Puppet Pin Tool

A quick guide on how source Vector images and to use the Puppet Pin Tool to create movement of an image.

If you need to source an image, Vecteezy.com is a good place to start.....

Enter a subject for the image you are searching for.

This will provide a search on what images are available.

You can use any of the Free images as long as you include a credit in your work.

Select the Free Download option.

This will download a Zip folder which will contain an .AI (Adobe Illustrator) file.

Open Adobe Illustrator

Create a new file with HDTV1080 settings.

And open your downloaded file.

Using the second selection (arrow) tool, click on the background and then press delete on the keyboard to remove the background

Click on the image you want to use, so that the image outline is highlighted.

Copy and paste this image into a new AI file.

Using the first selection (arrow) tool, you can resize the image.

Save the file once you are happy with the size etc.

Using the Puppet Pin Tool

Open After Effects and import the AI file (retaining layers).

This will create a folder containing the .AI file which will then be used in your composition

Select the Puppet Pin Tool

Click on the part of the image you want to move, creating a yellow pin marker.

But also click on other parts of the image so that the rest of the image holds it shape.

With the blue playhead at the point where you want the movement to start on the timeline, press & hold CMD whilst clicking on the pin you want to move and start moving that part of the image whilst the playhead moves across the timeline.

The effect will be added to the layer and creates the keyframes automatically for the movement you are creating by moving the pin marker.

You can scroll down through the effect controls to see the individual keyframes and then edit the keyframes as you would normally.

When you playback your composition, it should now include the movement...........

pig tail.mp4

Written by LA

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