Warping & bending shape layers

[jsullivan59]

Hi all,

Im have a real hard time getting my head around how i would warp this circular shape flat & how to do it the other way around.

So i have created a circle with chevrons for the gaps into powerpoint.(IMAGE 1)

I have then exported it as a PNG into AI, where I have then converted it into a vectored image. I have then saved the AI file and exported it into AE where i have pressed 'Create shapes from vectored layer' and removed the white chevrons to create 3 sperate semi circle shapes.(IMAGE 2)These of course add shape points to each individual shape. My trouble is how id then transform each individual shape into a flat verison of itself. (IMAGE 3) and how id then transform the flat version back into the semi circle shape.

I have a feeling the whole process is wrong but i dont know another way around it. I need the circle to be pretty much perfect as shown in image.

I am on the most up to date version of AE & AI

[Mylenium]

One would create the arrows straight and then bend them into place, not the other way around. There's not per se a dedicated effect, but with a little tweaking CC Bend It or a Bèzier Warp can easily turn such a simple arrow shape into a circle. Otherwise there's any number of ways using maks/ shape path "morphing" or alternate techniques.

Mylenium

[Rick Gerard]

The fastest and easiest way to accomplish this kind of animation is to set up a blend in Illustrator, expand the blend, release it to layers, import it as a comp and sequence the layers in AE to create the animation. Here's a quick tutorial I did a long time ago.

[jsullivan59]

Hi Rick,

How does your shape bend when you applied rotation to it? My arrow just rotates?

[Rick Gerard]

The shape I straightened out in the tutorial was created with the Zig Zag and the Transform effect. If you have a simple arrow, you must redraw the path or apply some distortion effects to get it to bend. 

I would have to see your AI file to give you specific instructions. Just applying Effect/Warp may do it. The Puppet Warp tool may do it. The most efficient workflow depends on your artwork.