How to Fix Unwanted Transparency in After Effects Shape Layers
Working in After Effects and finding that your shape layers have unwanted transparency can be as disheartening as trying to catch a ghost. You made sure the opacity was at 100%, but your shapes look like a hologram. This problem is common in complex projects with multiple layers and effects.
Complete Review: From the Obvious to the Hidden
First, check the basics: make sure the opacity is at 100% on each shape layer and that there are no active masks with transparency or effects like Fill or Tint with low opacity. If everything seems correct, it's time to dig deeper:
- Verify that the blending mode is set to Normal and not to Screen or Overlay.
- Check if any applied effects like Drop Shadow or Glow are reducing the opacity.
- Make sure there is no active Track Matte affecting the transparency.
If you imported files from Illustrator, check the alpha channel. In projects with Cinema 4D Lite, verify that the Draft or Software mode is not active in the render panel.
Export with Transparency... Only If You Want To
If the layers still look translucent when exporting, you might be using a codec with an alpha channel and the viewer is incorrectly interpreting the transparency. Try exporting in H.264 without alpha to see if the render displays correctly.
If you've already checked everything and the layers still look transparent, perhaps After Effects is just showing you the soul of your layers. Maybe it's time to talk to them kindly and restart the project with a lit candle and a backup nearby. 🕯️