function in a null layer

[jovial]

Hi all,

First post, here goes:

Can I write an expression as a function object in a null layer and then call that function from any other layer. Dividing an image into tens/almost hundreds of fragments in illustrator so only want to have to change one script which will be reflected in all subsequent layers. Is this possible?

Thanks for any help

[Dan Ebberts]

No, an expression can't call an external function. However, you have some options. You can change the expression in one layer and the use Edit>Copy Expression Only and then paste it into the other layers.

Or, you could write a script that modifies the expressions for all the layers at once based on a text file.

Dan

[jovial]

Hi Dan,

Pleasure to have you help me out. Motionscript is where my love of expressions all started.

Wasn't aware of the 'copy expression only' which I can see being a very helpful feature indeed.

The text file option, does that mean I can write an expression in a text file then link to that from a layer?

Thanks again.

[Dan Ebberts]

No, expressions can't read text files. You'd have to write a script that would read the text file and update your expressions.

Dan

[jovial]

Cheers. I'll look into it.