The easiest way to create a Progress Bar in After Effects

Forget using expressions, complex equations or animating a scale, if you want to convey the impression of a loading bar, video duration or even animating hand writing, then the simplest, quickest method is to use a Shape Layer's path and the Trim Paths feature.
In this quick tutorial, I demonstrate how to use a separate Shape Layer as a track matte for as many layers as you want. This bypasses any issues you might have trying to get a shape to scale in one direction only, such as a bar chart where the bars grow from the left to the right.
I go a little bit further and show how you can use the Linear expression to add additional effects like a lens flare. Rather than get lost in all the detail, I've provided a project file with all the examples shown here.
#AfterEffects #wipe #tutorial
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[@cantolitre]

It's always great stumbling accross your channel again. It reminds me of all the projects I've done that you've helped me with, thank you

[@ShiveringCactus]

Aww, thank you. That's made my day

[@passion_proh-jects]

Always great! Thank you!

[@ShiveringCactus]

Thank you

[@TheCatherineCC]

Very cool. If you included the link to the video with your demo files, it'd be super helpful,

[@ShiveringCactus]

Thank you. Which video do you mean?

[@TheCatherineCC]

@@ShiveringCactus To the youtube video. That way when we see the demo file in 6 months time because we need a progress bar, we can review the video and see the ways it's possible to manipulate it. I really appreciate you making AE more accessible. You do a great job with explaining things simply.

[@ShiveringCactus]

Slightly confused here, I included the demo files in the description: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/s21ftewbbw153svtjqyav/Progress-Bar-demo.zip?rlkey=4pifh94q41b207wwipkeagm30&st=woql2pq5&dl=1 Are you hoping for something more?

[@TheCatherineCC]

@@ShiveringCactus A shortcut to the youtube video in the zip file would be helpful.

[@faldor]

Could you not just move the anchor point? or is that shape layer thing?

[@ShiveringCactus]

Shape layers still scale from the middle, even after moving the anchor points, at least in my experience.

[@ROBOTRIX_eu]