How to Animate a Dotted Line in After Effects

Learn how to create and animate a dotted line in After Effects using shape layers, stroke settings, and simple animation techniques.

Introduction

Animating a dotted line is a simple yet effective technique often used in motion graphics, maps, UI animations, and explainer videos. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create a dotted line and animate it smoothly using shape layer properties in After Effects.

Step 1: Create a New Composition

Create a new composition with the resolution and frame rate you need for your project. Step 2: Draw the Line

Select the Pen Tool (G) and draw a line in the Composition panel.

Set Fill to None
Choose a Stroke color
Set the Stroke Width as needed

Step 3: Adjust Stroke Settings

Open the shape layer properties and go to Stroke settings:

Set Line Cap to Round Cap
Set Line Join to Round Join
Under Dashes, click the “+” button to enable dashed strokesStep 4: Create and Animate the Dots

Adjust the dash settings:

Set Dash to 71
Set Wave Amount to 60 (optional)
Animate the Offset parameter:

0 at the start of the composition

770 around the middle of the composition

This creates the animated dotted line movement.

Step 5: Customize the Look

Add effects from Effects & Presets, such as Glow, to enhance the dotted line.

Experiment with colors
Adjust the stroke width
Try multiple Glow effects for a stronger visual style

Step 6: Preview the Animation

Preview your animation and fine-tune the timing and visual style as needed.Conclusion

Animating a dotted line in After Effects is a fast and flexible technique that works well for many motion design scenarios. By animating the Stroke Offset and customizing effects, you can easily create clean and dynamic dotted line animations.