10 Powerful Expressions Every After Effects User Must Know 2D Motion Graphics

Learn 10 essential expressions that will save you hours in Adobe After Effects! In this tutorial, we cover powerful automation techniques using expressions like wiggle, value, time, loopOut, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or a motion graphics pro, these tips will take your animations to the next level.

🔧 1. wiggle(frequency, amount)

What it does: Creates random, shaking motion.

jsKopyalaDüzenlewiggle(3, 20)

🎬 Great for camera shake or hand-drawn style animation.

🔧 2. time * value or rotation = time * 30

What it does: Creates automatic movement based on time.

jsKopyalaDüzenlerotation = time * 30

🎬 Perfect for continuous rotation or scaling over time.

🔧 3. loopOut("cycle")

What it does: Loops an existing animation infinitely.

jsKopyalaDüzenleloopOut("cycle")

🎬 Ideal for looping character movements like waving or walking.

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🔧 4. valueAtTime(time - delay)

What it does: Offsets the animation of another layer by time.

jsKopyalaDüzenlethisComp.layer("Layer 1").transform.position.valueAtTime(time - 0.5)

🎬 Use this for tail effects or trailing elements.

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🔧 5. index

What it does: Refers to the layer’s number in the timeline.

jsKopyalaDüzenleposition + index * 10

🎬 Useful for staggered animations across multiple layers.

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🔧 6. random(min, max)

What it does: Generates random values within a range.

jsKopyalaDüzenlerandom(50, 150)

🎬 Great for glitch effects, random motion, or variations.

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🔧 7. ease() and linear()

What it does: Smoothens or linearizes value transitions.

jsKopyalaDüzenleease(time, 0, 1, 0, 100)

🎬 Perfect for sliders or property changes with easing.

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🔧 8. lookAt(fromPoint, toPoint)

What it does: Makes a layer point toward another layer.

jsKopyalaDüzenlelookAt(position, thisComp.layer("Target").position)

🎬 Useful for eyes, pointers, or 3D camera rigs.

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🔧 9. thisComp.layer("LayerName").transform.position

What it does: Pulls position data from another layer.
🎬 Useful for parenting or syncing animation without pick-whip.

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🔧 10. Math.sin(time * speed) * amplitude

What it does: Creates a wave-like up-and-down motion.

jsKopyalaDüzenley = Math.sin(time * 3) * 50;  
value + [0, y]

🎬 Ideal for floating, bouncing, or vibrating effects.