After Effects CC 2023: đ© How To Merge Paths To Make A DonutÂ
Solids Folder Basics
Description:
This tutorial will show you how to Merge Paths to cut out shapes using other shapes in Adobe After Effects CC 2023 to make shapes like a donut.
Merge Paths
Similar to the Pathfinder Tool in Adobe Illustrator and is used to create shapes from other shapes.
Keyboard Shortcuts:
Cmd/Ctrl + N: Create New Composition
S: Scale
Chapters:
00:00Â Intro: About the Tutorial
00:17Â Create A New Composition
00:25Â Add A New Shape Layer
00:35Â Add New Ellipse (Circle) & Fill
00:45 How do Layer Groups work?
01:06Â Rename Layers
01:23Â Scale Up Circles
01:33Â Change Fill Color of Circles
01:45Â Resize Inner Circle
02:01Â Add Merge Paths (Cut Hole In Donut)
02:33Â Resize Donut Hole
02:41Â How To Create Crescent Moon
02:56Â How To Make A Lone-star Badge
03:22How To Animate Shapes (Wiggle Paths)
Software Used:
Adobe After Effects CC 2023 (Click To Try or Buy)
How To Add New Shapes in After Effects CC 2023:
- Create a new Composition (Cmd/Ctrl + N)
- Right-Click in Layers Panel and select NewâŠShape Layer
- Twirl open Shape Layer and click on âAddâ
- Select âEllipseâ
- Repeat clicking âAddâ and select âEllipseâ
- Repeat clicking âAddâ and select âFillâ
- Rename Ellipse Properties to Outer & Inner
- Tap S for Scale and resize Circles
- Select Inner Circle and twirl open
- Reduce size of Inner circle to desired size
- Select Fill Property and change color of circle
How To Use Merge Paths to Make a Donut in After Effects CC 2023:
- Twirl open Shape Layer and click on âAddâ
- Select âMerge Pathsâ
- Twirl open âMerge Pathsâ property
- Click on the Mode drop-down and change to âSubtractâ
- The Inner Circle should have knocked out the out circle
- Change the size of the inner circle to change the donut hole size
How To Make A Crescent Moon:
- Twirl open Shape Layer and click on âAddâ
- Select âMerge Pathsâ
- Twirl open âMerge Pathsâ property
- Click on the Mode drop-down and change to âSubtractâ
- Increase the size of the Inner Circle
- Change the Position
How To Make A Lone-Star Badge:
- Twirl open Shape Layer and click on âAddâ
- Select âMerge Pathsâ
- Hide visibility of the Inner Circle
- Click on âAddâ and select âPolystar
- Twirl open âMerge Pathsâ property
- Click on the Mode drop-down and change to âSubtractâ
- Decrease the size of the Polystar
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