Vector-Based Drawing Tool for After Effects

Frame-by-frame sketching and shape animation directly within After Effects

DRAEW integrates vector-based drawing capabilities into After Effects through a dedicated panel. Converting sketches into editable shape layers within the AE timeline, this extension streamlines workflows for motion designers, animators, and storyboard artists working with frame-by-frame animation and vector elements.

Traditional hand-drawn animation workflows typically require switching between multiple applications. DRAEW addresses this by providing an in-panel drawing experience that maintains full editability within the After Effects environment. Users can work with vector properties, including stroke weight, opacity, and fill attributes, while preserving non-destructive editing capabilities.

Beyond basic illustration, DRAEW facilitates rapid composition blocking, storyboard development, motion path design, and frame-by-frame animation directly within the AE ecosystem.

Technical Features

• Vector Path Generation & Conversion: Create strokes and shapes that automatically convert to editable AE shape layers
• Frame Timing Control: Define precise frame durations for traditional animation sequences
• Vector Property Management: Dynamically adjust stroke weight, color, alpha, and fill attributes
• Progressive Drawing Mode: Capture continuous stroke creation across multiple frames in real-time
• Comp Reference Integration: Import current composition frames as reference layers
• Onion Skinning Visualization: Overlay previous frames for animation consistency
• Path Optimization: Apply path simplification and smoothing algorithms for cleaner vector output
• Timeline Integration: Export drawing sequences directly to the AE timeline with preserved attributes
  Production Applications

Motion Path Design

Create organic motion paths through manual vector input rather than keyframe interpolation or Bézier manipulation.

Rapid Storyboard Development

Block compositions and test timing directly within the production environment, facilitating seamless animatic creation.

Visual Annotation Layers

Implement illustrative elements, callouts, or visual notes directly within compositions.

Accelerated Shape Generation

Generate complex shape layers more efficiently than standard AE shape tools, with additional conversion options for masks, tapered strokes, and dashed paths.

Real-Time Visual Elements

Develop evolving hand-drawn elements within compositions for interactive motion graphics applications.

Beta Program

DRAEW is currently in beta development. Motion design professionals are invited to test its functionality and provide feedback that will inform feature refinement for the production release.

Beta users can share work and insights with us or through social networks, contributing to the extension's development roadmap.