Stop AE from stretching shapes symmetrically

[Sarloos]

Whenever i want to stretch a shape (just by pulling the box) AE does it symmetrically around the center. I understand that if i move the anchor point to an edge this wont happen, but i need it in the center for doing rotations and more. I just want an option like in AI where i press Ctrl or Shift to change how it scales. How do i do this??

Regards,
Mikkel.

[Dave_LaRonde]

Go to the layer's scale property. Unlink the horizontal & vertical values.  Scrub the horizontal value only.

[Sarloos]

Hey Dave.

Thanks for the answer, but it does not seem to work, at least not for me. I've unlinked the scale, but regardless if i pull on the percentages or the shape it still scales symmetrically?

[Dave_LaRonde]

Did you unlink H&V scale?

[Roland Kahlenberg]

Each Shape Layer Path has its own internalized set of Transform properties. Twirl down the Contents section to see the set of Transform properties. The Anchor Point for this set of Transform properties are independent of Layer > Transforms.

[Rick Gerard]

The easiest way to find the properties in a shape layer that is not at the default value is to press the U key twice right after you create the layer. I do this almost every time, then type in the values I want for parametric shapes and zero out the transform shape properties to center up the anchor point in parametric shapes. As long as the link is broken you can individually drag either the X or the Y value to change a parametric shape. You can also grab any corner and scale to any aspect ratio you like. The Shift key + click and drag constrains proportions, the Alt/Option key duplicates a shape if you click and drag, otherwise, a parametric shape layer uniformly transforms around the anchor point if you click and drag. You cannot click and drag in the comp panel and change the size of a parametric (rectangle for example) shape, you have to do that by clicking and dragging or typing values in the Shape>Size property in the timeline.

[Andrew Yoole]

Another solution:

If you create a Null layer, position it at the point you would like to anchor from, parent your shape to the null and scale the null, then your shape will transform as if the anchor was positioned where the null sits.

[Rameez_Khan]

Hi Sarloos,

Did the suggestions given above help at all?

Let us know.

Thanks,

Rameez

[Robin2349208050zr]

I think this is what you're looking for. Had the same problem. Still a bit weird to do it even this way, but it's something:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG9z05U05I4