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Working with vector-based strokes (PB only)


    Vector Paint uses high-quality, vector-based paint strokes that you draw in the Composition window. You cannot paint in a Layer window.

To paint on a layer:

  1. Select the arrow tool (the selection tool) in the After Effects Tools palette.
  2. In either the Composition or Timeline window, select the layer on which you want to paint.
  3. Choose Effect > Paint >Vector Paint. The Vector Paint effect appears and is selected in the Effect Controls window, and the Vector Paint toolbar appears on the left side of the Composition window.
  4. Note: This toolbar appears only when Vector Paint is selected (highlighted) in the Effect Controls window.

  5. Select the paint tool you want to use from the Vector Paint toolbar. For information, see Selecting a painting tool (PB only).
  6. In the Effect Controls window, select the options you want for Brush Settings and Composite Paint. For information about these settings, see Specifying a Brush type (PB only) and Selecting Brush Settings options in Effect Controls (PB only). For information about paint compositing, seeSelecting Composite Paint options (PB only).
  7. In the Timeline window, move the Time Marker to the appropriate point in time. For information about timing, see Playing back your painting (PB only) and Painting with Shift-Paint Records (PB only).
  8. In the Composition window, drag to draw strokes on the layer.
  9. Note: If the rulers in the Composition window interfere with your view of the Vector Paint tools, choose View > Hide Rulers.

    All paint strokes are recorded and stored as they are drawn, so you can make the strokes appear in various sequences, such as animated over time or all at once. For animated strokes, the exact timing (real time) you used to draw the strokes can be played back and rendered. You can also adjust the playback speed to fit the timing you want. For information, see Playing back your painting (PB only).

    You can also create new strokes by blending existing strokes, both in space and in time. These can be done only by selecting the strokes you want to use and using keyboard shortcuts. Another keyboard shortcut will close an open stroke, so that the starting point and end point are connected. For information, see Selecting strokes (PB only) and Vector Paint keyboard shortcuts (PB only).