Placing an effect using effect points

Some effects require that you identify specific positions on a layer to determine how the effect will be applied. Often, these effect points enable After Effects to properly position the effect on the layer. A given effect may require as few as one or as many as four or more effect points.

Note: The positions of these effect points are based on the coordinate system for the layer, not for the composition. The coordinates shown in the Info palette are layer coordinates when you're working in the Layer window.

To set an effect point:

Select the effect and then do one of the following:

• Click the effect control point  in the Composition window and drag. The coordinates in the Effect Controls window change as you drag.
• Click the effect control point button  in the Effect Controls window; then, in the Composition or Layer window, position the control point where you want the effect point, and click.
• In the Effect Controls palette, drag the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis (if available) position coordinates (located to the right of the effect control point button) or type over the highlighted coordinates.

To view the effect point or path in the Layer window:

Choose the effect name from the Layer window's View menu.

To view the effect point in the Composition window:

Select the effect name in the Timeline window.