selecting the pen tool and then clicking on it works for me