Animated videos are so much in demand in the modern world. And it is not just used for entertainment, but also in marketing videos, educational videos, etc. Animation in itself has various types like 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, whiteboard animation, character animation, etc. 

Adobe After Effects is a software used by designers when they wish to create digital visual effects, motion graphics, etc., for making films, videos, and much more. There are many tools in after effects that can be used to make any sort of video editing or animation.  

In this blog, I will introduce you to the puppet tool in after effects. After reading this blog, you will understand how to use the puppet tool in after effects.

What is the Puppet Tool?

When it comes to character animation, the puppet tool is a fundamental tool in After Effects. The puppet tool is used to add animated movements to a static image. 

The user can manipulate the animation controls in After Effects using pins. The shape of the image changes depending on where you place the pins after applying the puppet effect. Animation can be controlled entirely by a single pin. Even if you wish to move a part of an image, you can use these pins.

The puppet tool adjusts the image's structure based on the placement and movement of the pins. Using these pins, you may control the characteristics of the images, such as the parts of the image which should move and the parts that remain static. 

During the initial pin creation process, a triangular mesh is formed in the outline region. Once the puppet tool has been applied, you'll be able to see the outline. 

You can use the Puppet tool to point to the area where the outline is located. The image's pixels will be linked to the mesh. When you select the puppet pointer, the pixels will move.

How to use the Puppet Tool in After Effects?

  • Step 1: You can choose an image or vector to add the puppet tool after effects. You can do this by first opening after effects, then going to Files. After this, you can import the file. Then choose the folder containing the image you want to work on.
How to use puppet tool in after effects step 1
  • Step 2: Now, the image you selected will be visible in the source panel. Next, you should drag down the image to the timeline section of the after effects software. 
How to use puppet tool in after effects step 2

Right now, the image looks static. With the help of the puppet tool, you can add motion to this image.

  • Step 3: Select the puppet tool and push the right portion icon available in the menu option. You will be able to move and wrap the image utilizing the pins applied to the image. 
How to use puppet tool in after effects step 3

As soon as you click on an image, a new pin is generated that can be used to create soft links. All of the linkages that can be used to keep a piece of an image from moving can be held in place by this soft joint.

  • Step 4: When placing the pins in key areas of the image, such as the beginning of the image, the middle region, and all of the important elements of the image that you will need to animate or move, be cautious not to overdo it. After effects will automatically place a keyframe on the newly inserted pins wherever the play head is at the time of the keyframe placement in the timeline.
How to use puppet tool in after effects step 4.1
How to use puppet tool in after effects step 4.2
How to use puppet tool in after effects step 4.3
  • Step 5: The pins will be placed in areas such as the middle joints, feather, neck, and head areas, and finally the tail area. Then we may make new keyframes, such as this one, in which you can see the bird attempting to stretch its wings. This will necessitate repositioning the keyframes.
How to use puppet tool in after effects step 5
  • Step 6: You can now smooth the key frames if the animation looks strange. To do so, select all of the deforming keyframes, right-click, and select Easy Ease from the menu. This procedure alters the animation and improves its appearance.
How to use puppet tool in after effects step 6
  • Step 7: You can utilize the motion graph editor by pressing Shift+F3 to improve the smoothness of the motion. When you press this key and open the motion graph, your animation will be as smooth as you desire. This effect can be used everywhere you want to add some movement to your visuals and make them more intriguing.
How to use puppet tool in after effects step 7

Wrapping Up

After Effects' Puppet feature allows you to turn static images into vibrant animations. Adding motions does not need complicated processes, and it is simple to do if you understand how to use the puppet tool. Start experimenting with the new tool and create stunning works of art.

The Puppet tool may make a tremendous impact in still designs by adding a touch of life-like movement that simple transforms couldn't quite match. This can be used in a variety of situations. Just keep in mind that modest movements will transfer nicely without being too artificial.

If you are looking to make motion graphics, this is a must know tool. I hope this blog helped you gain insights on using puppet tool in after effects. 

There are also many other things you can do in after effects like adding expressions, making beams, editing green screen video, masking in after effects, layers in after effects and many more. These can be used to create motion graphics and animation that can help create effective and interesting videos for your business. 

Are you stuck at making videos for your business? Feel free to contact us!

Frequently Asked Questions

The Puppet Tool in After Effects is a powerful feature used for creating character animations and deformations. To locate it, follow these steps:

  • Open your composition in After Effects.
  • In the Toolbar, look for the Puppet Pin Tool icon. It resembles a pushpin.
  • Click on the Puppet Pin Tool to activate it.
  • Once activated, you can apply puppet pins to layers in your composition.

Yes, After Effects includes a Puppet Tool. It's a versatile tool for adding puppet pins to layers, allowing you to create animations by manipulating and deforming specific areas of an image or footage.

To use the Puppet Tool in After Effects, here's a basic overview:

  • Select the layer to which you want to apply the puppet pins.
  • Activate the Puppet Pin Tool from the Toolbar.
  • Click on the layer to add pins to specific points or areas.
  • Move the pins to deform and animate the layer as needed. You can create animations by keyframing the positions of these pins over time.
  • Use the Puppet Starch Tool to control areas that need to remain rigid.

If you're experiencing issues using the Puppet Tool in After Effects, there are a few possible reasons. First, ensure that you have a layer selected in your composition, as the Puppet Tool can only be applied to layers, not the composition itself. Additionally, check if the Puppet Tool is enabled in the Toolbar. If you still can't use it, it's possible that there might be a software glitch or conflict. Try restarting After Effects or reinstalling it if necessary to resolve the issue.

Ajay Kumar is an expert in web testing. He writes about automated and manual testing, designing test cases, tracking bugs, and performance testing. His clear and helpful content makes testing easier to understand and helps improve software quality. Ajay’s dedication to his work makes his writing valuable for everyone.