User Guide

419

Chapter 15: Using Vector Paint

(PB only)

ector Paint is an effect you use directly within After Effects. You can apply the

Vector Paint effect to solid layers, to existing images on a layer, and to create

mattes. Each stroke is recorded in real time and can be animated and played back

in various ways.

Note: Vector Paint strokes are nondestructive, so painting and erasing actions affect only the

appearances on a layer; they do not alter the original source ﬁle of any image on the layer.

Most of the settings for Vector Paint appear in the Effect Controls window and the

Composition window. Many settings can be changed either before or after you paint a

stroke.

Vector Paint supports the Wacom and Creation Station tablets’ pressure-stylus and erase

functions. For more information, see “Conﬁguring a stylus for Vector Paint” on page 440.

When you use Vector Paint on a layer, you can start over at any time by deleting all

strokes or the Vector Paint effect itself. To delete the effect, select Vector Paint in the Effect

Controls window and press Delete or Backspace. For information about selecting strokes, see

“Selecting strokes” on page 424.

Working with vector-based strokes

Vector Paint uses high-quality, vector-based paint strokes that you draw in the Compo-

sition window. You cannot paint in a Layer window.

To paint on a layer:

1 Select the arrow tool ( ) in the After Effects Tools palette.

2 In either the Composition or Timeline window, select the layer on which you want to

paint.

UG.book Page 419 Wednesday, February 21, 2001 12:05 PM