Additional Resources
Along with the documentation that comes with Motion, there are a variety of resources
to find out more about the application.
Motion Website
For general information and updates as well as the latest news about Motion, go to:
•
http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/motion
Apple Service and Support Websites
For software updates and answers to the most frequently asked questions for all Apple
products, go to the general Apple Support webpage:
•
http://www.apple.com/support
For software updates, documentation, discussion forums, and answers to the most
frequently asked questions for Motion, go to:
•
http://www.apple.com/support/motion
To get more information on third-party tools, resources, and user groups, go to:
•
http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/resources
To provide comments and feedback about Motion, go to:
•
http://www.apple.com/feedback/motion.html
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Preface
Welcome to Motion
Motion graphics are a type of visual effects work most commonly associated with title
sequences and show openers, bumpers and interstitials, and interface design such as
DVD menus. Motion graphics are also frequently used in technical settings for simulations
of moving systems such as traffic patterns or scientific models.
Sophisticated motion graphics artists often combine traditional layout and design
techniques with tools borrowed from special effects work such as keying, masking,
compositing, and particle systems to create dynamic moving designs.
This chapter covers the following:
•
General Motion Graphics Tools
(p. 17)
•
Tools and Techniques Specific to the Motion Application
(p. 18)
•
About Motion Projects
(p. 20)
General Motion Graphics Tools
The tools commonly used for motion graphics fall into several categories.
Design Tools
Graphic designers have long used software to facilitate their work. Motion has incorporated
many of the most valuable features commonly found in layout and design applications,
including guides, alignment aids, and direct manipulation tools for positioning,
transforming, and distorting images. Motion also contains some of the most flexible and
sophisticated tools for creating and handling text elements. This is important because
text is such a critical component of motion graphics design.
Timing Tools
The principal difference between traditional design and motion graphics design is that
motion graphics design is time-based. Motion graphics artists are concerned with creating
a well-composed and readable layout that can be manipulated over time. Motion provides
a Timeline that contains tools usually found in video editing applications, including tools
for setting markers, trimming, slipping, and snapping—enabling you to compose and
precisely hone the temporal aspects of a kinetic project.
17