<p>To drive an animation by another layer use the pick whip or the selection list to <strong>parent</strong> it. In the following example the <code>Camera (layer)</code> adopts all animation properties of the <code>Null</code>.</p>

<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/6WZW1.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></p>

<p>Note: <code>Camera</code> is a 3d layer in your case, make sure <strong>3d layer toggle</strong> is enabled for the <code>Null</code> too.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-03-26T15:01:48.470Z
2015-03-26T16:30:43.780Z
2015-03-26T16:30:43.780Z
p2or
<p>I am just struggling with a simple expression thing I guess.</p>

<p>I have a camera looking at an Object in 3D Space. Actually The Object is at [0,0,0]. The Camera's position is at [29,-1637,-2248].</p>

<p>What I am trying to do is, to move the camera. For a better workflow I want to parent the camera's position to the position of a Null-Object, also at [0,0,0]. The thing is the camera has to keep its offset from [0,0,0] and just move parallel with the null at [0,0,0].</p>

<p>Can somebody help me?
Thanks in advance!</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-03-25T09:37:10.070Z
Welcome Slim :) If the camera is parented to the null with the **pick whip** correctly, you can move it as you like, what exactly is your issue? I'm confused :)
p2or
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-03-25T10:57:45.650Z
@poor thanks for your reply, the problem is, when I simply parent it with the pick whip, the camera copies the exact same position of the null. What I want is a specific offset to keep form the camera to the null object
Marten Zander
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-03-25T16:23:18.180Z
This only happens if you use the expression pick whip. Try to use the standard pick whip here: https://cdn.tutsplus.com/ae/uploads/legacy/009_beginners2/25.JPG
p2or
<after-effects><camera><3d><after-effects-expressions>
After Effects: Parent a Camera's position to a Null-Object with specific Off-Set
Marten Zander
# After Effects: Parent a Camera's position to a Null-Object with specific Off-Set

(Asked by: username_0 on 2015-03-25)

I am just struggling with a simple expression thing I guess.

I have a camera looking at an Object in 3D Space. Actually The Object is at [0,0,0]. The Camera's position is at [29,-1637,-2248].

What I am trying to do is, to move the camera. For a better workflow I want to parent the camera's position to the position of a Null-Object, also at [0,0,0]. The thing is the camera has to keep its offset from [0,0,0] and just move parallel with the null at [0,0,0].

Can somebody help me?
Thanks in advance!

**Tags:** after-effects, camera, 3d, after-effects-expressions

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Welcome Slim :) If the camera is parented to the null with the **pick whip** correctly, you can move it as you like, what exactly is your issue? I'm confused :)  
> **username_0**: @poor thanks for your reply, the problem is, when I simply parent it with the pick whip, the camera copies the exact same position of the null. What I want is a specific offset to keep form the camera to the null object  
> **username_1**: This only happens if you use the expression pick whip. Try to use the standard pick whip here: https://cdn.tutsplus.com/ae/uploads/legacy/009_beginners2/25.JPG  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2015-03-26. Score: 4 | Accepted answer

To drive an animation by another layer use the pick whip or the selection list to **parent** it. In the following example the `Camera (layer)` adopts all animation properties of the `Null`.

![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/6WZW1.jpg)

Note: `Camera` is a 3d layer in your case, make sure **3d layer toggle** is enabled for the `Null` too.


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