Apple Motion 5.1.1 - Manual (Page 319)

Chapter 9 Behaviors 319
Note: When you switch between the Path Shape options, the Inspector and the HUD display
parameters specific to the selected option.
The Motion Path behavior is an easy way to create predictable motion without using the
Keyframe Editor. It’s also a great way to create reusable motion paths that you can save in the
Library for future use.
When the Motion Path behavior is added to an object, the Adjust Item tool is selected, allowing
you to modify the default path in the Canvas by adding points and using the Bezier (or B-Spline)
controls attached to each point to adjust each curve. You can also move and resize preset motion
path shapes, such as a rectangle or wave, in the Canvas.
Parameters in the Inspector
•
Path Shape: A pop-up menu that defines the shape of the path on which the object travels.
Choose one of the following path shapes:
•
Open Spline: The default shape, a straight path defined by two points at the beginning and
end of the path. You can choose to work with Bezier or B-Spline control points. Option-click
(or double-click) anywhere on the path to add points.
•
Closed Spline: A closed path with the last point in the same location as the first point. You
can choose to work with Bezier or B-Spline control points. Option-click (or double-click)
anywhere on the path to add points.
•
Circle: A simplified version of Closed Spline, in which the X radius or Y radius can be adjusted
to create a circle or an ellipse. Use the outer control points to resize the circle (or rectangle)
motion path’s shape.
•
Rectangle: A closed path in which the width and the height can be adjusted to create a
square or a rectangle.
•
Wave: A wavy path (a sine wave) defined by two points, one at the beginning and one at
the end of the path, and controlled by the End Point, Amplitude, Frequency, Phase, and
Damping parameters.
•
Geometry: A path based on a shape or mask. The object travels along the edge of the shape
or mask. In the following figure, the outline of the shape on the left is used as the motion
path in the composition shown on the right.
67% resize factor