You can add points to a shape in After Effects by using the Pen Tool while hovering over the shape's path. A "+" symbol will appear next to the cursor, indicating that clicking will add a new point.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Select the Shape Layer: In your Composition panel or Timeline panel, ensure that the specific shape layer you want to modify is selected.
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Activate the Pen Tool (G): Choose the Pen Tool from the toolbar (it looks like a fountain pen nib). You can also press the "G" key to quickly select it.
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Hover Over the Path: Position the Pen Tool cursor over the existing path of the shape where you want to add a new point. Important: Make sure you are hovering over the line of the shape, not inside or outside of it.
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Identify the Add Point Indicator (+): When you hover over the path correctly, you'll see a plus sign (+) appear next to the Pen Tool cursor. This signifies that clicking will add a new vertex (point) to the shape.
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Click to Add the Point: Click on the path where you want the new point to be located. This will add a new vertex at that position, altering the shape.
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Adjust the Point (Optional): After adding the point, you can use the Selection Tool (V) to click and drag the new point to reposition it and refine the shape further. You can also adjust the tangents of the point, if present, to control the curves around it.
Key Considerations:
- Closed vs. Open Paths: The process is the same for both closed shapes (like rectangles or circles) and open paths (like lines).
- Masks: You can also add points to masks using the same method. Just make sure the mask is selected, not the layer itself.
- Precision: Zoom in for finer control when adding points to ensure accurate placement.
