After Effects Apprentice, by Meyer Chris Meyer Trish

Author:Meyer, Chris, Meyer, Trish
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Published: 2013-02-27T16:00:00+00:00

Expressions 101

The geek explanation of expressions is that it's a JavaScript-based programming language that allows you to manipulate time-based streams in After Effects. The artist explanation is that it's an easy way to make any keyframeable parameter react to what another parameter is doing – such as having two layers rotate or scale together without having to copy and paste keyframes between them.

Although expressions can be very deep and powerful, in reality the majority of expressions are very simple and therefore easy to create. Indeed, After Effects does most of the work for you: In many cases, all you have to do is literally point one parameter to another using the pick whip tool. Beyond that, the most common task you will need to do is add little bits of math such as “times two” or “minus 180.” We will also show you three simple functions (basic pieces of code) that will come in handy time and again. Not only will expressions save you a lot of time and tedium, they often inspire new animation ideas – something both geeks and artists can get enthused about.

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