Shape layers contain vector graphics objects called shapes. By default, a shape consists of a path, a stroke, and a fill.

You create a shape layer by drawing in the Composition panel with the shape tools or the Pen tool.

There are two varieties of shape paths: parametric shape paths and Bezier shape paths. Parametric shape paths are defined numerically, by properties that you can modify and animate after drawing, in the Timeline panel. Bezier shape paths are defined by a collection of vertices (path points) and segments that you can modify in the Composition panel. You work with Bezier shape paths in the same way that you work with mask paths. All mask paths are Bezier paths.

You can modify a shape path by applying path operations, such as Wiggle Paths and Pucker & Bloat. You apply a stroke to a path or fill the area defined by a path with color by applying paint operations.

Shape paths, paint operations, and path operations for shapes are collectively called shape attributes. You add shape attributes using the Add menu in the Tools panel or in the Timeline panel. Each shape attribute is represented as a property group in the Timeline panel, with properties that you can animate, just as you do with any other layer property. (See About animation, keyframes, and expressions.)

Shape layers are not based on footage items. Layers that are not based on footage items are sometimes called synthetic layers. Text layers are also synthetic layers and are also composed of vector graphics objects, so many of the rules and guidelines that apply to text layers also apply to shape layers. For example, you can’t open a shape layer in a Layer panel, just as you can’t open a text layer in a Layer panel.

You can save your favorite shapes as animation presets. (See Save an animation preset.)

To see a video tutorial introducing shape layers, go to the Adobe website at www.adobe.com/go/vid0224.

To see a video tutorial on animating shapes, go to the Adobe website at www.adobe.com/go/vid0225.