Managing And Editing Shapes - Adobe AFTER EFFECTS CS3 PROFESSIONAL User Manual

Some shape path operations, such as Trim Paths, also use the first vertex as input to determine how to modify the path.
Note: By default, when you add a vertex to a path, the new vertex appears on the path throughout the path's duration
but reshapes the path only at the time at which it was added. When you delete a vertex from a path at a specific point
in time, the vertex is deleted from the path throughout the path's duration. Prevent After Effects from adding and deleting
vertices throughout the path's duration by choosing Edit > Preferences > General (Windows) or After Effects >
Preferences > General (Mac OS), and deselecting Preserve Constant Vertex Count When Editing Masks.
Create an animated path.
1
2 In the Timeline panel, move the current-time indicator to the point where you want to designate a new first vertex.
Select the vertex to designate as the first vertex.
3
4 Choose Layer > Mask And Shape Path > Set First Vertex.
Note: The vertex designated as the first vertex appears slightly larger than the other vertices in the Composition panel.

Managing and editing shapes

Select paths, shapes, and groups
You can select shape layers and their components at any of four levels of selection, referred to as selection modes:
The entire shape layer is selected. Transformations apply to the transform properties for the
Layer selection mode
layer, in the Transform property group that is at the same level as the Contents property group.
An entire shape group is selected. Transformations apply to the transform properties for the
Group selection mode
group, in the Transform property group within the shape group in the Timeline panel.
Multiple vertices on one or more Bezier paths are selected. A free-transform bounding box is
Free-transform mode
shown around the vertices in the Composition panel. By operating on this box, you can move multiple vertices with
a single transformation. Transformations apply to the vertices themselves, which are contained within the Path
property in the Timeline panel.
Only vertices are selected. In this mode, you can perform path-editing operations, such as
Path-editing mode
adding vertices to a path and moving individual vertices.
When a pen tool is active, path-editing mode is active. To remain in path-editing mode, select the Pen tool; press V
or Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac OS) to temporarily activate the Selection tool as needed.
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