Motion 5 - Modifying the Path Shape

When additional text characters are added to text that is on a path, the default path may
appear too short. In the following images, the first image shows the original text placed
on a path. The second image shows additional text. In the second image with the added
text characters, the path is shorter than the text.

Additional text added

Initial text on path

To extend a text path

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With the Text tool selected, drag the last control point toward the end of the text.

Tip: When dragging, press Shift to constrain the path to a straight line.

After you extend a path, add control points for extra control over the shape of the path.

To add or modify text path control points

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Option-click or double-click the path to add a control point.

Note: Control points can only be added to Open Spline or Closed Spline paths.

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To remove a control point, select the point, then press Delete. You can also Control-click
the point, then choose Delete Point from the shortcut menu.

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To create a linear point, Control-click the point, then choose Linear from the shortcut
menu.

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To create a smooth (Bezier) point, Control-click the point, then choose Smooth from the
shortcut menu.

Note: When Path Type is set to B-Spline, the Very Smooth option becomes available in
the shortcut menu.

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To lock a point, Control-click the point, then choose Lock Point from the shortcut menu.
A locked point cannot be edited.

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To unlock a point, Control-click the point, then choose select Unlock Point from the
shortcut menu.

Important:

Text paths are modified in the same way as shape control points. For complete

information, see

Using Shapes, Masks, and Paint Strokes

.

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Creating and Editing Text

Note: Clicking any path control point and holding down the mouse button displays the
point number (based on the order the points are drawn on the path) and X, Y, and Z
coordinates in the status bar. Path control points are also listed by number in the Layout
pane of the Text Inspector.

To adjust the text path in 3D space

1

If there is no camera in the project, add a camera by doing one of the following:

• Click the Add Camera button in the toolbar.

• Choose Object > New Camera (or press Command-Option-C).

Note: If none of your project groups is set to 3D, a dialog appears asking you if you
want to switch your 2D groups to 3D groups. Click Switch to 3D to allow the camera
to affect the groups.

2

To change the default camera view (Active Camera) to Top, do one of the following:

• Click “Active Camera” in the upper-left corner of the Canvas to open the Camera menu,

then choose Top.

• Choose View > 3D View > Top.

The text is no longer visible because the camera is now looking down perpendicularly
(on the Y axis) at the text on a path. The text path and its points are still visible. (The
yellow wireframe camera icon in the Canvas represents the Active Camera you added
in step 1.)

Note: The text path onscreen controls are available for all camera views. This example
uses the Top view.

3

With the Text tool selected, drag a control point to adjust the text path in X, Y, or Z space.

Note: Manipulating text on a path in 3D space only works when Path Shape is set to
Open Spline or Closed Spline.

Text on a path in 3D Top view. The right and left control
points are set to positive Z values.

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Chapter 16

Creating and Editing Text