Tools and Techniques Specific to the Motion Application
Motion takes a fresh approach to the art of kinetic graphics creation, incorporating the
latest in software design and powerful Apple hardware. Although it includes all the tools
and techniques that artists rely on, Motion introduces a number of powerful features that
accomplish key tasks with an ease and elegance previously unheard of in motion graphics.
Additionally, Motion offers other unique features.
Behaviors
A set of robust tools called behaviors simplify the convoluted workflows traditionally
required to create animations and physics simulations. Unlike keyframes, behaviors are
interactive in real time, enabling you to adjust multiple parameters while you watch the
animation or simulation play back onscreen. There are special behaviors for video retiming,
motion tracking, smoothing shaky camera footage, keying, text animation, camera
movement, and audio effects.
18
Chapter 1
About Motion and Motion Graphics
Replicator
Another tool unique to Motion, the replicator, creates customizable, kaleidoscopic patterns
from copies of an image layer, yielding intricate, dazzling design effects that would take
hours to build in other applications.
Rigging
A powerful new tool in Motion called rigging lets you manipulate multiple attributes in
a composition with a single master control.
Final Cut Pro X Templates
Motion also lets you create effects, title, and transition templates for use in Final Cut Pro X,
and when you publish the templates, you can include rigs, simplifying the task of
parameter adjustment in Final Cut Pro.
Heads-Up Display (HUD)
A special floating window called the heads-up display (HUD), provides at-a-glance access
to your most frequently used parameter controls. The HUD changes dynamically,
depending on what is selected in your project. The HUD also provides access to unique
visual controls for some of the behaviors.
Real-Time Feedback
With the right hardware configuration, most effects in Motion can be viewed in real time.
This means that you can watch how the various elements of your composition interact
as you modify them. Rather than making a set of assumptions and then waiting to see
how they turn out, you can immediately see how your ideas work, then make adjustments
on the fly.