Layer Space Transforms

Description

Use layer space transform methods to transform values from one space to another, such as from layer space to world space. The from methods transform values from the named space (composition or world) to the layer space.

The to methods transform values from the layer space to the named space (composition or world). Each transform method takes an optional argument to determine the time at which the transform is computed; however, you can almost always use the current (default) time.

Use Vec transform methods when transforming a direction vector, such as the difference between two position values.

Use the plain (non-Vec) transform methods when transforming a point, such as position.

Composition (comp) and world space are the same for 2D layers. For 3D layers, however, composition space is relative to the active camera, and world space is independent of the camera.


toComp(point, t=time)

Description

Transforms a point from layer space to composition space.

Parameters

point

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)

t

Number

Type

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)


fromComp(point, t=time)

Description

Transforms a point from composition space to layer space. The resulting point in a 3D layer may have a nonzero value even though it is in layer space.

Example:

fromComp(thisComp.layer(2).position)

Parameters

point

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)

t

Number

Type

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)


toWorld(point, t=time)

Description

Transforms a point from layer space to view-independent world space.

Example:

toWorld.effect("Bulge")("Bulge Center")
..note::

Dan Ebberts provides an expression on his MotionScript website that uses the toWorld method to auto-orient a layer along only one axis. This is useful, for example, for having characters turn from side to side to follow the camera while remaining upright.

..note::

Rich Young provides a set of expressions on his AE Portal website that use the toWorld method link a camera and light to a layer with the CC Sphere effect.

Parameters

point

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)

t

Number

Type

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)


fromWorld(point, t=time)

Description

Transforms a point from world space to layer space.

Example:

fromWorld(thisComp.layer(2).position)

See Expression example: Create a bulge between two layers for an example of how this method can be used.

Parameters

point

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)

t

Number

Type

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)


toCompVec(vec, t=time)

Description

Transforms a vector from layer space to composition space.

Example:

toCompVec([1,0])

Parameters

vec

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)

t

Number

Type

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)


fromCompVec(vec, t=time)

Description

Transforms a vector from composition space to layer space.

Example (2D layer):

dir = sub(position, thisComp.layer(2).position);
fromCompVec(dir)

Parameters

vec

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)

t

Number

Type

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)


toWorldVec(vec, t=time)

Description

Transforms a vector from layer space to world space.

Example:

p1 = effect("Eye Bulge 1")("Bulge Center");
p2 = effect("Eye Bulge 2")("Bulge Center");
toWorld(sub(p1, p2))

Parameters

vec

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)

t

Number

Type

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)


fromWorldVec(vec, t=time)

Description

Transforms a vector from world space to layer space.

Example:

fromWorld(thisComp.layer(2).position)

Parameters

vec

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)

t

Number

Type

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)


fromCompToSurface(point, t=time)

Description

Projects a point located in composition space to a point on the surface of the layer (zero z-value) at the location where it appears when viewed from the active camera. This method is useful for setting effect control points. Use with 3D layers only.

Parameters

point

Array (2- or 3-dimensional)

t

Number

Type

Array (2-dimensional)