How To Posterize Time Expression Position In After Effects

The posterize time After Effects feature, which allows you to divide time into specific ranges and have the effects stay in each range, gives you a lot of control and flexibility over your animation. Here's how to do it.

October 29, 2023
How To Posterize Time Expression Position In After Effects
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Adobe After Effects Posterize Time Via Expression

To enable the Posterize Time Expression, select the layer and open up its Transform Properties panel. Once there, open up the expressions menu and choose 'time>posterize Time' which will allow you to specify how many divisions between frames for that layer. With this feature, you can easily add dynamic movement to any visual project!

You might add the phrase posterizeTime(x) to certain properties, such as position, if you want those values to apply posterize time without impacting the others. where X is the desired FPS, for example 12.

Position field should look like this:

- posterizeTime(12);
- value

This will use the curve keyframes but output in 12 FPS.

Here Is A More In-Depth Explanation For The Beginners

Step 1: Selecting the Layer

The first step is crucial. In Adobe Premiere Pro, every visual element you work with is on a layer. Think of layers as sheets of paper stacked on top of each other. The layer you want to apply the Posterize Time Expression to needs to be selected. To do this:

  1. Navigate to the timeline at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Identify the layer you wish to work with. It will be represented as a horizontal bar.
  3. Click on it to ensure it's highlighted.

Step 2: Accessing Transform Properties

Once you've selected the layer, you'll need to dive into its Transform Properties. This is where you can manipulate how the layer behaves over time.

  1. Look to the left side of the screen where you'll find a section labeled "Effect Controls."
  2. Within "Effect Controls," find and click on the arrow next to "Transform" to expand its properties.

Step 3: Engaging the Expressions Menu

Expressions are powerful tools that allow you to apply specific behaviors to your layer. To access the expressions menu:

  1. Find the stopwatch icon next to the property you want to affect, such as "Position."
  2. Hold the 'Alt' key (or 'Option' key on Mac) and click on the stopwatch. This action will open up a text box below the property.

Step 4: Applying the Posterize Time Expression

Now, you're ready to apply the Posterize Time Expression. This expression lets you control the frame rate of your layer, giving it a unique, stylized look.

  1. In the text box you opened in the previous step, type in posterizeTime(x); where "x" is the frame rate you desire, for instance, 12.
  2. After the semicolon, hit 'Enter' or 'Return' on your keyboard and type value.

Your text box should now read:

scssCopy code
posterizeTime(12);
value

This means that even if your project is set to a higher frame rate, this layer will only update its position 12 times every second, giving it a distinct motion.

Step 5: Finalizing and Reviewing

With the expression applied, it's time to see the results.

  1. Close the "Effect Controls" panel.
  2. Play your sequence by pressing the spacebar.

You should notice that the layer you applied the expression to moves in a unique way, different from the other layers. This technique allows you to add a dynamic touch to your project, making certain elements stand out.

PS - you can also add a wiggle to your expression.