Creating Basic 2D Animation in Adobe After Effects

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Introduction: In this tutorial, we will cover the basics of 2D animation in Adobe After Effects, from setting up your composition to animating simple shapes. You’ll learn key animation principles, easing, and how to create smooth motion.

Steps:

Creating a New Composition
Start by setting up a new composition with the appropriate settings for your animation. Go to Composition > New Composition and select the dimensions and frame rate based on your project.
Drawing Shapes Using the Shape Tool
Use the Shape Tool to create basic shapes like circles and squares. These will be the foundation of your animation.
Adding Position Keyframes
To animate the shapes, we’ll add position keyframes. Select the shape layer, press P for Position, and click the stopwatch to add your first keyframe.
Animating the Shapes
Move to a later point in the timeline and drag the shape to a new position. After Effects will automatically add a keyframe for the new position.
Using Easing for Smooth Motion
Right-click on the keyframes, choose Keyframe Assistant, and select Easy Ease In/Out to make the animation smoother.
Previewing the Animation
Hit the spacebar to preview your animation. Adjust the keyframes and easing until the movement feels right.

Conclusion: By following these steps, you can create a simple 2D animation in After Effects. The basics of keyframing, easing, and motion control are essential skills for any animator.

Image to Accompany Article: Here’s a dynamic image showing a simple 2D animation timeline in After Effects, highlighting keyframes, easing, and the motion path of the shape.