Problem with CC Light Sweep effect

[N***@adobeforums.com]

I'm trying to add a CC light Sweep to a PSD logo I've imported. I'm using the "cutout" light reception mode, and when I choose this mode, I lose the texture on my logo, and it goes to a solid color. If I use "composite" or "add" then the texture remains, but not in this mode. Why am I losing the texture, and how can I prevent this? I've imported the PSD as footage with merged layers. Again, the texture is there when I'm using the light sweep, and only goes away when I select the cutout mode. I tried importing it as a .bmp but cutout mode doesn't even work this way as it obviously doesn't recognize what's image and what's just black. I don't know what to do and would appreciate anyone's input!

[N***@adobeforums.com]

Nope, there's no checkmark like that. I wish there was. The strange thing is, again, if I just select a different light reception, such as "add" or "composite" then the texture appears. Any other ideas?

[D***@adobeforums.com]

There is a large PDF on the AE installer that explains the finer details of most of the CC filters. I'm not at my AE machine to check the file, sorry. But I've been using CC's filters since they were Final Effects. The Light SWeep plugin requires a few more steps than are obvious. Check the documentation, sorry not be able to give a simple answer.

bogiesan

[N***@adobeforums.com]

I'm with Bogiesan. I haven't RTFM in a decade. But Cutout mode *just* shows when the gleam effect is on your layer. (kinda like the "drop shadow only" checkbox on the Drop Shadow plugin).

You mention that the Light Sweep is affecting black parts of your layer. That's the key problem. You need to have your objects cut out with alpha channels. Click on the checkboard icon at the bottom of your comp window to see what is actually transparent and what is not. Light Sweep only affects the opaque areas of your layer.

(and if you need help with Alpha Channels, check the AE online help 'cuz its a lot to wrap your mind around if you haven't used them)