Adding a Wave Warp effect in After Effects is a straightforward process that allows you to create realistic or stylized wave-like distortions on your layers.
Based on the provided reference, the Wave Warp effect is located under the distort category in After Effects. When applied to a layer, it will immediately generate a sine wave type of warp.
Here’s how you typically add and apply the effect:
Steps to Apply the Wave Warp Effect
- Select the Layer: First, make sure the layer you want to apply the wave warp to is selected in your composition timeline. This could be footage, text, a shape layer, etc.
- Open the Effects & Presets Panel: Navigate to the Effects & Presets panel. If you don't see it, you can open it via the menu:
Window > Effects & Presets. - Locate the Effect: In the search bar within the Effects & Presets panel, type "Wave Warp".
- Find the Distort Category: As highlighted in the reference, the Wave Warp effect is found under the Distort category. You can also browse through the categories manually to find it.
- Apply the Effect:
- Drag the Wave Warp effect directly from the Effects & Presets panel onto your selected layer in the timeline.
- Alternatively, with the layer selected, double-click the Wave Warp effect in the Effects & Presets panel.
What Happens When Applied?
According to the reference, applying the Wave Warp effect to a layer will immediately generate a sine wave type of warp. This means you will see a default wavy distortion on your layer as soon as the effect is added.
Adjusting the Wave Warp
Once applied, you will find the Wave Warp effect listed in the Effect Controls panel for your layer. This panel is where you can customize various parameters of the wave, such as:
- Wave Type (Sine, Square, Sawtooth, Noise, Smooth Noise)
- Height
- Width
- Direction
- Speed
- Phase
Tweaking these parameters allows you to control the appearance, motion, and intensity of the wave distortion to achieve your desired visual effect.
Summary Table
| Action | Panel/Location | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Select Layer | Timeline | Targets the effect application |
| Find Effect | Effects & Presets | Locates "Wave Warp" |
| Effect Category (Ref) | Distort | Where "Wave Warp" is found |
| Apply Effect | Effects & Presets -> Layer | Adds the effect to the layer |
| Initial Result (Ref) | Composition View | Immediately generates a sine wave warp |
| Customize Effect | Effect Controls | Allows modification of wave properties |
By following these steps and understanding the effect's location within the Distort category, you can easily add and begin working with the Wave Warp effect in After Effects.
