user16319: Hi I'm trying to create something like this with motion in after effects but I'm unable to find a way to do so. (basically what exists with the shape layer but for images) Any ideas?


user6118: You definitely need the plug-in from Red Giant Trapcode Echospace, I don't know if it's enough for your project but for sure it will help you to make most of the work.

user3161: As mentioned by Necrodeathify, Trapcode Echospace is the best option for this.
However, If you're on a tight budget and cannot afford Trapcode Echospace, CC Kaleida will help achieve looks that are similar to your examples. Add the effect to your footage layer and play around with Mirroring, Rotation, Center and Size.

Effect > Stylize > CC Kaleida

Hope this helps!

user1950: Without having to use plugins, here's how I would do it.

set the anchor point on the layer you want to repeat so that it's in the right spot (using the pan behind tool y)
add this expression to the rotation property (assuming that the comp only contains the kaleidoscope layers. Precomp if you need to): index/thisComp.numLayers * 360
duplicate the layer as many times as you want.


If your comp has other layers in it you'll need to adjust the expression. If there are, say three other layers below the kaleidoscope layer you'd use index/(thisComp.numLayers-3) * 360, and if there was, say two layers above the kaleidoscope layers and five below you'd use (index-2)/(thisComp.numLayers-7) * 360.
You could also link the anchor points of the layers with an expression, so that you can adjust the centre of all the layers. This allows for easy animation of the whole effect. Do that by using this expression on the anchor point property of all but the first kaleidoscope layer:
thisComp.layer('name of kaleidoscope layer 1').transform.anchorPoint
Rather than typing this it's easier to use the pick-whip. 

alt-click on the stop watch to create an expression, then grab the thing that looks like a fire-hose-reel and drag it to the anchor point property of the first kaleidoscope layer. This will fill in the correct path to the property, without you having to type.


16319: <p>Hi I'm trying to create something like this with motion in after effects but I'm unable to find a way to do so. (basically what exists with the shape layer but for images) Any ideas?
<a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/ob67c.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/ob67c.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>
 6118: <p>You definitely need the plug-in from Red Giant <a href="https://www.redgiant.com/products/trapcode-echospace/" rel="nofollow"><strong>Trapcode Echospace</strong></a>, I don't know if it's enough for your project but for sure it will help you to make most of the work.</p>
 3161: <p>As mentioned by Necrodeathify, Trapcode Echospace is the best option for this.</p>

<p>However, If you're on a tight budget and cannot afford Trapcode Echospace, <strong>CC Kaleida</strong> will help achieve looks that are similar to your examples. Add the effect to your footage layer and play around with Mirroring, Rotation, Center and Size.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Effect > Stylize > CC Kaleida</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Hope this helps!</p>
 1950: <p>Without having to use plugins, here's how I would do it.</p>

<ol>
<li>set the anchor point on the layer you want to repeat so that it's in the right spot (using the pan behind tool <kbd>y</kbd>)</li>
<li><p>add this expression to the rotation property (assuming that the comp only contains the kaleidoscope layers. Precomp if you need to): <code>index/thisComp.numLayers * 360</code></p></li>
<li><p>duplicate the layer as many times as you want.</p></li>
</ol>

<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/XUaGy.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/XUaGy.png" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

<p>If your comp has other layers in it you'll need to adjust the expression. If there are, say three other layers below the kaleidoscope layer you'd use <code>index/(thisComp.numLayers-3) * 360</code>, and if there was, say two layers above the kaleidoscope layers and five below you'd use <code>(index-2)/(thisComp.numLayers-7) * 360</code>.</p>

<p>You could also <strong>link the anchor points</strong> of the layers with an expression, so that you can adjust the centre of all the layers. This allows for easy animation of the whole effect. Do that by using this expression on the anchor point property of all but the first kaleidoscope layer:</p>

<p>thisComp.layer('name of kaleidoscope layer 1').transform.anchorPoint</p>

<p>Rather than typing this it's easier to use the pick-whip. </p>

<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/0ufgP.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/0ufgP.png" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

<p><kbd>alt</kbd>-click on the stop watch to create an expression, then grab the thing that looks like a fire-hose-reel and drag it to the anchor point property of the first kaleidoscope layer. This will fill in the correct path to the property, without you having to type.</p>

<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/0JVhj.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/0JVhj.png" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>
