U4L4 How To Use Expressions in After Effects

In this lesson you will learn the basics of how to use Expressions which are snippets of code that can be used to create animations without manually setting keyframes for every change.

Exercise Files:
https://dub.sh/aeugfiles

1. Introduction to Animation Methods
1. Keyframes vs. Expressions
1. Keyframes as the most common method.
2. Expressions as an alternative for more complex or automated animations.
2. Animating with Keyframes
1. Basic Keyframe Animation
1. Example: Rotating a logo 360 degrees using keyframes.
2. Steps: Setting keyframes at the start and end of the timeline.
3. Animating with Expressions
1. Creating the Same Animation with Expressions
1. Duplicating the layer and removing keyframes.
2. Adding expressions using the option/alt key and the stopwatch.
3. Example: Using the time expression to rotate the logo.
4. Expression Editor and Syntax
1. Expression Editor Basics
1. Similarity to text editors like Notepad or TextEdit.
2. Importance of semicolons in JavaScript code.
5. Comparison of Keyframes and Expressions
1. Visual Comparison
1. Setting up a comparison between keyframe and expression animations.
6. Managing Expressions
1. Revealing and Hiding Expressions
1. Keyboard shortcuts: 'U' for keyframes, 'EE' for expressions.
2. Using the Shy Guy feature to declutter the layers panel.
7. Identifying Expressions in Properties
1. Red Values Indicate Expressions
1. How to manually adjust and reset expression values.
2. Expressions in Presets
1. Recognizing and dissecting expressions in animation presets.
8. Adding Expressions to Properties
1. Process for Adding Expressions
1. Option/alt-clicking the stopwatch.
2. Using the expression language menu and pick whip.
9. Combining Keyframes and Expressions
1. Example: Animating Position with Keyframes and Rotation with Expressions
1. Adding expressions to properties that already have keyframes.
10. Common Expressions and Use Cases
1. Wiggle Expression
1. Syntax: wiggle(frequency, amplitude).
2. Example: Adding wiggle to position and rotation properties.
11. Using the Transform Effect
1. Adding and Duplicating Transform Effects
1. Example: Using transform effects to add additional properties.
12. Copying and Pasting Expressions
1. Efficient Expression Management
1. Steps: Copying and pasting expressions between properties.
13. Reviewing and Troubleshooting
1. Reviewing Animated Properties
1. Using the animation menu to reveal properties with animations.
2. Common Issues and Solutions
1. Placeholder expressions and their removal.
14. Practical Tips and Best Practices
1. Experimentation with Expressions
1. Encouraging the use of expressions for dynamic animations.
2. Combining Methods
1. Using both keyframes and expressions for versatile animation techniques.