Shape layer issues

[mr3746448219o4]

When editing shape layer using Shape properties and transform some issues occur:

1. In Shape Properties when sizing the shape the center of transform is in the center of the object ignoring the anchor point position.

2. In Shape Transform when adjusting Anchor Point the shape moves instead of anchor point.

3. To change the shape from Rectange or any other predefined shapes to editable curve it always takes few clicks until the option becomes available under right click mouse button. Ideally this option should be available anytime when right clicking the predefined shape.

[JohnColombo]

Hi @mr3746448219o4,

Thank you for bringing up these issues. Shape layers in After Effects are unique in that they can contain a potentially unlimited number of vector graphics/groups. To facilitate this, each shape and group inside a Shape layer has its own set of Transforms so that each can be placed/animated independently.

For your first item: you are correct—using the Size parameter for the lowest-level parameter shape (Rectangle, Ellipse, etc) will always scale from the center of the Shape. It is not aware of any of the Anchor Points above it in the Shape layer hierarchy.

For your second item: yes, moving the Anchor Point of a Shape Transform (for a Shape Group) does appear to move the Shape itself. This is also the case with Layer Transform. This is due to the nature of the Anchor Point as the point where the shape or layer "connects" to the layer or composition space that contains it. In order to move the Anchor Point without moving the layer, you need to use the Pan Behind tool to move the Anchor Point in the Composition panel. This will adjust both the Anchor Point and the Position to keep the shape in the same location while the Anchor Point moves. This works with both Shape Transforms Anchor Points as well as Layer Transform Anchor Points.

For your third item: for clarity, are you referring to needing to twirl open the Shape layer down to the parametric shape to right-click it and select "Convert To Bezier Path"? If so, simplifying/reducing the number of clicks to do so would be a great feature request. Please create a thread for this under Ideas if you are so inclined, as it would help us track interest and facilitate a conversation on how it could work.

Additionally, you can enable "Bezier Path" in the toolbar with the Shape or Pen tools activated to draw bezier paths instead of parametric shapes. 

Thanks again,

- John, After Effects Engineering Team 

[mr3746448219o4]

Hi @JohnColombo 

1. when sizing the shape in Shape Properties it should respect the anchor point position. Sizing from the centre makes no sense. I should be able to scale the shape like it is in Illustrator or Photoshop. They respect the position of anchor point. Please fix this.

2. I can live with it, still the behavour of this makes me wander what was the story behind this weird bahaviour.

3. Enabling "Bezier Path" in the toolbar is not always a good option as sometimes I want to keep the shape parametric. The option to convert it afterwards should be extremely easy but now it has too many steps to complete.

[JohnColombo]

Thanks for the response, @mr3746448219o4. For items #1 and #3, I would recommend filing separate feature requests in the Ideas section of the forum. There are lots of improvements possible and it would be great to see how the conversation develops around each one.

Cheers,

- John, After Effects Engineering Team