AfterEffects

Example: Create a bulge between two layers

This example expression synchronizes the Bulge Center argument of the Bulge effect in one layer with the position of another layer. For example, you can create an effect that looks like a magnifying glass moving over a layer, with the contents under the magnifying glass bulging as the lens (that is, the overlying layer) moves. This expression uses the fromWorld method, which makes the expression work correctly regardless of whether you move the magnifying glass layer or the underlying layer. You can rotate or scale the underlying layer, and the expression stays intact.

You can also use other effects, such as Ripple, with this expression.

  1. Start with two layers. Make one layer a magnifying glass or similar object with a hole in the middle and name it Magnifier. (See Creating layers.)
  2. Animate the position of the magnifying glass layer. (See Creating and modifying motion paths.)
  3. Apply the Bulge effect to the other layer. (See Apply an effect or animation preset.)
  4. Select the Bulge effect’s Bulge Center property in the Timeline panel and choose Animation > Add Expression, or Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (Mac OS) the property’s stopwatch button.
  5. Select the default expression text and type the following: 
      fromWorld(thisComp.layer("Magnifier").position)