Vector Layer

[MahaB82A]

In this work Ai layer is converted into Shape Layer by using Vector Layer. Here Vector Layer mean Ai layer. Why is it called Vector Layer?

[Ali Jaber · Accepted solution]

Because Illustrator files are simply vector-based graphics files:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-X_rosRORg

[Rick Gerard · Accepted solution]

An Illustrator layer can be vectors, it can be vectors + pixels if you add a raster effect in AI like Drop Shadow. Converting a Vector Layer to a Shape Layer only serves a few purposes. It allows you to use shape layer animators, animate the path, add additional fills to closed paths or animate stroke color, or extrude the layer using the C4D rendering engine. If you are not using any of these workflows there is no reason to ever convert an AI layer to a shape layer.

Only closed paths filled with a solid color and stroked paths with a solid color applied will accurately convert to a vector layer. Gradient fills, blends or any other color effects will revert to a gray-filled solid. Raster effects like drop shadows will not convert. Brushes applied to a path will convert to a closed and filled path. 

I hope that clears things up a bit.

[Warren Heaton · Accepted solution]

For the “Create Shapes from Vector Layer” action, the Source Footage for the After Effects Layer just has to be a vector file format that After Effects supports, not specifically Illustrator.

So ”Create Shapes from Vector Layer" could read something like “If the Source Footage for the After Effects Layer is a supported vector based format like Adobe Illustrator, Encapsulated Postscript, or Portable Document Format (first page only) then convert those vectors to Shapes in an After Effects Shape Layer”.

[MahaB82A]

Thanks for the help for all.