Simplest way to add several lines to a picture

[bask58871971w3]

Hi, I am pretty new to Adobe after effects, but one thing is taking me forever to find out.

Here is the situation: I have a picture.

I want to show it for a few seconds, then add some lines.

If I add a solid layer, the background is totally black. I can draw the line, but not see the picture underneath it.

I can adjust transparency of the complete layer, but then the line is also invisible.

What would be the simplest way to add a couple of lines to a picture?

tx!

[brian704]

You can draw a line on the image, or if you want to use a solid you can add masks to the solid to create the lines. Either will work, it depends what you want them to look like, and what you want to do with them.

[Jose Panadero]

Maybe you can achieve that with the Venetian Blinds effects (under Transitions Category) over the picture or over the solid layer.

[kirkeric]

You could build scan lines to add to the pictures and by spreading them out, achieve the desired thickness, etc.

I think that's what Jose was referencing with the Venetian effect.

Eric

[bask58871971w3 · Accepted solution]

This is what I do now:

File->Import->File (any picture) Drag picture to timeline

Layer->New-Shape Layer

Select Pen Tool (G)

Click at line beginning & line ending

Selection Tool (V)

Zoom in with (CTRL+) Drag begin and end of line to exact position

Click the triangle to show the contents of the shape layer

Open Shape 1 Set stroke / fill color and thickness etc.

You can hide the entire shape layer until needed in the timeline, or adjust the layers opacity at once, or per line.

Or you can set the opacity of the stroke and or fill to zero when not needed, sweep it up to 100 when needed.

Like this: Content->Shape 1->Stroke 1 click on the clock icon next to opacity, set opacity to 0 percent

Drag the timeline to where the line is needed.

Animation-> add opacity keyframe

drag timeline a little further set opacity to 100 percent

When the line is no longer needed,

Animation-> add opacity keyframe

drag timeline a little further set opacity to 0 percent

Also check the Fill 1 options, if needed.