Six After Effects expressions every motion artist should know
The expressions we drill in our Motion Graphics programme — small, but they pay for themselves on every shot.
Expressions aren't code in the intimidating sense — they're the cheat codes for keyframe-free motion. Six that every motion student should commit to muscle memory:
1. wiggle(freq, amp)
The single most-used expression in motion design. Randomized motion in one line. Use it for camera shake, organic drift, anything that should feel alive without a hand-keyframe pass.
2. loopOut("cycle")
End your keyframes. Apply loopOut("cycle") to any animated property and you have an infinite loop with zero extra work.
3. time * speed
Constant-velocity rotation, scroll, or marquee — value + (time * 60) on a rotation property gives you 60°/second forever.
4. linear() / ease()
Map one property's range to another. The backbone of "this lays out when that scrolls" motion.
5. valueAtTime(t)
Sample a property at a different time. Trail effects, delays, follow-throughs all start here.
6. sourceRectAtTime()
Auto-fit shape layers around text. Backgrounds that resize themselves. Saves you from hand-tweaking every retitle.
Get fluent in these six and your shot count per day will go up — every time.
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