Flatten Shape Layers

Connecting this Utility as a Deformer to a Shape will flatten the internal geometry hierarchy.

Mode:

• Single Path - flattens all geometry into one path. Note - this mode will remove any materials.

• Single Layer (keeps materials) - flattens the sub-mesh hierarchy into a single layer.

Order of operations is really important here.

Using the images below as an example:

1. Create a Text Shape.

2. With the Text Shape selected, hold alt/option and click the Outline button in the Toolbar.

3. With the Outline selected, hold alt/option and click the Duplicator button in the Toolbar.

4. Load the Outline's UI into the Attribute Editor.

5. Right click on Deformers and select Add Deformers > Stagger.

6. Set Maximum on the Stagger to 50 (or a setting that makes sense for your set up).

You should get something like:

1. Create a Flatten Shape Layer.

2. Connect flattenShapeLayer.id > textShape.deformers

You should get something like: