# Documentation Thanks for using my tools! Here you can find the comprehensive documentation. If you've found a bug or have any further questions or ideas don't hesitate to contact me via You can get most of my tools at [gumroad.com/arnebreusing](https://gumroad.com/arnebreusing) ### Disclaimer The tools I provide are always as is. I'm just a motion designer writing scripts in my free time and therefore the support I can give is somewhat limited. Although I try hard I also can't guarantee always working scripts. If you run into a problem or have found a bug, feel free to contact me via twitter or email. # What is RigtRect? {% embed url="" %} The RigtRect script for Adobe After Effects allows a simple and easy workflow for building dynamic and flexible layouts with a few clicks. Simply select the layer you want to rig, select the anchor point position and create the rig with the click of a button. #### Three rig types: 1. **RigtRect**: a shape layer rectangle spanning between two controller objects. 2. **RigtSource**: stretch your layers between two controllers. 3. **RigtFill**: constrain proportions while fitting the content of your layer into a rigged rectangle. These are native After Effects rig based on expressions and shape layers, which comes in quite handy when you create Motion Graphics Templates (.mogrt) or collaborate with others who don't have the script installed. The scipt is compatible with After Effects CC 2015 and above. ### Walkthrough {% embed url="" %} Get the script here: [gum.co/rigtrect](https://gum.co/rigtrect) ### Changelog #### Version 1.0 - 25.2.2020 * initial release # Installation How to install the After Effects script 1. Close After Effects 2. Drag the `RigtRect.jsxbin` file into Applications > Adobe After Effects \[version number] > Scripts > ScriptUI Panels 3. Start After Effects again 4. Open the script via Window > `RigtRect.jsxbin` at the bottom of the list. 5. You can now dock the panel into your workspace layout. # Functions ![RigtRect button, anchor point position selector & help button](https://4127023610-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LgrwpdIy2NXuWjh4qNa%2F-M0c0599gQMrLGZiapxY%2F-M0cJWXDkgQ38vDm-DBI%2Frigtrect_panel.png?alt=media\&token=9ab671db-f9ee-481b-9154-9162a2e23059) The script depends on the numbers of selected layers: #### No layer selected: The script will create a fresh RigtRect setup in the selected composition. \ [More info →](/rigtrect/functions/rigtrect) #### 1 layer selected: The selected layer will be rigged as RigtSource layer. [More info →](/rigtrect/functions/rigtsource) #### 1 layer selected + ALT click: The selected layer will be rigged as RigtFill (constrain proportions while scaling) layer. [More info →](/rigtrect/functions/rigtfill) #### 1 layer selected + SHIFT click: Fix a broken rig of the selected RigtRect or RigtSource layer. [More info →](/rigtrect/functions/repair-a-broken-rig) #### 2 layers selected: The script will create a new RigtRect between the two selected layers. {% hint style="info" %} These layers can be any layers that have a position property. {% endhint %} #### 3 layers selected: If the selection contains a RigtRect or RigtSource, the script tries to relink the rig to the other two layers. {% hint style="info" %} You can always change the handle layers in the RigtRect / RigtSource effect settings manually, but the 3 layers selection method is way more convinient. {% endhint %} # RigtRect RigtRect is short for rigged rectangle and it's basically a shape layer rectangle which spans between to layers. ![](https://4127023610-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LgrwpdIy2NXuWjh4qNa%2F-M0c0599gQMrLGZiapxY%2F-M0cJbhOQkg_EmtgwO6i%2Frigtrect_rigtrectfx.jpg?alt=media\&token=6806c753-e4ca-4d57-9eef-668c7772b008) ### Normal shape layer Due to the fact that a RigtRect is made of standard shape layers with an expression rig applied you can very easely style the rectangle with different fills and strokes. {% hint style="info" %} Add padding to your rigged boxes by using an "offset paths" effector. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} Rounded corners work better if you use the rounding option of the rigged rectangle, not by using the "rounded corners" effector. {% endhint %} The RigtRect is also compatible with allmost every After Effects installation, even if the script is not installed on your machine. This makes it a perfect fit for Essential Motion Graphic Templates (.mogrt). ### Anchor & Handle Layer The anchor layer determines the point from where the RigtRect layer is scaled and the handle layer defines the point where the RigtRect spans to. {% hint style="info" %} To keep the number of control layers as low as possible you can define the layer itself as its anchor layer. You then only need a handle layer for a working rig. The effect resets the anchor layer to itself. {% endhint %} ### Anchor Position This option is only used by the RigtSource right now. Unless you choose Center, the RigtRect will allways been drawn exactly between the two control layers. # RigtSource A RigtSource can be every After Effects layer with a bounding box: videos, still frames, shape layers, solids, nulls, texts, adjustment layers (no cameras, lights or sound layer). It is rigged with expressions to scale between to layers. If you need to keep the proportions of the content of a RigtSource, you need to create a [RigtFill](/rigtrect/functions/rigtfill) instead. ![](https://4127023610-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LgrwpdIy2NXuWjh4qNa%2F-M0c0599gQMrLGZiapxY%2F-M0cJgvPwk5QirGKL996%2Frigtrect_rigtsourcefx.jpg?alt=media\&token=ad47431a-b93f-4f79-a296-07cb717f5362) ### Anchor & Handle Layer The anchor layer determines the point from where the RigtSource layer is scaled and the handle layer defines the point where the RigtSource spans to. {% hint style="info" %} To keep the number of control layers as low as possible you can define the layer itself as its anchor layer. You then only need a handle layer for a working rig. The effect resets the anchor layer to itself. {% endhint %} ### Anchor Position Select the corresponding position of the anchor point with this drop down. If the RigtSource is flipped vertical or horizontal adjust the anchor position. # RigtFill Just like a RigtSource the RigtFill can be any After Effects layer with a bounding box. The RigtFill tries to fill out the area of its parent. Combined with a regular RigtRect as an alpha mask, the RigtFill is a perfect companion for responsive animations. {% hint style="info" %} The RigtFill can also be parented to any other layer (besides camera and audio layers). It allways fills out the space of its parent layer. {% endhint %} The difference to a RigtSource is the option to constrain the proportions while beeing scaled. ![](https://4127023610-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LgrwpdIy2NXuWjh4qNa%2F-M0c0599gQMrLGZiapxY%2F-M0cJl0X_EOhgkOhvIbf%2Frigtrect_rigtfillfx.jpg?alt=media\&token=8bf56a94-7890-4254-ac75-140a2a5dfec9) ### Maximize While this option is activated, the RigtFill layer covers the whole area of its parent layer. When deactivated the RigtFill stays within this area. To cover the whole area of the parent layer while staying within the bounding box, you can deactivate the maximize option and add a motion tile effect to enlarge the fill. {% hint style="warning" %} You can still modify the size of the RigtFill layer even if the scale property has an expression applied. {% endhint %} ### Adapt Proportions If you decide that you don't want to keep the proportions after you have succesfully set up and animated your RigtFill simply activate the "Adapt proportions" option and the RigtFill acts comparable like a RigtSource. ### Anchor Point Reposition the anchor point to left *(X -100%)*, right *(X +100%)*, top *(Y -100%)* or bottom *(Y +100%)* to scale the RigtFill from this point. # Repair a broken rig The script has a build in repair function if one of the rigged layers are accidentually broken (pseudo effect is missing or one expression missing etc.). Just select the layer with the broken rig, hold down the **shift key** and click the RigtRect button. The script will try to detect the layer and fix the rig. This function is also available within the [KBar support](/rigtrect/functions/kbar-support). ![](https://4127023610-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LgrwpdIy2NXuWjh4qNa%2F-M0c0599gQMrLGZiapxY%2F-M0cJoppV6BiHcgqpng4%2Frigtrect_broken-rig.jpg?alt=media\&token=ca750a84-a0ff-4c3e-9388-d629b013a160) # Settings ![](https://4127023610-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LgrwpdIy2NXuWjh4qNa%2F-M0c0599gQMrLGZiapxY%2F-M0cJtZKl3zGea4atU7c%2Frigtrect_settings.png?alt=media\&token=bdc9492a-1900-4f81-a245-5a72a9f26efc) In the about window you can read a short summary of the functions of the script and can change some settings: ### ❏ Separate dimensions on handle positions ### ❏ Monochrome interface # KBar Support ![](https://4127023610-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LgrwpdIy2NXuWjh4qNa%2F-M0c0599gQMrLGZiapxY%2F-M0cJz3QGx6kxQ0H63Bp%2Frigtrect_kbar-settings.png?alt=media\&token=2a0c5a12-ff21-4632-9ad4-02fcc1fbb5e9) The script has build-in support for the popular [kbar extension](https://aescripts.com/kbar/) by KraftyFX. Simply add the script as a jsx button and assign one of the following arguments. Leaving the argument field blank will create a regular RigtRect layer. `fill` creates a RigtFill rig from the selected layers. `repair` fixes the selected broken RigtRect or RigtSource layer. `skip` If you add this argument to one of the previous two, the script will skip the anchor point selection dialog box within the creation process and will use your last used option. The icons are included in the download package. Use the svg version to adjust the color with your graphic software of choice. # What is TextShapes? {% embed url="" %} Here is a quick overview of the script and its functions. {% endembed %} With TextShapes you can create background boxes and underlines with a single click. 1. Responsive & dynamic: TextShapes adapt and stick precisely to their parent layer. 2. Flexible: TextShapes are based on shape layers and therefore very customizable. 3. Fast: create TextShapes within miliseconds and animate them in no time wtih the convenient options. # Installation How to install the After Effects script 1. Close After Effects 2. Drag the `TextShapes.jsx` file into Applications > Adobe After Effects \[version number] > Scripts > ScriptUI Panels 3. Start After Effects again 4. Open the script via Window > `TextShapes.jsx` at the bottom of the list. 5. You can now dock the panel into your workspace layout. # Functions The script has two main buttons: TextBG and TextLINE To apply the effects, simply select the (text) layer(s) in your composition and hit the corresponding button. The script will create and adapt a shape layer, which is parented to your previously selected (text) layer. #### Parenting Once created you can change the parent of the TextBG or TextLINE shape layer at any time. The layer will then jump and change dynamicly to its new parent. #### Not just text layers The usage of the effect layers is not limited to only text layers. Any layer which has a bounding box (which is basically every layer except cameras and light since they don't have dimensions) can work as a parent layer for the effect layers. # TextBG After you created the Text Background you can change the main settings via the "textbg" effect on that layer. #### Shape layer Since this layer is technically a shape layer, you can add effects or animations like rounded corners via the shape layer menu :arrow\_forward: . #### Mask with Alt-Click By holding down the ALT key on your keyboard while pressing the TextBG button you automatically mask your selected layer to the new background box layer (which is quite helpful if you want to animate the box' scale). ## Options #### Padding Defines the outer space between the source layer and the background box. #### Scaling You can scale the width and the height of the background box independently. #### Scaling Anchor By default the box scales around the middle point. To relocate this scaling anchor point simply change the x and y slider. You can also easely reposition the background box by adapting these settings. #### Time Anchor {% hint style="info" %} The size of the TextBG is determined by the parent layers bounding box. If you animate the text, the bounding box changes dynamicly. {% endhint %} To fix the size to a certain point in time of the parent layer, simply disable the Live checkbox and modify the Static slider to your needs (0% = parents inPoint. 100% = parents outPoint). # TextLINE After you created the Text Line you can change the main settings via the textline effect on that layer. #### Shape Layer Since this layer is technically a shape layer, you can add effects or animations like trim paths via the shape layer menu :arrow\_forward:. #### Dynamic linking If you want to have mutliple lines on the same shape layer, simply duplicate the textline shape layer group and the "textline" effect. If the name of the group and the effect match, the group inherit its settings from the effect. Otherwise the settings falls back to the default "textline" effect settings. {% hint style="info" %} Thanks [Paul Schlemmer](https://paulslemmer.com/tools) for the idea behind the dynamic referencing. {% endhint %} ## Options #### Style Choose the position/style of the line. #### Padding Defines the distance between the line and the source layer. The padding tries to stay constant while changing the stroke width. {% hint style="warning" %} To keep this working, don't change the name "textline - Stroke" of the stroke. If you change the stroke (e.g. to a gradient stroke) rename the stroke back to "**textline - Stroke**". {% endhint %} #### Extension The line is to short? No problem, just extend it left (= start) and right (= end). #### Time Anchor {% hint style="info" %} The size of the TextLINE is determined by the parent layers bounding box. If you animate the text, the bounding box changes dynamicly. {% endhint %} To fix the size to a certain point in time of the parent layer, simply disable the Live checkbox and modify the Static slider to your needs (0% = parents inPoint. 100% = parents outPoint). # KBar Support ![](https://4127023610-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LgrwpdIy2NXuWjh4qNa%2F-LhULxDbtzV5yxUFU2TL%2F-LhUNP2k7JRJRi1mRaUh%2Fkbar_settings.png?alt=media\&token=7bd1adcb-3e54-4f7f-9b34-20291d7c8fd8) The script has built-in support for the popular K-Bar extension. Simply add the script as a jsx button and assign one of the following arguments: `textbg` creates a TextBG layer for the selected layers. `textbg masked` creates a TextBG layer for the selected layers, where the selected layers are masked by the new created background layers. `textline` creates a TextLINE layer for the selected layers. # Changelog ## Version 1.0 - 27.06.2019 * initial release