_Stupid question about nodes

[Hugh Betcha]

I'm trying to make cyan circle move to different spots on the video,  and have the line lead to it. I have the circle and the line as separate vector elements (stroked paths). The problem I have is: How do I make the lines connect to the circle? When I select the line, it selects like a 'bounding box', not the individual node. What am I doing wrong?

(I'm self-taught in AE)

[Jose Panadero]

I think the best way to do this is to use the new Create Nulls from Paths tool in AE CC2018. With this tool  (Points Follow Nulls button) you can create a Null object for every point of your path so they will follow the Null's position. You will need to set the position of your null object over the circle line and as soon as you move the Circle, the null will drive the movement of the points in your line.

[Mylenium]

Effect --> Generate --> Beam

Effect --> Generate --> Circle

Easy as Pi(e). No convoluted mask or shape layer nonsense involving a gazillion Null layers necessary. So sad how often people forget about those effects...

Mylenium

[Jose Panadero]

Beam Effect cannot create lines like the ones in the example, you need several Beam effect instances and maybe even more point controls than using nulls. For simple lines is a solution but this is not what Hugh is asking.

[Hugh Betcha]

Thanks all, my workaround now is to make three separate paths - 1 horizontal, 1 angled, and one a combo of horz. and circle... but there has to be a better way....

[Mylenium]

See my previous reply. Use effects and you can do it all on a single layer.

Mylenium

[Hugh Betcha]

I'll try that Mylenium - I recognize that you're very knowledgable based on the help you've provided before - thanks!

[Hugh Betcha · Accepted solution]

I think I answered my own question through trial & error:  to select only 1 node of a line (a line being 'node-line-node'), you have to dig deep into the hierarchy, and select 'Path 1' as an example - that allows easy node moving - now I can make lines any length and join them visually.

[Mylenium]

Nothing stops you from simply connecting mutliple effect instances with pickwhip expressions using the built-in point controls of the effects. How is that less efficient than using at least 6 Null obejcts as you proposed with your parenting method? You are talking rubbish.

Mylenium

[Jose Panadero]

I'm trying to say that there is another alternative to the Beam effect. Simply. But you have a problem if you think that I'm talking rubbish.