After Effects 3/6

KEYFRAME INTERPOLATION                                                        

To interpolate means to 'insert between fixed points'- in our case, what goes on between key frames
>Using the convert vertex tool (G), to remove any curves.

Select a keyframe and select Animation>Keyframe interpolation OR Right click on a keyframe for the menu...

Options to edit Temporal or Spatial interpolation, these properties may not show much changes however, certain elements will be effected by selections more than others. For example, selecting a linear path and opting to select a bezier interpolation will change from straight paths to a curved, flowing one.

Introducing 'Hold' Keyframes > Selcect all key frames, a=Animation menu//Right click > Toggle hold keyframe (when there ae dots on a motion path - the dots indicate speed, fewer dots - faster movement). 'Holde Key-frames removes dots

Selecting Hold Key frames, the position of the objects is held until the play head reaches the next key-frame. Object jumps around the frame on specific key-frames. > good for making things flash?

In this case using the word blink, we wanted it to appear as though it were blinking, really easy process by setting the specific values of each key-frame > 100% & 0% opacity, opposed to fading in and out as it would by default, selecting 'Hold toggle key-frame'  skips from frame to frame, creating the blinking effect.

Making a whole selection of key frames play out over a shorter or longer period > Select all key frames and hold 'alt' whilst dragging the end point further away or  closer together.


Roving key-frames> Selecting all key-frames between first and last>Key-frame Interpolation> Roving across time. IT equalizes the amount of time between frames, also when moving the end key-frame, the middle frames will adjust accordingly as if holding 'alt'

USING ILLUSTRATOR PATHS                                               

One way to work with position is the position properties, an alternative is to use illustrator artwork to create path. Working in illustrator with the correct page setup allows us to see the frame as it would exist in AE.

Make a path in illustrator and simply copy and paste it in. Make sure the layer, and position key-frame are selected, apply paste and the layer object will apply the path to the object

Animation>Time reverse keyframes. Switching from clockwise to anti clockwise, or playing in reverse, select key frames and apply this option to achieve the reverse of what you currently have.


Layer>Transform>Auto orient. this keeps the object more natural looking along the path opposed to staying in a fixed position as it travels along.

Creating masks> Make sure the layer is selected, select the shape tool and drag a shape over the layer. This makes some of the layer transparent and some opaque, the inside of the shape is transparent the inverse opaque.

Any layer can ave any number of masks applied. Masks work just like objects, able to be manipulated over time using key-frames

Using the 'Track Matte' option, enables working in a mask like manor, using illustrator text files to mask out what is shown underneath, any illustrator paths work in this way...