Apple Motion 4 - Manual (Page 370)

Alternatively, you can drop the multiple objects into the Timeline layers list. Doing so
always results in a composite edit. Also, if you release the mouse button before the drop
menu appears, a composite edit is applied.
To add multiple objects sequentially
1 Command-select the files you want in the File Browser, Library, or Media tab, then drag
them to the Timeline track area.
2 When you reach the frame where you want the new objects to start, hold down the
mouse button until the drop menu appears.
3 Choose Sequential from the drop menu.
The multiple objects are edited into the project, one after another, each on its own track.
Setting Drag and Drop Preferences
You can set preferences that specify where an item is dropped when you add it to the
Timeline. You can choose between dropping items at the start of the project or at the
current playhead position. You can also set the delay time before the drop menu appears.
To specify where new objects appear in the Timeline
1 Choose Motion > Preferences.
The Preferences window appears.
2 Click the Project icon.
The Project Preferences pane opens.
3 In the Still Images & Layers section, click the appropriate button to create layers at “Current
frame” or “Start of project.”
Note: The Create Layers At preference only applies when you drag items to the Timeline
layers list, the Layers tab of the Project pane, or directly into the Canvas. Clips dropped
on a specific frame within the Timeline always appear at that exact location.
To set the drop menu delay preference
1 Choose Motion > Preferences.
The Preferences window appears.
2 Click the General icon to view the General preferences pane.
3 In the Interface section, adjust the Drop Menu Delay slider to set the delay pause for the
drop menu.
Editing Objects in the Timeline
During the process of designing and implementing a motion graphics project, you place
objects in the Timeline and Canvas, move them forward or backward in time, and trim
them to match the timing of other objects in your project.
370 Chapter 8 Using the Timeline