What It Does
Shape Motion generates motion paths in predefined geometric shapes. Instead of hand-keying circular or polygonal movements, select a layer, pick a shape type (circle, rectangle, polygon, heart, astroid, or loop), and the plugin creates the motion path with a control null for post-generation tweaking.
The workflow is fast: choose the layer and property to animate (position or any 2+ value property), select a shape, click create. After Effects adds a control null with animatable parameters.
Key Features
Six shape types. Circle, rectangle, multi-sided polygon, heart, astroid, and loops. Each type produces a different motion profile, useful for anything from orbital title animations to character path planning.
Control null with live parameters. After generating a path, you get a control layer with effects for radius, speed, number of sides (for polygons), easing, beginning and ending points, rotation, and scale. All animatable, so you can change the path behavior mid-comp without redoing it.
Works on positions or custom properties. Not limited to layer position. Apply shape motion to any property with two or more values, like effect point controls or anchor points.
The plugin includes full property descriptions in the download, explaining what each control does.
Who It’s For
Motion designers repeating circular or geometric animations will save time here. Works well for looping graphics, orbital motion around centers, or anything requiring precise geometric paths without manual keyframing.
Pricing
Shape Motion uses a pay-what-you-want model. You can download it for free or contribute what you feel it’s worth. The developer suggests $39.99 as a reference price.
