Path Transformation
Several items in the Shapes Generator contain a Transform section:
- Path Groups
- Paths
- Shape Groups
Theses sections contain the same transform parameters as a layer.
To demonstrate how these different transformations can be combined, we'll start by drawing two distinct closed shapes using the Draw Bézier Curve tool.
To view a Path's Transform parameters, simply select one of them in the Selection Overview and unfold the Transform group in the Properties section.
The Path Group containing these two Paths also has a Transform section. Simply select it the Selection Overview to make adjustments to the entire group.
Note
Another level of transformation in this menu hierarchy is the layer itself, which uses the Shapes Generator as its Source.
Transform 2D Tool Modes
The Transform 2D Tool contains two Sub-Tools in the lower section of the vertical toolbar:
- Select Layers Only
- Select Shapes Only
By clicking in the Viewer or drawing a selection rectangle, the first tool lets you work on layer transformations. You can use the second tool to directly click on a Path edge and adjust its Transform parameters.
Warning
If clicking on a layer in a composition does not select it, it may be that the Select Shapes Only sub-tool is still enabled.
Validation and Initial Transform Parameter
When a closed Path is created, either by clicking on the first point again or by pressing the Enter key, the transformation values are automatically computed so that the Anchor Point is placed at the center of the Bounding Box surrounding the Path.
To recenter the Anchor Point after it has been moved, you can use the Anchor Point Tools described in this section. They work regardless of the Sub-Tool used, are supported for multi-selection, and let you recenter the Anchor Point for the Individual Bounding Boxes of hundreds of shapes.
Parenting and Additional Transformations Using Modifiers
Each item in the tree with transformation parameters can be parented to any other item that also has these parameters, whether it be another item in the Shapes container, or another layer.
The example below demontrates a Path in the Shapes Generator that is parented to another layer in the stack. Remember that parenting can only be performed in the Timeline; however, to speed up access to the Path in this panel, it's possible to right-click on the Path in the Selection Overview and select Reveal in Timeline.
Transform Modifiers
If these different Transform levels aren't enough, you can always add as many Transform Modifiers as you like, either on a layer Source or on its Transform group.
Remember that in most cases, all of these transformations are concatenated into a single one when rendered, so that only a single rasterization stage is required to avoid pixelization.