How to Morph Shapes in After Effects

Introduction

• Morphing shapes in After Effects tutorial by Will at Duck Tut.

Preparation Steps

• Start by placing the shapes you want to morph in your composition.
• Example: Transforming a logo into another shape (e.g., Duck logo to Twitter logo).
• Note: This method works with shape layers as well.

Preparing Illustrator Files

• For logo (Illustrator file):
  • Right-click the logo.
  • Select Create > Create Shapes from Vector.

Preparing PNG Files

• For PNG files (e.g., Twitter logo):
  • Select the PNG file.
  • Go to Layer > Auto Trace.
  • Auto Trace Window:
    • Check the Preview box.
    • Ensure the outline matches the shape.
    • Tip: Lower tolerance if needed (be cautious with anchor points).
  • Example: Tolerance set to 3.
  • Click OK to get the path around the logo.
  • Copy the mask path (Command/Control + C).
  • Optionally, delete or hide the original logo.

Morphing the Shapes

• Open Contents window on the other shape and Group 1.
• You will see one or more paths (depending on complexity of the logo).
• Example: Twitter logo will have one path; complex logos might have multiple paths.
• Open both paths to see the stopwatches.
• Creating Keyframes:
  • Move the timeline forward by 1 second.
  • Click the stopwatches to create keyframes.
  • Move forward another second.
  • Paste the copied path (Command/Control + V).
• Handling Multiple Paths:
  • Extra paths may need adjustment (e.g., the eye of the duck).
  • Go a few frames past the first keyframe, create another keyframe, delete the end frame.
  • Adjust eye size and position throughout the morph.

Fixing Position Shifts

• Weird Upward Shift Fix:
  • Go to Transform Controls.
  • At the start of the animation, create a keyframe for position.
  • Go to the end of the animation, adjust the position to line it up.
  • Use a guide if needed.

Adding Color (Optional)

• Adding Color:
  • Open Fill Controls in Group 1.
  • At the start of the animation, create a keyframe for Color.
  • At the end of the animation, open the Color window and select required color.
  • Example: Using the eyedropper tool to match original logo color.
  • Hide the original logo again.

Conclusion

• Basics of shape morphing in After Effects.
• Additional Resources: Links to Duck Tut's motion duck extension for templates in After Effects and Premiere Pro.