Section 4.1: Lesson Introduction

Once you’ve finished this section, proceed to the next lesson.

Welcome back to the Power of Shape Layers, Section 4: Basic Animation Tools.

I’ve broken animation tools into two groups: basic and advanced. Basic animation tools are those that have a few settings and add some alteration to your shape, such as twisting a line, rounding a corner, or affecting the integrity of a shape. While these are basic animation tools, they can yield some impressive results. Advanced animation tools include those with more intricate and complex settings, such as Trim Paths and the Repeater. The possibilities are virtually endless with these animation tools.

Animation tools are used to create motion graphic designs, such as HUD elements, animated boxes, bursts, moving icons, and so much more. In this and the next lesson, you’ll learn how to bring your motion designs to the next level. The key to getting used to working with Animation Tools is “experimentation.” I’m going to show you how these Animation Tools work and we’ll go through some tutorials at the end of this course where we apply these Animation Tools, but I highly recommend that you experiment with them all in order to truly master them.

Don’t get overwhelmed. We will cover each animation tool completely and thoroughly. There is a lot to get through, so let’s dive right in.