Using Geometry for a Motion Path Shape
The following section describes how to use geometry as the source for a motion path
shape. You can use a shape that is animated with behaviors or keyframes as the source
for a motion path. This includes animated transforms (a shape changing its location in
the Canvas) and animated control points (a shape changing its shape due to keyframed
control points).
To use geometry for a motion path shape
1
Import (or draw) the shape to use as the path source.
2
Choose Geometry from the Path Shape pop-up menu.
The Shape Source well appears in the Inspector and HUD.
3
From the Layers list, drag the shape to the Shape Source well.
4
When the pointer becomes a curved arrow, release the mouse button.
A thumbnail of the shape appears in the well and the shape is used as the source shape
for the motion path.
Note: You might want to disable the source shape in the Layers list so the source shape
is not visible in your project.
To select another geometry source for a motion path shape
µ
Choose the object to use as the motion path’s shape source from the To pop-up menu
(located next to the Shape Source image well).
Note: To align the rotation of the object to the shape of its motion path, you can apply
the Snap Alignment to Motion behavior (in the Basic Motion behaviors subcategory).
To use the Custom Speed parameter
1
In the Inspector or HUD, choose Custom from the Speed pop-up menu.
The Custom Speed parameter becomes available. By default, a keyframe is set at the first
and last points of the behavior to create an animation of 0 percent to 100 percent, where
at 0 the object is at the beginning of the path, and at 100 the object is at the end of the
path. This is the same velocity used with the Constant preset.
2
Enable Record (press A).
Note: When Record is enabled, all keyframeable parameter value fields are tinted. This is
to remind you that any value change entered in this state creates a keyframe.
3
Move the playhead to the position where you want to create a keyframe, then enter a
value in the Custom Speed field.
For example, a value of 90 moves the object 90 percent of the way through the motion
path.
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Chapter 9
Using Behaviors
4
Continue moving the playhead and adding keyframes to obtain the result you want.
Note: If you change the Speed parameter to a preset (such as Constant) after creating a
custom speed, the custom velocity channel is ignored but remains intact.