Circular Motion - After Effects Preset - Bartlomiej Otlowski

Circular Motion is a powerful preset that enables users to create perfect circular motion within their After Effects compositions. This incredible tool utilizes sine and cosine motion waves to generate smooth and precise circular movement, making it an ideal option for creating dynamic animations and special effects.

One of the benefits of the Circular Motion preset is its versatility. You can use it on the X, Y, and Z-axis, making it incredibly flexible. Whether you need to create a simple spinning element or a complex motion design scene, Circular Motion can help you easily achieve your goals.

The preset’s auto-orientation function is another feature that makes it stand out. This function allows you to create spirals and solar systems that look realistic and convincing. You can easily adjust the orientation of your object as it moves in a circular motion, making it look like it’s rotating on its axis.

Three dimensions

Create circular motion in a three-dimensional space. Rotate layers around the XY-plane, YZ-plane, and XZ-plane.

Auto or Manual

The layer moves automatically based on the Speed value (degrees per second). If you want to animate the layer’s position manually, set up Speed to 0 and the keyframe Start Angle controller.

Start Angle

You can easily adjust the motion by setting a start angle.

Auto Rotation

The Auto Rotation setting lets you choose between automatic rotation along the path or maintaining object orientation.

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DOWNLOAD

The Circular Motion preset is available for free. Just type $0 in the input field. However, if you’d like to show your appreciation, share this tool on your social media instead of buying me a virtual coffee. Together we build the motion designer’s community.

How to install

Download the Circular Motion preset ZIP file
Extract it
Copy/paste Bartlomiej Otlowski folder* to:
- Windows: Program Files\Adobe\Adobe After Effects\Support Files\Presets
- macOS: Applications/Adobe After Effects/Presets
Refresh List in the Effects & Presets panel or restart your After Effects.
Before you use this preset check if you have JavaScript enabled
- File -> Project Settings -> Expressions -> JavaScript

*If you already have a Bartlomiej Otlowski folder, you can merge it or paste the preset inside this folder.

How to use Circular Motion

Circular Motion is incredibly easy to use, even if you are new to After Effects. The preset comes with a user-friendly interface designed to be intuitive and straightforward. With just a few clicks, you can adjust the settings and create stunning animations to impress your audience. You can find the Circular Motion preset in the Effects & Presets panel. Type “Circular Motion” in the search bar or twirl down the *Animation Presets menu. Drag and drop the preset or double-click with the selected layer.

Select the layer
Type ‘Circular Motion’ in the search bar of the Effects & Presets window
Apply the Circular Motion preset to the selected layer
Adjust settings

Note: Center XY point controller works fine with Shape Layers. With other layers, it freaks out and you have to type/slide position values. To make your life easier, you can set the radius to 0 to locate Center XY.