Tranform tools getting in the way of path nodes

Question

I find this with square shapes (even when drawn with the pen tool). I double click on the shape, and then try to select (or click & drag / select) the path node in the corner.

But AE thinks I want to transform the shape, and simply scale it.

The only way around it that I've found, is for me to add an EXTRA path node, select that, and then select the corner one instead (if that makes sense).

Surely there must be a better way of doing it?

mttplbkp · Accepted Answer

Thanks for the help, so I've realised that this does work when I've drawn the shape manually (say with the pen tool)... but when using the rectangle tool I must first it to a bezier path in order for this to work.

Rick Gerard · Answer

I should do a better tutorial on editing paths and shape layers. Here is one I did a long time ago.

To efficiently edit a mask path or a shape layer path, you need to make sure that the Path is selected in the timeline. The Path is easy to find if you press the "u" key twice.

Unless you want to add or modify corners, you should be using the selection tool (v) to move the points around. You have to pay attention to the cursor. If the Path is selected in the timeline, the pointer will change as you move around the comp. With just the Path selected in the timeline there will be no box. If there is a box with white corners and mid points you are in the Transform Path (Ctrl/Cmnd + t) mode. If the box has colored corners you are in the transform path mode and the Layer or the Transform/Shape Path Position and Scale will be changed. The escape key will release the box and get you back to editing the Path.

If you need to add bezier handles (curves) or adjust Rotobezier tension on the vertices, use the pen tool (g). When using the pen tool, the pointer will also change shape, and you need to use the Alt/Option or Ctrl/Cmnd modifier keys to switch to the right tool. Pay close attention to the pointer and learn what the different tools look like.

This screenshot how to edit a vertex (path point). The selection tool (v) is active, the Path is selected in the timeline, the cursor is a small white arrow, and I have drawn a selection around the bottom left vertex to select only that vertex.

With the Path selected in the timeline, editing is easy if you just pay attention to the mouse pointer. It just takes a little practice.

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