Changing shape color dynamically

[pbretz]

Hi,

I’ve read through this thread “Re: Changing text color dynamically using Google spreadsheet” and am wondering if the same approach can be used for implementing dynamic color changes to shapes in an AE file?

Pete

[Jeff]

@pbretz

It’s relatively similar but actually a bit easier with Shape Layers. Since Shape Layers intrinsically have a “Color” property under the “Fill” section, there’s no need to add a Fill Effect to the layer. You can simply add the Expression directly to the “Color” value.

Adobe has also added a more streamlined Expression that can convert hex codes to the RGB values needed to determine a layer’s color. This Expression:

hexToRgb(""+thisComp.layer("layername").text.sourceText+"")

should perform the same function as the Expression referenced in the previous post. The layername value will need to be swapped out for the name of the text layer with the hex information you’d like to use for the fill. Other than that, it should work the same.

Let us know if you run into any issues, and we’ll see what we can do to help.

Thanks!