layer-space-transforms
Layer Space Transforms
thisLayer
Use layer space transform methods to transform values from one space to another, such as from layer space to world space.
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.
On this page, we’re going to use thisLayer as a sample on how to call these items, however note that any method that returns a Layer will work.
”From” & “To” Methods
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.
”Vec” Methods
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.
Methods
toComp()
thisLayer.toComp(point[, t=time])
Description
Transforms a point from layer space to composition space.
Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
point | Array (2- or 3-dimensional) | The point to convert |
t | Number | Optional. The time at which to sample the point at. Defaults to time. |
Type
Array (2- or 3-dimensional)
fromComp()
thisLayer.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.
Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
point | Array (2- or 3-dimensional) | The point to convert |
t | Number | Optional. The time at which to sample the point at. Defaults to time. |
Type
Array (2- or 3-dimensional)
Example
fromComp(thisComp.layer(2).position)toWorld()
thisLayer.toWorld(point[, t=time])
Description
Transforms a point from layer space to view-independent world space.
Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
point | Array (2- or 3-dimensional) | The point to convert |
t | Number | Optional. The time at which to sample the point at. Defaults to time. |
Type
Array (2- or 3-dimensional)
Example
toWorld.effect("Bulge")("Bulge Center")fromWorld()
thisLayer.fromWorld(point[, t=time])
Description
Transforms a point from world space to layer space.
Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
point | Array (2- or 3-dimensional) | The point to convert |
t | Number | Optional. The time at which to sample the point at. Defaults to time. |
Type
Array (2- or 3-dimensional)
Example
fromWorld(thisComp.layer(2).position)toCompVec()
thisLayer.toCompVec(vec[, t=time])
Description
Transforms a vector from layer space to composition space.
Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
vec | Array (2- or 3-dimensional) | |
t | Number |
Type
Array (2- or 3-dimensional)
Example
toCompVec([1, 0])fromCompVec()
thisLayer.fromCompVec(vec[, t=time])
Description
Transforms a vector from composition space to layer space.
Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
vec | Array (2- or 3-dimensional) | |
t | Number |
Type
Array (2- or 3-dimensional)
Example:
For a 2D layer:
const dir = sub(position, thisComp.layer(2).position);fromCompVec(dir)toWorldVec()
thisLayer.toWorldVec(vec[, t=time])
Description
Transforms a vector from layer space to world space.
Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
vec | Array (2- or 3-dimensional) | |
t | Number |
Type
Array (2- or 3-dimensional)
Example
Transform two different “Bulge Center” properties from the layer space of the layer the effect is applied to, to the world space of the comp the layers live in:
const p1 = effect("Eye Bulge 1")("Bulge Center");const p2 = effect("Eye Bulge 2")("Bulge Center");
toWorld(sub(p1, p2))fromWorldVec()
thisLayer.fromWorldVec(vec[, t=time])
Description
Transforms a vector from world space to layer space.
Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
vec | Array (2- or 3-dimensional) | |
t | Number |
Type
Array (2- or 3-dimensional)
Example
Convert layer #2’s position from world space to this layer’s space:
fromWorld(thisComp.layer(2).position)fromCompToSurface()
thisLayer.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.
Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
point | Array (2- or 3-dimensional) | The point to convert |
t | Number | Optional. The time at which to sample the point at. Defaults to time. |
Type
Array (2-dimensional)