Trim Path in Adobe After Effects – Complete Guide

Absolutely! Here's a full breakdown of Trim Paths in Adobe After Effects, one of the most powerful tools for creating beautiful line animations, reveals, and morphing effects with shape layers.

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✂️ Trim Path in Adobe After Effects – Complete Guide

🔍 What is Trim Paths?

Trim Paths is a shape layer animator that lets you reveal or hide parts of a shape's path over time. It’s perfect for:

• Drawing outlines

• Animated logos

• Line reveals

• Circular loading animations

• Signature effects

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🧰 Where to Find Trim Paths

1. Create a Shape Layer
   Use the Shape Tool (e.g., Ellipse, Rectangle, or Pen Tool).

2. Open the shape in the Timeline:

   Shape Layer >
     Contents >
       [Shape Group] >
         Add ➕ >
           Trim Paths
   

Now you'll see:

Trim Paths 1 >
  Start
  End
  Offset

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⚙️ How Trim Paths Works

Property	Description
Start	Defines where the visible path begins (0% = start of the shape)
End	Defines where the visible path ends (100% = full shape)
Offset	Rotates the trimmed section along the path

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✨ Common Use: Line Reveal Animation

1. Set End to 0% at the first keyframe

2. Move forward in time and set End to 100%

3. The shape will appear to draw itself

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🔁 Creative Motion Ideas

• Animate Start and End together → Stroke shrinking or growing

• Use Offset → Circular rotating loader

• Add Stroke + No Fill → Creates clean line animations

• Combine with Repeater or Wiggle Paths for wild effects

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💡 Pro Tips

• Combine with Repeater for complex looping animations

• Use Easy Ease (F9) on keyframes for smooth motion

• Add Glow to stroke layer for futuristic effects

• Try Motion Blur for dynamic energy in fast animations

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🖌️ Use Case Examples

• Signature Reveal Animation ✍️

• Logo Outline Drawing ✒️

• Circular Progress Bars ⏳

• Line Paths in Explainer Videos 🧭