<ol>
<li><p>Set the <em>Anchor Point</em> to the <strong>bottom</strong> of the asset by using the <em>Anchor Point</em> tool (<kbd>Y</kbd>)</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/nP5xd.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/nP5xd.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a> <em>Tool icon in CC versions</em></p>
<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/65jz5.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /> <em>Tool icon in versions pre CC</em></p>
<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/xRPvl.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></p>
</li>
<li><p>Disable <strong>proportional scaling</strong> of that layer <img src="https://i.sstatic.net/lB9Gz.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /> and set the desired keyframes</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Demo in AE 22.0.0</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/54Pcr.gif" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/54Pcr.gif" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Notes</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The shape also can be used as <strong>track matte</strong>, just set the layer below to <code>Alpha</code>.</li>
<li><em>Consider</em> to add a <strong>slider control</strong></li>
<li>As alternative you could use a trim path on a shape layer as track matte, see this answer: <a href="https://graphicdesign.stackexchange.com/questions/49643/how-to-use-after-effects-trim-path-with-an-illustrator-path/49975#49975">https://graphicdesign.stackexchange.com/questions/49643/how-to-use-after-effects-trim-path-with-an-illustrator-path/49975#49975</a></li>
</ul>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-14T16:50:18.357Z
This doesn't work on v.17.1.1, apparently.
Lee Dean
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-11-09T18:55:53.633Z
Still works the same way in AE 22.0.0 @LeeDean See the edit.
p2or
CC BY-SA 4.0
2015-04-16T10:53:45.110Z
2021-11-09T18:54:42.743Z
2021-11-09T18:54:42.743Z
p2or
<p>I am animating a volume meter, and have done the "tricky bit" of getting the volume value.</p>

<p>Now I want to apply the volume value to a mask , so that as the music moves, the mask is exposed in time to the beat.</p>

<p>I have tried two ways, the first by scaling the mask. However, I can't get it to scale in one direction only (i.e. it scales around a center point.) Even if I move the pan anchor it still doesn't pin the base of the shape.</p>

<p>The other way I tried was using a linear wipe. However, this was no good either, as the whole wipe effect is completed at 38% (i.e. if I move the slider the object vanishes totally at 38%, not 100% as I would expect.)</p>

<p>Is there a better way to do this?</p>

<p>Seems simple, but has me stumped.</p>

<after-effects>
How do I scale an object in only one direction?
Ben
# How do I scale an object in only one direction?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2015-04-16)

I am animating a volume meter, and have done the "tricky bit" of getting the volume value.

Now I want to apply the volume value to a mask , so that as the music moves, the mask is exposed in time to the beat.

I have tried two ways, the first by scaling the mask. However, I can't get it to scale in one direction only (i.e. it scales around a center point.) Even if I move the pan anchor it still doesn't pin the base of the shape.

The other way I tried was using a linear wipe. However, this was no good either, as the whole wipe effect is completed at 38% (i.e. if I move the slider the object vanishes totally at 38%, not 100% as I would expect.)

Is there a better way to do this?

Seems simple, but has me stumped.

**Tags:** after-effects


---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2015-04-16. Score: 0 | Accepted answer

1. Set the *Anchor Point* to the **bottom** of the asset by using the *Anchor Point* tool (`Y`)

   [![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/nP5xd.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/nP5xd.png) *Tool icon in CC versions*

   ![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/65jz5.jpg) *Tool icon in versions pre CC*

   ![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/xRPvl.jpg)
2. Disable **proportional scaling** of that layer ![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/lB9Gz.jpg) and set the desired keyframes

**Demo in AE 22.0.0**

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/54Pcr.gif)](https://i.sstatic.net/54Pcr.gif)

**Notes**

* The shape also can be used as **track matte**, just set the layer below to `Alpha`.
* *Consider* to add a **slider control**
* As alternative you could use a trim path on a shape layer as track matte, see this answer: <https://graphicdesign.stackexchange.com/questions/49643/how-to-use-after-effects-trim-path-with-an-illustrator-path/49975#49975>

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: This doesn't work on v.17.1.1, apparently.  
> **username_1**: Still works the same way in AE 22.0.0 @LeeDean See the edit.  

---

