Eye Rig in After Effects with Shape Layers

Max Kravchenko

Motion Designer & Tutor

In this quick tip, we will create the eye rig inside one shape layer.

To do that, you will understand how to deal with the merge path modifier and its parameters. Besides that, we will use the slider controls. It will help you to adjust the parameters with your customizable controls.

Creating Eye Rigs in After Effects: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this guide, we’ll explore how to create eye rigs in After Effects, allowing you to bring life and expression to your animated characters. Follow these easy steps to master the art of animating eyes seamlessly.

Prerequisites

Before we start, ensure you have the following:

• After Effects installed on your system.
• Basic knowledge of After Effects interface and keyframes.

Step 1: Set Up Your Composition

1. Open After Effects and create a new composition.
2. Set the duration and dimensions according to your project requirements.
3. Import your character illustration or footage into the composition.

Step 2: Create Eye Layers

1. Duplicate your character’s eyes layer to have separate layers for each eye.
2. Rename the layers for clarity, like “Left Eye” and “Right Eye.”

Step 3: Set Anchor Points

1. Select the “Pan Behind Tool” (Y) from the toolbar.
2. Adjust the anchor points of each eye layer to the center of the eye.

Step 4: Use Null Objects for Control

1. Create two null objects (Layer > New > Null Object).
2. Rename them as “Left Control” and “Right Control.”
3. Parent the “Left Eye” to “Left Control” and “Right Eye” to “Right Control.”

Step 5: Rigging the Horizontal Movement

1. Select the “Left Control” null object.
2. Press ‘P’ to open Position property.
3. Create a keyframe at the beginning.
4. Move to the end of your animation and adjust the X-position to simulate eye movement.
5. Easy Ease the keyframes for a natural motion (F9).

Repeat the process for the “Right Control” null object.

Step 6: Rigging Vertical Movement

1. Press ‘R’ to open Rotation property for each control null.
2. Create keyframes for the start and end of your animation.
3. Adjust the rotation values to simulate blinking or looking up/down.
4. Apply Easy Ease to these keyframes as well.

Step 7: Add Pupils or Iris Layers

1. Create separate layers for pupils or irises.
2. Parent them to the corresponding eye layers.
3. Adjust the size and position for a realistic look.

Step 8: Fine-Tune and Preview

1. Play back your animation to ensure smooth eye movement.
2. Tweak keyframe timings or values if needed.
3. Preview your animation regularly to check for realism.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created eye rigs in After Effects, adding a dynamic element to your character animations. Experiment with different movements and expressions to bring your characters to life. Happy animating!