Expressions

Expressions

Expressions

Expressions are very cool. You can use them to create

amazing procedural effects that would otherwise be

impossible (or at least impractical). You can also use them

to create complex relationships between various parameters.

Unfortunately, many After Effects users are afraid of

expressions. Don’t be.

The fact that you’re reading this chapter indicates that you

are at least curious about expressions. That’s a good start.

By the end of the chapter, you’ll see how expressions can

open new doors for you, and, hopefully, you’ll have the

confi dence to give them a try.

The best way to learn about expressions is to examine

working examples to fi gure out what makes them tick. The

examples in this chapter focus on how you can use expressions

to create or control effects.

As you work through the examples (don’t be discouraged if

you need a couple passes to understand it all), please keep

in mind that I’m mainly a code guy—not a special effects or

motion graphics artist. My examples may not be very visually

impressive, but using these same techniques, I’m convinced

that you’ll be able to create your own dazzling effects.