Apple Final Cut Express HD - Manual (Page 695)

Chapter 49 Changing Motion Parameters 695
IX
Using Cartesian Geometry to Position Clips
Final Cut Express HD compositing features use simple Cartesian geometry to position
clips within the frame defined by the Canvas. This makes the process of symmetrically
arranging layered clips easier and more precise. Even though it’s possible to eyeball a
lot of compositions, a little math can go a long way, especially when you want to start
creating more precise motion effects using keyframes.
In Final Cut Express HD, the center point of a layer is always relative to the center point
of the Canvas; the center point of the Canvas is always 0,0.
To position clips using their x and y coordinates, you enter appropriate values in the
Center number fields for the Basic Motion parameters.
To move a clip to the right:
m Enter a positive value in the clip’s x coordinate.
To move a clip to the left:
m Enter a negative value in the clip’s x coordinate.
To move a clip down:
m Enter a positive value in the clip’s y coordinate.
To move a clip up:
m Enter a negative value in the clip’s y coordinate.
Canvas center point
(0, 0)
-360 pixels +360 pixels
-240 pixels
+240 pixels