✏️ How to Use the Shape Tool in Adobe After Effects
In Adobe After Effects, the Shape Tool lets you create vector-based shapes like rectangles, ellipses, polygons, and stars. These are super useful for motion graphics, UI elements, lower thirds, or even custom masking effects.
🟪 Step-by-Step Guide to the Shape Tool
✅ 1. Where to Find It
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Go to the Toolbar at the top → Look for the rectangle icon.
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Shortcut Key: Press Q repeatedly to cycle through:
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Rectangle
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Rounded Rectangle
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Ellipse
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Polygon
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Star
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💡 Keep pressing Q until you land on the shape you want!
🎨 2. Drawing a Shape
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If no layer is selected, it will create a Shape Layer.
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If a layer is selected, it will create a Mask on that layer.
✅ TIP: Always deselect all layers before drawing to create an independent shape layer.
🛠️ 3. Customize the Shape Layer
After drawing your shape, expand the layer like this:
Shape Layer 1 >
Contents >
[Shape Name] >
[Path Type]
Stroke
Fill
Transform: [Shape Name]
Here you can:
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Adjust Size, Position, Roundness
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Change or remove Stroke and Fill
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Animate Position, Scale, Rotation, etc.
💡 4. Modify Fill & Stroke Easily
Use the top toolbar to adjust:
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Fill Color
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Stroke Color
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Stroke Width
Click the word “Fill” or “Stroke” to change them to:
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🎨 Solid Color
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🌈 Gradient
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❌ None
🔄 5. Animate Your Shape
Use keyframes (⏱️) for animation:
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Size
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Rotation
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Position
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Opacity
🧠 Bonus: Add expressions like
wiggle(2,30)for dynamic movement.
✨ 6. Add Shape Animators (Stylized Effects)
Click the small "Add" button inside the shape layer:
Add cool effects like:
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Trim Paths(draw-on effect) -
Wiggle Paths(rough edges) -
Repeater(duplicate and rotate) -
Round Corners(smooth edges)
📌 Bonus Pro Tips
✅ Hold Shift while dragging = perfect circle/square
✅ Hold Spacebar while dragging = move the shape as you draw
✅ Center shape perfectly:
→ Right-click shape layer → Transform > Center Anchor Point
→ Then use Align panel to center in comp
🎉 That’s it! You now know how to use the Shape Tool like a pro in After Effects. Great for creating custom designs, animations, and stylish visual elements!
