AE: Displacement Maps

So if you've ever wondered how to do gunshot shockwaves or heat distortion, the answer is most likely displacement maps. This tutorial is rather technical and basically explains the general technique for using displacement maps to create distortion-like effects.

For the heat rising effect, I actually followed the following tutorial on AE Tutsplus, which you should check out for more insight into this technique:
http://ae.tutsplus.com/tutorials/vfx/dont-get-stranded-in-wicked-heat-wave/

MUSIC
Feint DnB - Sleepless
http://youtube.com/FeintDnB

Make sure to 'Like' this video if it helped you out!

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Category:

• Learning & Education
• Comedy
• Entertainment

Directed by:

• MobiusLOL

Tags:

• displacement map tutorial
• displacement maps
• Displacement mapping
• after effects tutorial
• visual effects
• vfx
• ae displacement maps
• heat distrotion effect
• shockwave effect
• gunshot shockwave effect
• gun shot shockwave
• distrotion effect
• air distortion
• heat wave effect
• wave effect
• heat haze effect
• heat effect
• adobe
• Adobe After Effects

[cardfreakable]

@MobiusLOL sweet wait do you mean adjustmens to the displacment map in the original comp or the new comp thats been duplicated. lol dosent matter i sounds like it would work.

[MobiusLOL]

@cardfreakable That sounds about right yeah. Use the duplicated composition as a displacement map, make a few adjustments and you should get what you're looking for (or close to it)

[cardfreakable]

@MobiusLOL i think i got it so technicly i have my footage with the lasers above it and then i copy the composition and rename and then i make my footage a guide layer bring that compinto origina comp then make adjustment layer and add displacment map and turn eye on. i think thats right, i dont have my editing laptop with me so i am not sure if that would work

[RewardedArryunHacked]

Yup

[cardfreakable]

@MobiusLOL thanks that kinda helps. since im kinda a noob at AE maybe you could private a tutorial for me. i know your probably busy but just an idea

[MobiusLOL]

@cardfreakable Yeah try modifying the displacement amounts and/or removing some of the laser layers. Too much displacement will make things look really weird.

[cardfreakable]

@MobiusLOL thanks i kinda get it but when i pre comp all the layers and i add the adjustment layer with the displacment map it looks all ugly

[MobiusLOL]

@cardfreakable Not sure how to show you without making an actual tutorial. Basically just follow the steps of making a displacement map but instead of making/using the big donut shape as the map, you use your lasers. Same principle, you're just substituting the donut with the lasers.

[cardfreakable]

@MobiusLOL please please break down the steps. i dont get it

[cardfreakable]

@MobiusLOL tanks i hope that works