Layers TV: Episode 54

Corey uses an After Effects stroke feature to create a traced outline effect.

• Open After Effects, import an image, create a new solid, and generate a stroke effect
• Change the layer to transparent
• Trace the image with the pen tool and create an outline of paths
• For help with using the pen tool, check out Corey’s course on Kelby Training
• Use a combination of transparency and keyframes to animate the paths in and the image back behind them

RC answers some viewer questions about installing and using a Dreamweaver plugin called Lightbox 2 that displays your photos on the web.

• RC’s rule of thumb: Don’t code if you don’t have to. Use the tools instead
• Download Lightbox 2 for free at Huddletogether.com
• Put the application onto your server in its own folder
• Define a new site in Dreamweaver and set the folder with Lightbox2 as the root folder
• Upload the local version of the site onto your server, including an image you want to display
• Copy and paste a couple lines of code into a test page
• Upload the local version of the site onto your server
• Create a thumbnail of your image and link to the original version. Then add a bit of code in from Lightbox2
• Push the page up to the server and it’s ready to view on the web

Contest Winner
RC and Corey have decided that the weekly contest winner from Layers TV will be announced in RC’s blog post. Remember when you submit your answer in the contact form to choose Layers Blog from the drop-down menu. Be sure to check the front page post for the name of this week’s winner and tune in to this week’s episode to find out what the contest question and prizes are.