Apple Motion 4 User Manual
Page 443
Note: The Path Shape parameters work similarly to text on a path. For more information
about working with text on a path, see
.
Shape Type:
When Path Shape is set to Open Spline or Closed Spline, this pop-up menu
allows you to choose one of two ways to manipulate the shape of the path: Bezier or
B-Spline.
• Bezier: Lets you manipulate the keyframe curve manually by dragging the handles.
Note: For more information about creating and adjusting Bezier curves, see
.
• B-Spline: B-Splines are manipulated using only points—there are no tangent handles.
The points themselves do not lie on the surface of the shape. Instead, each B-Spline
control point is offset from the shape’s surface, pulling that section of the shape towards
itself as if it was a magnet, in order to create a curve. B-Splines are extremely
smooth—by default, there are no sharp angles in B-Spline shapes, although you can
create sharper curves, if necessary.
Note: For more information about working with B-Spline curves, see
Radius:
When Circle is the defined path shape, this slider allows you to change the size
of the circular path. Click the disclosure triangle to individually adjust the X radius and Y
radius.
Note: When the Motion Path behavior is selected, you can also use the onscreen control
points to resize the circle. Press Shift to resize the X and Y radii uniformly.
Size:
When Rectangle is the defined path shape, this slider allows you to change the size
of the rectangular path. Click the disclosure triangle to individually adjust the X scale and
Y scale.
Note: When the Motion Path behavior is selected, you can also use the onscreen control
points to resize the rectangle. Press Shift to resize the X and Y scales uniformly.
Offset:
When Circle, Rectangle, or Geometry is the defined path shape, this slider lets
you specify where the object starts moving on the path.
End Points:
When Wave is the defined path shape, this control sets the location of two
default points on the wave’s path. The end points can also be adjusted using the wave’s
onscreen controls (active by default when the Motion Path behavior is selected). Moving
the left end point moves the entire path; moving the right end point lengthens, shortens,
or angles the path.
Amplitude:
When Wave is the defined path shape, this slider defines half the distance
from the highest point to the lowest point in the wave. Higher values result in more
extreme waves.
Frequency:
When Wave is the defined path shape, this slider sets the number of waves.
Higher values result in more waves.
443
Chapter 9
Using Behaviors