Adobe After Effects CC 2023: How To Use Color Expression Controls

Description:
This tutorial will show you how to use Color Expression Controls in Adobe After Effects CC 2023 so you can control the color properties of individual or multiple layers all at the same time.

Keyboard Shortcuts:
Cmd/Ctrl + D: Duplicate

Chapters:
00:00  Intro: About This Tutorial
00:23  Composition Size & Project Overview
00:43  Creating Shapes
00:59  Add New Adjustment Layer
01:12  Add Color Control Expression Control
01:51  Add Fill Color To Text
02:04  Lock Effect Controls Panel
02:18  Link Shape & Text to Color Controls
02:46  Pick-whip Color Properties To Controls
03:35  How To Animate Color

Software Used:
Adobe After Effects CC 2023 (Click To Try or Buy)

How To Use Color Expression Controls in Adobe After Effects:

  1. Create a New Composition (1920x1080px)
  2. Add Background Layers
  3. Add Shapes with Fill & Stroke colors
  4. Add Text
  5. Add Fill Color Effect on Text Layer
  6. Create a New Adjustment Layer (or Null Object)
  7. Select Adjustment Layer
  8. Go to Effect Menu
  9. Select ‘Expressions’
  10. Select ‘Color Control’
  11. Go to ‘Effect Control Panel’
  12. Select Color Control
  13. Tap Enter/Return to rename
  14. Duplicate 2 times by right-clicking or pressing Cmd/Ctrl + D
  15. Rename Color Controls (Shape_Fill, Shape_Stroke, Text_Fill)
  16. Select ‘Color Controls’ layer
  17. Lock ‘Effect Controls Panel’ so Color Controls are always visible
  18. Select Shape & Text Layers
  19. Click in Search field and type ‘Color’ to bring up all color properties
  20. Drag the pick-whip next to teach color and drag to the corresponding Color Control in the Effects Control Panel
  21. Repeat for all properties
  22. Change the colors in the Effect Controls Panel
  23. Animate by clicking on the stopwatches