A Complete Guide to Rounding Edges in After Effects

Introduction to Rounding Edges in After Effects

Rounding edges in After Effects allows you to give shapes, layers, and even video or photo assets a smooth, professional appearance. Whether you’re designing motion graphics or editing videos, rounded edges can add a subtle yet impactful aesthetic to your projects. This guide covers various methods to round edges, from working with shapes to applying effects to media layers.

Step 1: Create a New Composition

To start, open After Effects and create a new composition. Go to Composition > New Composition, set your desired resolution and duration, and click OK. This composition will be your workspace for creating shapes and editing layers with rounded edges.

Step 2: Choose a Shape Tool and Create a Shape

Select a shape tool(Q) from the toolbar at the top of the After Effects interface. You can use various tools to create different shapes:

Star Tool: After drawing a star, expand its properties in the timeline panel. Go to Contents > Polystar 1 > Polystar 1 Path and adjust the Inner Roundness and Outer Roundness sliders to achieve your desired rounded effect. Polygon Tool: Expand the shape’s properties and navigate to Contents > Polystar 1 > Polystar 1 Path. Modify the Outer Roundness parameter to round the edges of the polygon. Rounded Rectangle Tool: To create a rectangle or square with rounded corners, directly choose the Rounded Rectangle Tool (available in the shape tools dropdown). This tool automatically generates a shape with adjustable corner roundness.Step 3: Round Edges for Photos or Videos

If you want to round the edges of a photo or video:

Import Your Media: Go to File > Import > File, select your image or video, and drag it onto the timeline. Add a Shape Layer: Create a rounded shape that matches the size and position of the media layer.Apply a Track Matte: In the timeline, locate the Track Matte column for your media layer and set it to Alpha Matte (Shape Layer). This applies the rounded shape as a mask for your media, giving it rounded edges. Step 4: Preview Your Composition

Press the Spacebar to preview your composition. Check that the rounded edges appear as intended, and make any necessary adjustments to the roundness or alignment of shapes and layers.Step 5: Render Your Final Output

Once you’re satisfied with the results, render your project. Go to Composition > Add to Render Queue, adjust the render settings as needed, and click Render to export your video with perfectly rounded edges. Conclusion

Rounding edges in After Effects is a simple yet effective way to enhance the visual appeal of your projects. Whether you’re working with shapes, layers, or media assets, the steps outlined in this guide give you the flexibility to achieve professional, polished results. Experiment with different shapes, roundness values, and compositions to find the perfect look for your designs.