The Repeater ESSENTIALS Part 2 | Adobe After Effects Tutorial

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore the effective use of the repeater function in Adobe After Effects, specifically focusing on the importance of grouping shapes. This guide is part two of a series dedicated to enhancing your skills with shape layers and repeaters. By mastering these techniques, you'll gain greater control over your animations and improve your workflow.

Chapter 1: Adding a Group to the Shape Layer

1. Create a New Shape Layer

   • Right-click in the timeline area.
   • Select New Shape Layer.

2. Add a Group

   • Open the new shape layer.
   • Add a new group and label it Shape 1.

3. Add a Rectangle and Stroke

   • Within the Shape 1 group, add a Rectangle.
   • Add a Stroke to the rectangle.

4. Add a Repeater

   • Important: Add the Repeater outside of the shape (within the group).
   • This setup allows for better control over the repeated shapes.

Chapter 2: Adjusting the Repeater Settings

1. Open Repeater Settings

   • Set the number of copies to 12.
   • Change the position to 0, 0.

2. Calculate the Rotation

   • Set the rotation value to 360 / number of copies.
   • For 12 copies, the rotation should be 30 degrees.

Chapter 3: Differentiating Transform Properties

1. Understand Transform Properties

   • The group has its own transform properties separate from the repeater and layer.
   • Adjust the position and scale at the group level, not the rectangle path level.

2. Adjusting Size vs. Scale

   • Size is measured in pixels (e.g., 50 pixels).
   • Scale is in percentages (e.g., 100%).

3. Create Visual Clarity

   • Ensure that the Fill is above the Repeater for proper visibility.

Chapter 4: Adding Master Groups

1. Create Animation Groups

   • Add another group and label it Animation 1.
   • Duplicate Shape 1 and the Repeater into Animation 1.

2. Modify Shapes in Groups

   • Change the rectangle in Animation 1 to an Ellipse.
   • Remove any unwanted strokes and adjust the fill color.

Chapter 5: Offsetting the Rotation of Master Groups

1. Adjust Rotation for Offset

   • Set the rotation for the second animation to half of the first animation's rotation. For example, if the first is 30 degrees, set this to 15 degrees.

2. Visual Adjustments

   • Change the size and color of the shapes to enhance visibility.

Chapter 6: Animating Transform Properties Using Expressions

1. Apply Expressions

   • For Shape 1:

     time * 50
     

   • For Animation 1:

     time * -25
     

2. Control Animation

   • Adjust transform properties in each group separately to create unique animations.

Chapter 7: Summary of Transform Properties

1. Understanding Different Transform Levels
   • Shape Group Transform Properties: Affects individual shapes within the group.
   • Repeater Transform Properties: Controls the overall layout and rotation of copies.
   • Animation Group Transform Properties: Affects the entire group including its repeater.
   • Layer Transform Properties: Applies to all contents in the layer.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you've learned how to effectively use the repeater in Adobe After Effects while understanding the significance of grouping shapes. This control will enhance your animations and streamline your workflow. For further learning, consider exploring additional resources or taking a comprehensive course on shape layers. Happy animating!