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How do you make a gradient rectangle in After Effects?

Published in After Effects Gradients 3 mins read

Creating a gradient rectangle in After Effects is straightforward using the Shape Layer options. Here's how you do it:

Steps to Create a Gradient Rectangle

  1. Create a New Shape Layer:

    • Go to Layer > New > Shape Layer. This will add a new shape layer to your composition.

  2. Add a Rectangle:

    • Select the Rectangle Tool from the toolbar (or press Q repeatedly until you get the rectangle tool).
    • Click and drag on the composition panel to create a rectangle. You can adjust its size and position later.

  3. Add a Gradient Fill:

    • In the shape layer's properties, find the Add button.
    • Click on Add and select Gradient Fill. This will add a default gradient to the rectangle.

  4. Adjust the Gradient:

    • Access Gradient Controls: Expand the Gradient Fill properties. You will see options for start and end colors, and the start and end points for the gradient.
    • Change Colors: Click on the color swatches to change the start and end colors of the gradient. You can choose any color you like.
    • Animate Start and End Points: You can change the start and end points of the gradient by clicking and dragging the handles in the composition panel, or adjusting the Start of Gradient and End of Gradient properties directly in the timeline. This allows you to animate the gradient's position, direction and length.
  • Practical Insight: The reference states, "Just like with the gradient fill you can change and animate the start and end point in the property. Or use the handles." This highlights that you can directly manipulate the gradient using handles on the composition, which provides an intuitive and flexible way to manage and animate your gradient.
  1. Optional: Gradient Stroke:
  • You can add a gradient to the stroke of your rectangle in the same way you add a gradient fill. Just add a Gradient Stroke option to the shape.
  • According to the reference "And you have the same options for the stroke. Let's use different colors." This shows you have the same colour and start/end point manipulation for the stroke, in case you want to outline your rectangle with a gradient.

Summary Table

Step Action
1. Create Shape Layer Layer > New > Shape Layer
2. Add Rectangle Select Rectangle Tool (Q), click and drag on the composition.
3. Add Gradient Fill In the shape layer's Add button, select Gradient Fill
4. Adjust Gradient Change colors, move handles to animate gradient using the Gradient Fill properties
5. Optional Gradient Stroke Add a Gradient Stroke to the rectangle's properties to add gradient stroke.

By following these steps, you'll have a visually appealing gradient rectangle in After Effects that can be further customized and animated.

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