After Effects CC 2023: How To Use The Grid Effect
Solids Folder Basics
Description:
This tutorial will show you how to use the Grid in Adobe After Effects CC 2023 to make a background for animations such as cut-out or stop-motion styles. You will learn how to change the background color, grid lines, add animation and texture.
Paper Texture Source;
Envato Elements (Sign up using my affiliate link):
Paper Texture Link:
Crumpled gray grid paper textured background
Keyboard Shortcuts:
Cmd/Ctrl + N: Create A New Composition
Cmd/Ctrl + Y: Create A New Solid Layer
Shift + Cmd/Ctrl + Y: Solid Settings
Colors Used (Hex Codes):
Light Grey: E6E6E6
Darker Grey: B9B9B9
Pale Yellow: EEE1B9
Chapters:
00:00 Intro: About the Tutorial
00:17 Inspiration for Grid Background (Envato Elements)
00:25 Create A New Composition (Cmd/Ctrl + N)
00:38 Create A New Solid Layer (Cmd/Ctrl + Y)
01:06 Add Grid Effect (Effects & Presets)
01:28 Note: Transparent Background After Adding Grid
01:51 Effect Controls: Customize Grid
02:13 Grid Line Color Change
02:27 How To Add Solid Color Background
02:59 Add Texture To Background
03:23 Change Background Solid Color
03:34 How To Animate Grid
04:06 Minimalist Tip: Solid Composite Effect
Software Used:
Adobe After Effects CC 2023 (Click To Try or Buy)
How To Use The Grid Effect:
- Create New Composition (Cmd/Ctrl + N)
- Add A New Solid Layer (Cmd/Ctrl + Y)
- Give Solid A Name
- Click ‘Make Comp Size’
- Click Color Swatch (I used a light grey E6E6E6)
- Click ‘OK’ to add Solid Layer
- Go to Effects & Presets Panel (Window…Effects & Presets)
- Search for ‘Grid’
- Click & Drag Grid on Solid Layer
- Select Solid Layer
- Go to ‘Effect Controls’
- Change ’Size From’ to ‘Width & Height Sliders’
- Change Width to ’42’
- Change Height to ’38’
- Change Border to ‘3’
- Click Color Swatch and change to darker grey (B9B9B9) to change grid lines color
How To Create A Solid Background Color (Option 1)
- Add A New Solid Layer (Cmd/Ctrl + Y)
- Select Color
- Drag below the Solid with the Grid Effect
How To Create A Solid Background Color (Option 2…Minimalist Approach)
- Select the original Solid Layer with the Grid Effect
- Go to ‘Effects & Presets’ Panel
- Search for ‘Solid Composite’
- Drag onto Solid Layer
- Change the Color Property for the ‘Solid Composite’ effect
How To Create Add Texture:
- Drag a Paper Texture File on top or in-between Solid Layers or Background Solid
How To Animate The Grid Effect:
- Drag Playhead to the beginning of the Timeline
- Select the Solid Layer
- Click the Stopwatch next to ‘Anchor’ in the Effect Controls
- Click on the Anchor Center Reference Point
- Click on the Center or anywhere on the Grid (in Comp Window)
- Drag the Playhead forward in time
- Move to a new position in the direction you want the animation
Questions, Comments, Feedback?
hello@mikemurphy.co
My Gear List:
https://mikemurphy.co/resources
My Amazon Store:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/mikemurphyco
My YouTube Channel:
https://youtube.com/c/mikemurphyco