In this video, we're going to explore how to expand the interoperability between applications as we convert an Illustrator CC file into a shape layer.
So, if you look at my project, you'll notice I have a composition that's made up of a bunch of Illustrator CC layers.
Now, let's say I want to animate this tree like I want to have multiple copies of this tree animate across the page.
Well, I could do that relatively easily using the repeater in a shape layer.
Understanding the limitations of Illustrator layers in After Effects
But if you notice, since this is an Illustrator CC layer, when I open up its options, I only have transform options.
So, with any Illustrator CC layer, you can go ahead and select that layer
Converting Illustrator artwork into a shape layer
and go up under the Layer menu and go down to Create.
And here, I can go ahead and Create Shapes from Vector Layer.
So, when I do that, you'll notice a couple of things happen.
First off, the tree layer has not disappeared.
Its visibility however has turned off.
So, I'll go ahead and collapse that.
Now, you'll see the Star icon next to the word Tree Outlines that's letting me know this is a shape layer.
So, if I open up its options, you can see here are my Contents,
Exploring shape layer contents and added capabilities
and if I open that, there's Group 1.
So, if I select the word Contents and go to Add here, I can go ahead and add a Repeater.
And sure enough, there are multiple copies of my tree.
So, if I open up the options for the Repeater here,
Using shape layer tools to duplicate and animate artwork
I could go ahead and animate the Offset of these trees and have them fly through the scene.
Or if I want the copies to be spread out more, I can open up the Transform options for the Repeater and increase the amount of space with the position.
But the Repeater isn't the focus of this video.
The most important thing to understand is that any layer that is an Illustrator CC layer can be converted into a shape layer.
And once it's converted into a shape layer, you have a whole host of different options for creating animations.
Download a sample file to practice with. This sample file is an Adobe Stock asset you can use to practice what you learn in this tutorial. If you want to use the sample file beyond this tutorial, you can purchase a license on Adobe Stock. Check out the ReadMe file in the folder for the terms that apply to your use of this sample file.
What you learned: How to convert Illustrator layers into shape layers
Convert an Illustrator layer into a shape layer
Select the Illustrator layer to convert.
Go to Layer > Create > Create Shapes from Vector Layer.
Open and adjust the layer options for the newly created shape layer to take advantage of the unique animation possibilities provided by shape layers.
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