Is this something or nothing?

We try to use native Ae functionality whenever possible. Unfortunately, Nulls tend to clog up project files (especially when sharing with teammates), and that's giant bummer.

Void started as a replacement for Nulls, but it turned into so much more.

A new way to make empty layers?

Yes. Designers are opinionated folk, and Null layers in After Effects are a small area where we dig our heels in.

It might not matter to you. Or it might save your life.

This doesn't sound helpful

There are those who are instantly pulled into the gravity of the Void, and those who are not. Resist for as long as you can.

Overview of the Void

Controllers built for what you are controlling

Nulls don't exist in a vacuum –they become parents and controls for visible layers. Voids are created based on what you already have selected.

Single layer

With one layer selected, a Void is created as its parent, which zeros out the Position, Rotation, and Scale properties of the selected layer.

Multiple layers

With 2+ layers selected, a Void is created as the parent for all and is positioned at the mid-point of the layers.

2D points

A Void is created and expression linked to each 2D position property. Including:

  • Puppet pins

  • Effect controls

  • Shape layer positions

  • Gradient coordinates

Paths

Select a mask or shape layer path to create Voids for each vertex.

Single layer

With one layer selected, a Void is created as its parent, which zeros out the Position, Rotation, and Scale properties of the selected layer.

Multiple layers

With 2+ layers selected, a Void is created as the parent for all and is positioned at the mid-point of the layers.

2D points

A Void is created and expression linked to each 2D position property. Including:

  • Puppet pins

  • Effect controls

  • Shape layer positions

  • Gradient coordinates

Paths

Select a mask or shape layer path to create Voids for each vertex.

Single layer

With one layer selected, a Void is created as its parent, which zeros out the Position, Rotation, and Scale properties of the selected layer.

Multiple layers

With 2+ layers selected, a Void is created as the parent for all and is positioned at the mid-point of the layers.

2D points

A Void is created and expression linked to each 2D position property. Including:

  • Puppet pins

  • Effect controls

  • Shape layer positions

  • Gradient coordinates

Paths

Select a mask or shape layer path to create Voids for each vertex.

A clean Solids folder

Create layers inside the comp instead of taking up space in the Project panel.

Volumes

A shape layer replacement for Solid layers

Variants

A shape layer replacement for Adjustment layers

Volumes and Variants aren't for everything

xxx Some notes about when you wouldn't want to use shape layers xxx

Friends of Rubberhose

Collaboration is fun, and our tools play well with others.

Rubberhose

Design a character in Illustrator and send it directly into After Effects, then use a powerful set of build tools to convert paths to hoses or add bones to bring poses to life.

Void

Design a character in Illustrator and send it directly into After Effects, then use a powerful set of build tools to convert paths to hoses or add bones to bring poses to life.

Learn more →

Anubis

As easily as Overlord sends shapes into After Effects, render out MP4s with Anubis. Automatic path and file naming and the cleanest video files you've ever seen on the web.

Rubberhose

Friends of Rubberhose

Collaboration is fun, and our tools play well with others.

Rubberhose

Design a character in Illustrator and send it directly into After Effects, then use a powerful set of build tools to convert paths to hoses or add bones to bring poses to life.

Void

Design a character in Illustrator and send it directly into After Effects, then use a powerful set of build tools to convert paths to hoses or add bones to bring poses to life.

Learn more →

Anubis

As easily as Overlord sends shapes into After Effects, render out MP4s with Anubis. Automatic path and file naming and the cleanest video files you've ever seen on the web.

Friends of Rubberhose

Collaboration is fun, and our tools play well with others.

Rubberhose

Design a character in Illustrator and send it directly into After Effects, then use a powerful set of build tools to convert paths to hoses or add bones to bring poses to life.

Void

Design a character in Illustrator and send it directly into After Effects, then use a powerful set of build tools to convert paths to hoses or add bones to bring poses to life.

Learn more →

Anubis

As easily as Overlord sends shapes into After Effects, render out MP4s with Anubis. Automatic path and file naming and the cleanest video files you've ever seen on the web.

Rubberhose