Merge Path tool in Adobe After Effects with animated motion paths

 

🎬 Merge Paths in Adobe After Effects: Explained Simply

In Adobe After Effects, the Merge Paths operation allows you to combine multiple shape paths into one using boolean operations like Add, Subtract, Intersect, etc.

It's very similar to Pathfinder in Illustrator — but made for shape layers in After Effects!

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🧩 What Is Merge Paths?

Merge Paths is an operation that lives inside a Shape Group. It lets you control how different paths interact with each other inside the same shape layer.

You can apply Merge Paths to shapes like:

• Rectangles

• Ellipses

• Polygons

• Custom Pen Tool paths

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📦 How to Add Merge Paths

1. Create a Shape Layer
   Use the Shape Tool or Pen Tool to draw two or more shapes in the same layer.

2. In the Timeline Panel, open:

   Shape Layer >
     Contents >
       [Shape Group] >
         Add ▼ > Merge Paths
   

3. You'll now see a Merge Paths option added below your shapes.

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⚙️ Merge Path Modes

Once you add Merge Paths, click on it to reveal these modes:

• Add – Combines all shapes into one.

• Subtract – Cuts the top shape from the bottom shape.

• Intersect – Only shows the overlapping area.

• Exclude Intersections – Shows all areas except where shapes overlap.

These modes help you control how shapes combine visually.

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✨ Animate With Motion Paths

You can animate individual shapes to move, scale, rotate, or even morph, and Merge Paths will update live based on their interaction.

✅ Example:

1. Draw two circles using the Ellipse Tool.

2. Move both into the same Shape Group.

3. Add Merge Paths and set to Intersect.

4. Animate the Position of one circle so it passes over the other.

🎥 As they animate, only the intersecting area will appear, creating cool revealing/masking effects.

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🌀 Bonus: Use Merge Paths + Trim Paths Together

You can combine Merge Paths with Trim Paths for awesome motion graphics effects like animated outlines, pie charts, or morphing transitions.

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💡 Pro Tips

• Merge Paths only work inside the same Shape Group.

• Not all shape types allow Merge Paths unless manually grouped.

• For morphing animations, try using Path keyframes inside each shape and animate their interaction with Merge Paths on.

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🧪 Creative Ideas

• Liquid Reveal Effects – Use Merge Paths with Intersect and animated circles.

• Shape Transitions – Animate multiple paths and morph their combination with Merge Paths.

• Custom Masks – Combine Subtract mode with motion to hide/reveal text or logos.