Add a Default Arrow Shape in After Effects

[karmart93]

I’d like to request the addition of a default arrow shape as a built-in option in the Shape Tool menu (alongside rectangle, ellipse, polygon, and star). Arrows are one of the most commonly used graphic elements in motion design, UI animations, infographics, tutorials, and explainer videos.

Why this matters:

• Currently, creating an arrow requires either manually drawing it using the pen tool, combining shapes, or importing from Illustrator. This adds unnecessary steps to a very frequent workflow.

• A default arrow would save time and streamline projects that rely on directional graphics or flow-based visuals.

• The feature could be enhanced with simple customization options such as:

  • Head type (triangle, barbed, hollow, etc.)

  • Tail style (line, dashed, none)

  • Line thickness, arrowhead size, and direction

  • Symmetry or custom proportions

This small addition would improve efficiency and usability for many users across various industries. It would also align After Effects more closely with tools like Figma or PowerPoint, which already provide quick access to arrow shapes.

Thank you for considering this request!

[nishu_kush]

Thanks for writing in. That sounds like a great suggestion. I am moving your post to the Ideas section of the forums so that others can vote. 

Thanks,
Nishu

[Roland Kahlenberg]

AE ships with an Animation Preset, Write On Arrow (in the Elements Folder), that does what you just described -  plus|minus minor tweaks but it's a regular Shape Layer, so you get all of its options.

HTH