How do you add a star shape in After Effects?

Adding a star shape in Adobe After Effects is straightforward, primarily using the Shape Layer tools. Here's how:

Steps to Create a Star Shape

1. Deselect All Layers: Ensure no layers are currently selected in your Timeline panel. This is crucial so that After Effects creates a new shape layer instead of adding to an existing one.

2. Select the Star Tool: In the Toolbar (usually at the top of the After Effects interface), click and hold on the Rectangle Tool icon (it might show a different shape tool icon if that was the last tool used). A menu will appear, allowing you to select the "Star Tool" (also known as the Polygon Tool when its properties are adjusted).

3. Adjust Fill and Stroke: Before drawing, you can set the fill and stroke properties. In the Toolbar, click the Fill and Stroke color boxes to choose desired colors. You can also disable either the Fill or Stroke if desired. The options include:

   • Fill: Sets the color that fills the star. Can be solid, gradient, or none.
   • Stroke: Sets the color and width of the star's outline. Can also be none.

4. Draw the Star: Click and drag within the Composition panel to create your star. Holding down the Shift key while dragging will constrain the proportions, creating a perfect, upright star.

Modifying the Star Shape

Once you've drawn your star, you can adjust its properties within the Shape Layer.

1. Access Shape Properties: In the Timeline panel, expand the Shape Layer you just created. Then, expand "Contents," then "Polygon 1" (or similar, depending on the version of After Effects), and then "Polygon Path 1." Here, you'll find properties like:

   • Points: Change the number of points on the star (e.g., 5 for a classic star).
   • Inner Radius: Adjusts the depth of the star points.
   • Outer Radius: Adjusts the overall size of the star.
   • Roundness: Rounds the corners of the star points.
   • Rotation: Rotates the entire shape.
   • Position: Moves the object
   • Scale: Changes the size of the shape

2. Animation: These properties can also be animated, allowing you to create dynamic and interesting star shapes and effects.

Important Considerations

• No Layer Selected: Again, ensure no layers are selected when you draw the shape if you want to create a brand new shape layer.
• Shape Layers are Vector-Based: Shape layers are vector graphics, which means they can be scaled up or down without losing quality.
• Alternative Method: You can also create a star using Masks. Draw a Mask in the form of a Star on a solid color layer or footage.