Bend a simple shape layer (a line) along a path

[nicolasd23169085]

Hello everyone,

I'm trying to make a simple line follow a path, and bending along it.

Here's a screenshot from the (very) quickly-made storyboard.

Basically, I want to show that there is some movement coming from the two hexagons. So the main line is filled with a gradient that moves along it (which I managed to do by adjusting the start and end points).

But to increase this effect, I want to add a few thin lines that follow the main path, and bend when it does. I found some topics talking about Omino Snake plugin (which seems outdated and buggy) and BAO Boa... I guess it's indeed a good solution to go with plugins when you want to apply such an effect to an image. However, for a very simple shape like a line, is there not a quicker solution?

Thanks a lot in advance!

Best,

Nicolas

[Roland Kahlenberg · Accepted solution]

Duplicate the Shape Layer with the Path and Manually offset its path. Then, use Trim Path's Start and End to define a subsection/line of the entire path and follow through with animating the Trim Path's Offset property to move the newly created subsection/line.

An alternative method is to use the Shape Layer Offset Path Operator and use the same Trim Path procedure I touched on in the previous paragraph.

[Kyle Hamrick]

For this example, I'd probably do something along the lines of what Roland is suggesting. I'd probably duplicate the path, make it white, and use Trim Paths to restrict the visible portion of it. Blur it heavily, then use the existing path as a matte.

You can also achieve something like this using text layers, though you'd need a separate one for each branch of the path.

[nicolasd23169085]

Thanks a lot to both of you, that's exactly what I wanted!