how do you get a bunch of objects to move in a group in After Effects CS5???

I'm doing an animated WWII map and I'd like to show a group of tanks all moving together over a map, representing an army group. In Apple Motion I was able to do this fast using the "replicator" tool.

Can this be done in After Effects? I'm sure it can but I can't find the correct tool.

Could it be under another name perhaps?

Hi there,

The easiest way is to use Parenting. Set up one tank as the "Leader", create the animation you want it to follow. Position all the other tanks where you want them to be at the beginning. Select them all and then, in the Parent menu, choose the "Leader tank". The others should now all follow the leader. You can add additional movement to the followers to create a slightly less regimented feel if necessary.

Hope this helps!

cheers,

Angie

Angie Taylor animation & illustration for television, film, web and devices

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You can add animation to the children after they've been parented by animating their position. (You might consider adding a wiggle expression. It all depends on what kind of motion you want.) They'll still follow the parent's animation, but their own animation will be added to it.

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