Solutions for Shape Layers with Ghost Transparency in After Effects
Working in After Effects and discovering that your shape layers appear translucent for no apparent reason can be as confusing as finding socks that disappear in the washing machine. You set the opacity to 100%, but your shapes look more like a ghost than a solid. This issue is common in complex projects with multiple layers and effects.
Complete Review: From the Obvious to the Hidden
First, check the basics: ensure 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 Screen or Overlay.
- Check for applied effects like Drop Shadow or Glow that reduce opacity.
- Ensure 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 Draft or Software mode is not active in the render panel.
Export with Transparency... Only if You Want
If the layers still appear translucent when exporting, you might be using a codec with an alpha channel and the viewer is misinterpreting 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 appear transparent, maybe After Effects is just showing you the soul of your layers. Perhaps it's time to speak to them kindly and restart the project with a lit candle and a backup nearby. 🕯️