AE Scripting Guide example script

[Varangian]

I am trying to use the Apply Effect script code from the AE Scripting Guide pdf.

Problem is, for some reason, in the pdf there are weird extra spaces between many of the words & code that should not be there. Being a non-scripter I cannot find/fix the errors that are not obvious. english errors.

Would anyone be kind enough to furnish me with the complete code for a script that would apply an effect (any effect, since I can change that, I do know how to do that!)

thanks!

[lloydalvarez]

Don't have that guide to refer to, but here's some simple ways to apply effects, starting with the most simple:

This applies the "Levels" effect to the 1st layer in the active Comp:

Code: Select all

var myComp = app.project.activeItem;
var myLayer = myComp.layer(1);
myLayer("Effects").addProperty("Levels");

This applies the "Levels" effect to any selected layers

Code: Select all

var myComp = app.project.activeItem;
var selectedLayers = myComp.selectedLayers; 
for (var i = 0; i < selectedLayers.length; i++) { 
		var myLayer = selectedLayers[i]; 

myLayer("Effects").addProperty("Levels");
}

And this prompts you to enter the name of the effect, which it then applies to the selected layers in the active comp

Code: Select all

var myEffect = "Levels";
myEffect = prompt("What effect would you like to add", myEffect);
var myComp = app.project.activeItem;
var selectedLayers = myComp.selectedLayers; 
for (var i = 0; i < selectedLayers.length; i++) { 
		var myLayer = selectedLayers[i]; 

myLayer("Effects").addProperty(myEffect);
}

Hope that helps you out.. Also in AE7 you can now apply an Animation Preset through scripting which I have found more useful:

Code: Select all

var myFile = fileGetDialog("Select Animation Preset","");
var myComp = app.project.activeItem;
var selectedLayers = myComp.selectedLayers; 
for (var i = 0; i < selectedLayers.length; i++) { 
		var myLayer = selectedLayers[i]; 

myLayer.applyPreset(myFile);
}

-Lloyd

[Varangian]

this more than answers my question, thanks!