The Zig Zag operator in Adobe After Effects can transform a simple Shape Layer path into waves, spikes, ripples, and complex repeating patterns.

Start with something as simple as a straight line or circle, add Zig Zag, and After Effects can procedurally generate dozens of peaks and valleys along the path.

Because the effect remains editable and animatable, Zig Zag is particularly useful for:

• animated waves;
• audio-style graphics;
• jagged lines;
• decorative borders;
• circular bursts;
• badges;
• abstract backgrounds;
• energetic transitions;
• motion-graphics patterns;
• hand-drawn-style effects.

The two controls that matter most are Size and Ridges per Segment, while the Points setting determines whether the result looks sharp or smooth.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how Zig Zag works, how to animate it, how it behaves on different Shape Layer paths, and how to combine it with Trim Paths, Repeater, Offset Paths, Round Corners, and expressions.

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What Is Zig Zag in After Effects?

Zig Zag is a Shape Layer path operator.

It adds regularly spaced peaks and valleys along an existing vector path.

Imagine a straight line:

────────────

Apply Zig Zag and it can become:

///////\

Switch to smoother points and the same basic path can resemble:

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The underlying path remains simple.

After Effects generates the additional geometry procedurally.

That is what makes Zig Zag so useful.

Instead of manually drawing dozens of points, you control the entire result with only a few properties.

Where Is Zig Zag?

Select a Shape Layer.

Open:

Contents

Choose:

Add → Zig Zag

After Effects adds:

Zig Zag 1

Expand it.

You’ll find the primary controls:

Size

Ridges per Segment

Points

These three properties determine most of the appearance.

Understanding Size

Size controls the distance that the generated peaks and valleys extend away from the original path.

At:

Size = 0

the path looks essentially unchanged.

Increase Size and the deformation becomes stronger.

For example:

Size = 5

creates a subtle effect.

Size = 25

creates obvious waves or spikes.

Size = 100

can create dramatic geometry.

The appropriate value depends on the size of your composition and Shape.

Animate Size

Because Size is keyframeable, you can animate:

0 → 50

The path changes from its original geometry into a Zig Zag pattern.

Reverse it:

50 → 0

and the pattern collapses back into the original path.

This alone can create useful transitions.

Understanding Ridges per Segment

Ridges per Segment controls the density of the Zig Zag pattern.

A low value produces relatively few peaks.

A high value creates many.

For example:

Ridges per Segment = 2

produces a simple pattern.

Increase it to:

10

and the geometry becomes much denser.

Size vs Ridges

These two controls solve different problems.

Size determines:

how large the deformation is.

Ridges per Segment determines:

how frequently the deformation repeats.

Think:

Size = amplitude

Ridges = frequency

This analogy is particularly useful when creating wave-like graphics.

Understanding Points

The Points setting controls the character of the peaks.

You’ll typically work with two styles:

Corner

and:

Smooth

Corner

Corner creates sharp peaks.

This is ideal for:

• sawtooth patterns;
• spikes;
• bursts;
• energetic graphics;
• technical designs.

Smooth

Smooth rounds the peaks and valleys.

This is better for:

• waves;
• ripples;
• organic patterns;
• softer backgrounds.

Corner vs Smooth

A simple change from Corner to Smooth can make the same path look completely different.

For example:

Corner:

/////\

Smooth:

~~~~~~~~

So before drawing a more complicated Shape, experiment with the Points setting.

Your First Zig Zag Animation

Let’s create a simple animated wave.

Step 1: Create a Composition

Create a new composition.

For example:

1920 × 1080

with your preferred frame rate and duration.

Step 2: Draw a Line

Deselect all layers.

Choose the Pen Tool.

Draw a horizontal path.

Give it:

Stroke

but no Fill.

Increase Stroke Width so the line is easy to see.

Step 3: Add Zig Zag

Open:

Contents

Choose:

Add → Zig Zag

Expand:

Zig Zag 1

Step 4: Set Points to Smooth

Change:

Points → Smooth

The sharp Zig Zag becomes wave-like.

Step 5: Increase Size

Try:

Size = 30

The line develops larger waves.

Step 6: Increase Ridges

Adjust:

Ridges per Segment

until the wave density looks appropriate.

You now have a procedural wave generated from one straight path.

If you’d like to practice Shape Layer animation and procedural motion graphics yourself, you can explore Adobe’s current After Effects options here:

Explore Adobe After Effects and current plans

Animate the Wave Appearing

At the beginning:

Size = 0

Create a keyframe.

Move forward.

Set:

Size = 30

The straight line transforms into a wave.

Apply Easy Ease if appropriate.

Then refine the timing in the Graph Editor.

Project 1: Animated Sound Wave

Create a horizontal line.

Add Zig Zag.

Set:

Points = Smooth

Use a moderate number of Ridges.

Animate Size.

The result resembles a stylized waveform.

Add Continuous Movement

A static waveform is useful, but motion makes it more interesting.

You can animate:

• path Position;
• Zig Zag Size;
• Shape Layer Position;
• Offset-like movement using other techniques.

For a true scrolling waveform, additional path or expression techniques may be preferable.

Audio-Reactive Zig Zag

Because Size is numerical, it can be linked to audio amplitude.

First convert audio to keyframes.

Then connect:

Zig Zag → Size

to the audio amplitude.

Louder audio creates larger waves.

Quieter audio creates smaller waves.

Smooth the Audio

Raw audio amplitude can produce extremely nervous animation.

Use smoothing or map the amplitude to a restrained Size range.

For example:

quiet audio:

Size = 5

loud audio:

Size = 40

rather than allowing unlimited values.

Project 2: Sawtooth Wave

Create a line.

Set:

Points = Corner

Increase Ridges.

You now have a sawtooth-style pattern.

This works well for:

• technology graphics;
• warning visuals;
• energy indicators;
• stylized charts.

Project 3: Animated Spikes

Start with a straight path.

Use Corner points.

Set Size:

0

then animate to:

60

The spikes grow outward from the original line.

This can create an energetic transition.

Add Overshoot

Animate Size:

0 → 70 → 55

The spikes extend beyond their final size and settle back.

This creates more dynamic motion.

Project 4: Zig Zag Circle

Create an Ellipse Path.

Add Zig Zag.

Use Corner points.

Instead of a smooth circle, you now get a spiky circular Shape.

This can resemble:

• sun;
• burst;
• badge;
• seal;
• energy field.

Increase Ridges

More ridges create more spikes around the circumference.

Reduce Ridges for a simpler starburst.

Project 5: Animated Sunburst

Create a circle.

Add Zig Zag.

Use:

Points = Corner

Animate:

Size 0 → 40

and:

Rotation

of the Shape Layer.

The circle transforms into a rotating sunburst.

Add a Second Circle

Place another circle in the center.

Now the outer Zig Zag geometry can act as rays around a central disc.

Project 6: Badge or Seal

Create a circle.

Add Zig Zag.

Use relatively small Size and many Ridges.

The result resembles the serrated edge of a badge or seal.

Add:

• text;
• icon;
• inner circle.

This is useful for:

• awards;
• certificates;
• promotional graphics.

Animate the Badge

Start with:

Size = 0

Animate to the final serrated edge.

At the same time:

Scale the entire badge from:

90% → 100%

This creates a polished reveal.

Project 7: Circular Ripple

Create a circle.

Set Points:

Smooth

Adjust Size and Ridges.

The circle develops a wavy perimeter.

Animate Size gently.

This creates a pulsating organic ring.

Use Several Rings

Duplicate or repeat the ring.

Vary:

• Scale;
• opacity;
• Size.

This can create an audio or sonar-style visualization.

Project 8: Organic Blob

Start with a circle.

Apply Zig Zag.

Set:

Points = Smooth

Use relatively few Ridges and moderate Size.

The perfect circle becomes irregular.

Combine with:

• Rotation;
• Scale;
• Turbulent Displace;

for more organic animation.

Zig Zag vs Turbulent Displace

Both can create irregular shapes, but they work differently.

Zig Zag

creates regular procedural ridges along the path.

Turbulent Displace

creates more random distortion.

Use Zig Zag for:

• rhythmic;
• repeating;
• controlled geometry.

Use Turbulent Displace for:

• irregular;
• organic;
• randomized deformation.

Combine Them

A smooth Zig Zag circle can provide the basic structure.

Turbulent Displace can add subtle irregularity.

This can create sophisticated animated blobs.

Project 9: Decorative Border

Create a rectangle.

Add Zig Zag.

The edges become decorative.

Use small Size and many Ridges for a subtle border.

Sharp Decorative Border

Use:

Corner

for a serrated appearance.

Soft Decorative Border

Use:

Smooth

for a wavy edge.

Project 10: Animated Frame

Create a rectangular path around your composition.

Apply Zig Zag.

Animate Size from:

0 → 15

The frame becomes decorative.

Use Trim Paths to draw the frame onto the screen.

Zig Zag + Trim Paths

This is an excellent combination.

Start with a path.

Add Zig Zag.

Add Trim Paths.

Animate:

End 0 → 100

The Zig Zag path draws itself onto the screen.

This works for:

• waves;
• borders;
• bursts;
• decorative lines.

Operator Order Matters

As with other Shape Layer operators, the hierarchy affects the result.

Try:

Path

↓

Zig Zag

↓

Trim Paths

and compare it with other operator arrangements.

If the result isn’t what you expect, inspect the order inside Contents.

Project 11: Drawing Wave

Create a smooth Zig Zag line.

Add Trim Paths.

Animate End.

The wave draws itself from left to right.

This is useful for:

• audio graphics;
• infographic lines;
• decorative title animation.

Project 12: Animated Electricity

Create a line.

Use:

Corner

with many Ridges.

Increase Size.

Use Trim Paths to reveal it quickly.

Add Glow.

The result can resemble stylized electricity.

Make It Less Regular

A basic Zig Zag is mathematically regular.

For more convincing electricity, combine it with:

• Turbulent Displace;
• path animation;
• additional irregularity.

Project 13: Neon Wave

Create a smooth Zig Zag line.

Add:

Glow

Duplicate the Stroke if necessary.

Use:

• bright core;
• softer outer glow.

Animate Trim Paths.

This creates a neon waveform.

Project 14: Heartbeat-Style Graphic

Zig Zag itself creates regular repetition, whereas a real ECG-style line has uneven peaks.

Still, you can use Zig Zag as a starting point for stylized medical or data graphics.

For more accurate custom shapes, manually draw the path.

Project 15: Animated Underline

Create a line beneath text.

Add a subtle smooth Zig Zag.

Use Trim Paths.

Reveal it beneath the title.

This creates a more playful alternative to a perfectly straight underline.

Project 16: Wavy Text Divider

Create a horizontal Shape Layer path between sections.

Use:

Smooth Zig Zag

with low Size.

This creates a decorative divider.

Animate its Size subtly for additional motion.

Project 17: Ocean Wave Graphic

Create a long horizontal line.

Use:

Smooth

and moderate Ridges.

Duplicate it vertically.

Offset each copy horizontally.

Use several lines to create stylized ocean waves.

Repeater for Multiple Waves

Instead of manually duplicating layers, try a Repeater.

Create one wavy path.

Add:

Repeater

Set Position:

0, 60

Create multiple copies vertically.

Now one source line creates an entire wave field.

Zig Zag + Repeater

This is another powerful combination.

Create:

one path

↓

Zig Zag

↓

Repeater

Now the procedural pattern is duplicated automatically.

Project 18: Wave Background

Create one horizontal smooth Zig Zag line.

Repeat it vertically.

Reduce opacity.

Animate the entire system slowly.

This produces a modern abstract background.

Animate Repeater Position

Change vertical spacing over time.

The waves can expand apart or compress together.

Animate Zig Zag Size

At the same time, animate Size.

The entire field becomes more or less turbulent.

Project 19: Radial Pattern

Create a small Zig Zag Shape.

Use Repeater to distribute copies radially.

This can create complex:

• mandalas;
• bursts;
• abstract logos.

Project 20: Spiky Loader

Create a circle.

Add Zig Zag.

Use Corner points.

Animate Layer Rotation continuously.

The result can become an unusual loading indicator.

Use Subtle Motion

For UI elements, avoid overly aggressive Size values.

The animation should communicate activity without becoming distracting.

Zig Zag + Offset Paths

Offset Paths can expand or contract the Zig Zag geometry.

This can produce:

• thick geometric borders;
• layered patterns;
• expanding badges.

Example: Double Zig Zag Border

Create a Zig Zag circle.

Duplicate or offset the geometry outward.

Give the versions different appearance properties.

Now you have a layered serrated badge.

Zig Zag + Round Corners

A sharp Zig Zag can be softened with Round Corners depending on the Shape hierarchy.

This provides another way to transition between:

spiky

and:

soft

geometry.

Corner vs Round Corners

Remember that Zig Zag already has:

Points → Smooth

So try that first.

Round Corners becomes more useful when the Zig Zag is part of a more complex Shape system.

Zig Zag + Merge Paths

You can create Zig Zag geometry and combine it with other Shapes using Merge Paths.

For example:

Spiky outer circle

minus:

inner circle

=

serrated ring.

Project 21: Serrated Ring

Create a circle.

Add Zig Zag.

Create a smaller inner circle.

Use Merge Paths:

Subtract

to cut out the center.

Now you have a ring with a spiky outside edge.

Animate the Ring

Animate:

Zig Zag Size

and:

inner circle size.

The ring transforms dynamically.

Project 22: Animated Coupon Edge

Create a rectangle.

Use Zig Zag along the Shape to create a perforated or serrated visual style.

Depending on the exact desired coupon edge, Merge Paths or custom paths may also be required.

Project 23: Speech Bubble with Energy Edge

Create a speech bubble Shape.

Apply Zig Zag with small Size.

The bubble becomes more energetic.

Useful for:

• comic graphics;
• shouting dialogue;
• alerts.

Project 24: Comic Burst

Create a circle.

Add Corner Zig Zag.

Use a relatively large Size.

Add text in the center:

WOW!

or:

NEW!

The result resembles a comic-book burst.

Animate the Comic Burst

Animate:

Scale:

0 → 110 → 100

and Zig Zag Size:

0 → final value.

This creates a lively pop animation.

Project 25: Sale Badge

Use the same technique with:

SALE

NEW

50% OFF

or other promotional copy.

The procedural Shape makes the badge easy to resize and reuse.

Use Expressions with Zig Zag

Size and Ridges can both participate in expression-driven animation.

For example:

• audio amplitude;
• Slider Controls;
• time-based animation.

Create a Size Slider

Add:

Slider Control

Rename it:

Wave Height

Connect:

Zig Zag → Size

to the Slider.

Now the wave amplitude is controlled centrally.

Create a Ridges Slider

Add another Slider:

Wave Density

Connect it to:

Ridges per Segment.

Now you can redesign the pattern without digging into the Shape Layer.

Master Wave Controller

Create:

CTRL — WAVE

with:

• Wave Height;
• Wave Density;
• Stroke Width;
• Animation Speed;
• Color.

This makes the graphic much easier to reuse.

Animate Size with a Sine Wave

A time-based expression can make Size oscillate smoothly.

Conceptually:

Size = base + sine(time × speed) × amplitude

This creates continuous breathing wave motion.

Don’t Allow Negative Values Accidentally

Depending on the intended design, negative Size values may produce a reversed deformation.

Use appropriate mapping or clamping when necessary.

Randomizing Zig Zag

A single Zig Zag operator creates regular patterns.

If you want random variation between ridges, Zig Zag alone may not be enough.

Combine it with:

• Turbulent Displace;
• path deformation;
• multiple layers.

Zig Zag and Motion Blur

If a Zig Zag Shape rotates or moves rapidly, Motion Blur may improve the result.

For simple Size animation, Motion Blur may be less important.

Test visually.

Zig Zag and Glow

Sharp or smooth Zig Zag Strokes work very well with Glow.

This is especially useful for:

• audio visualizers;
• energy graphics;
• futuristic UI;
• neon backgrounds.

Zig Zag and Gradient Stroke

Use a Gradient Stroke instead of a flat Stroke.

Now the wave can contain multiple colors along its path.

Animate the gradient for additional movement.

Use Multiple Zig Zag Operators?

Shape Layers can contain multiple operators, but adding several Zig Zag operators can quickly create complicated geometry.

Experiment carefully.

Often one Zig Zag plus another operator is enough.

Shape Layer Hierarchy

A typical simple setup might be:

Shape Layer

→ Contents

→ Path

→ Zig Zag

→ Stroke

For a drawing animation:

→ Path

→ Zig Zag

→ Trim Paths

→ Stroke

The exact structure depends on your design.

Naming Your Operators

Instead of:

Zig Zag 1

rename it:

WAVE SHAPE

or:

SPIKE GENERATOR.

This becomes especially helpful when a Shape Layer contains multiple operators.

Common Mistake: Size Is Too Large

Huge Size values can create geometry that overwhelms the original Shape.

Start small.

Common Mistake: Too Many Ridges

Extremely high ridge counts can create dense, visually noisy paths.

Use only as many as the design requires.

Common Mistake: Wrong Points Mode

If you want waves but see spikes:

change:

Corner → Smooth.

Common Mistake: Using Zig Zag for Random Noise

Zig Zag is fundamentally regular.

Use distortion tools if you need randomness.

Common Mistake: Ignoring the Original Path

The number and arrangement of segments in the original path influence the result.

A circle, rectangle, and custom path can behave differently.

Common Mistake: Operator Order

If Trim Paths, Repeater, or Merge Paths produces an unexpected result, inspect the Contents hierarchy.

Common Mistake: Animating Everything

You don’t need to animate:

• Size;
• Ridges;
• Rotation;
• Scale;
• Position;

all at once.

Often one or two animated properties produce a cleaner result.

Common Mistake: Excessive Audio Reaction

For audio-driven Zig Zag, smooth and constrain the amplitude.

Zig Zag Quick Reference

Size

Controls the amplitude of the Zig Zag.

Ridges per Segment

Controls how frequently the pattern repeats.

Points: Corner

Creates sharp peaks.

Points: Smooth

Creates rounded waves.

Five Zig Zag Exercises

Exercise 1 — Wave

Straight line + Smooth Zig Zag.

Exercise 2 — Sawtooth

Straight line + Corner Zig Zag.

Exercise 3 — Sunburst

Circle + Corner Zig Zag.

Exercise 4 — Wavy Ring

Circle + Smooth Zig Zag.

Exercise 5 — Wave Field

Smooth Zig Zag line + Repeater.

These exercises cover most of the core behavior.

Practical Project: Animated Wave Divider

Create a horizontal path.

Add Smooth Zig Zag.

Use:

Size = 15

with a moderate number of Ridges.

Add Trim Paths.

Animate:

End 0 → 100.

Use it as a section divider beneath a title.

Practical Project: Audio-Reactive Wave

Create a smooth Zig Zag line.

Convert audio to keyframes.

Connect audio amplitude to Size.

Map the amplitude to a restrained range.

Add Glow.

Now the wave responds to music or speech.

Practical Project: Animated Sale Badge

Create a circle.

Add Corner Zig Zag.

Use enough Ridges to create a badge edge.

Animate:

• Size;
• Scale;
• Rotation.

Add promotional text.

Practical Project: Abstract Wave Background

Create one smooth Zig Zag line.

Use Repeater to duplicate it vertically.

Animate:

• Zig Zag Size;
• Repeater spacing;
• overall Position.

Lower the opacity.

You now have a reusable motion background.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Zig Zag do in After Effects?

Zig Zag adds procedural ridges and valleys along Shape Layer paths.

Where is Zig Zag?

Select a Shape Layer and choose:

Contents → Add → Zig Zag.

What does Size control?

Size determines how far the ridges extend from the original path.

What does Ridges per Segment control?

It controls how many repetitions are generated along each path segment.

What’s the difference between Corner and Smooth?

Corner produces sharp peaks, while Smooth creates rounded wave-like peaks.

Can Zig Zag be animated?

Yes. Size and Ridges per Segment can be animated.

Can Zig Zag create waves?

Yes. Use:

Points = Smooth.

Can it create spikes?

Yes. Use:

Points = Corner.

Can I use Zig Zag on circles?

Yes. This can create bursts, badges, and wavy rings.

Can I combine Zig Zag with Trim Paths?

Yes.

Can I combine it with Repeater?

Yes.

Can I combine it with Merge Paths?

Yes.

Can I make Zig Zag audio-reactive?

Yes. Link Size to audio amplitude keyframes.

Is Zig Zag random?

No. It creates a regular procedural pattern. Use distortion tools if you need more random geometry.

Do I need a plug-in?

No. Zig Zag is built into After Effects Shape Layers.

Practice Zig Zag in After Effects

Create a straight horizontal path.

Add:

Zig Zag.

Switch between:

Corner

and:

Smooth.

Then change:

Size.

Next change:

Ridges per Segment.

Once you understand those three controls, try the operator on:

• circle;
• rectangle;
• star;
• custom path.

Then combine it with:

Trim Paths

and:

Repeater.

That is enough to create dozens of different motion-graphics effects from a handful of Shape Layers.

If you’d like to practice Zig Zag and other procedural Shape Layer techniques yourself, you can explore Adobe’s current After Effects options here:

Get Adobe After Effects and start creating procedural motion graphics

What Should You Learn Next?

Zig Zag adds regular peaks and valleys to paths.

The next Shape Layer operator worth learning is:

Pucker & Bloat.

Pucker & Bloat can pull a Shape inward or push it outward to create:

• stars;
• flowers;
• pinched shapes;
• inflated geometry;
• abstract morphs;
• animated logo effects.

The next article will therefore be:

How to Use Pucker & Bloat in Adobe After Effects Shape Layers.

We’ll look at positive and negative Amount values, Shape transformations, animation techniques, and combinations with Repeater and other Shape Layer operators.

Final Thoughts

Zig Zag demonstrates how much geometry After Effects can generate from an extremely simple path.

Start with:

one line

or:

one circle.

Then control:

Size

Ridges per Segment

and:

Points.

From those controls you can create:

• waves;
• spikes;
• ripples;
• badges;
• sunbursts;
• decorative borders;
• waveform graphics;
• abstract backgrounds.

The most useful rule to remember is:

Size controls amplitude.

Ridges controls frequency.

Corner creates spikes.

Smooth creates waves.

Combine Zig Zag with Trim Paths for drawing animations, Repeater for procedural patterns, Merge Paths for custom geometry, and expressions for automated movement.

That turns a small Shape Layer operator into a versatile tool for procedural motion design.

Explore Adobe After Effects and start creating waves, patterns, and procedural animations