How do you create shapes from layers in After Effects?

In After Effects, you typically create shapes on shape layers using the dedicated shape tools.

You can create shapes using the shape tools (Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, or Star Tool) located in the After Effects toolbar. The outcome depends on whether a layer is selected in the Composition panel when you draw.

Creating Shapes Using Shape Tools

Shape creation in After Effects is primarily done by drawing directly in the Composition panel using one of the shape tools. There are two main scenarios:

1. Creating a Shape on a New Shape Layer

This is the default behavior when you start drawing with a shape tool without any layer selected in your composition.

• Process:
  1. Select one of the shape tools from the toolbar (e.g., Rectangle Tool).
  2. Ensure no layer is selected in the Timeline or Composition panel.
  3. Drag with the shape tool in the Composition panel.
• Result: After Effects automatically creates a new shape layer in your composition's Timeline panel, and the shape you drew appears on this new layer.

2. Creating a Shape on an Existing Shape Layer

If you already have a shape layer and want to add another shape to it, you must select that layer before drawing.

• Process:
  1. Select the existing shape layer in the Timeline panel.
  2. Choose your desired shape tool from the toolbar.
  3. Drag with a shape tool on the selected shape layer in the Composition panel.
• Result: The new shape you draw is added as a new "Shape" group within the selected shape layer's contents.

In summary, the way you create shapes that reside on layers in After Effects using shape tools is by drawing with the tool in the Composition panel. Whether it creates a new layer or adds to an existing one depends solely on whether a layer is selected before you begin dragging.