Continously rasterize a source layer in plugin

[jamesVoodooMotion]

Hi guys, is it possible for a plugin to continuosly rasterize a source layer?

For example if the source is a shape layer or precomp of shape layers and the plugin transform it (similar to the transform effect) can the source be continuously rasterized to keep everything pixel perfect?

Also is it possible for plugins to access shape layer paths?  I posted a question before but nobody could offer any help.

Big thankss in advance, and stay safe!

[Rick Gerard]

That depends on what you are trying to do to the layer. Most effects do not change the look of a vector layer, but some do because they turn the layer into pixels. Apply Fractal Noise to a text layer and scale it up to 1000% and the edges are still great. Precompose a text layer, enable CR in the main comp, add Fractal Noise to the pre-composed text layer, scale it up and then turn CR on and Off. You will see a big difference in the look. 

[Mylenium]

You can of course implement your own rasterization engine. Otherwise I'm not aware that AE actually passes through any native vector data. Even retrieving a mask requires its own bits of code and isn't handled automatically.

Mylenium

[shachar carmi]

indeed there's no API-ish way of getting "collapsed" like layer source.

you can, however, force the layer collapse switch on...

i know that's not what you're looking for, but hey, some solutions are hacky.

[jamesVoodooMotion]

Thanks guys, sorry if my SDK questions often seem vague or bizarre.  I'm a freelance motion graphics animator by day and by night learning to program tools to help improve my workflow.  I love after effects and expressions are great but when I develop complex character rigs they kill performance, so I'm constantly looking for work arounds.  It would be great if expressions had an option to compile them, similar to compiling a plugin.  Thanks again for your thoughts!