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Animating Using Motion Paths

Motion paths are created from splines (polylines) including paint strokes and masks that have a path modifier applied to them. The path modifier defines the movement that transforms ordinary spline shapes into motion paths. You apply the path modifier either explicitly to the Center X/Y or Pivot X/Y parameters or implicitly by keyframing the Center or Pivot parameters. In either case, the spline path is displayed and then visually adjusted in the viewers. For all motion paths, the coordinate control in the viewer represents the position of an object or effect, such as a Transform or Rays node’s center that moves along the path. Coordinate controls are represented onscreen with vertical and horizontal positioning arrows or an X.


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A Center Offset onscreen control for an object’s Transform node


The following nodes have parameters that can be animated using path modifiers to move an image around the composition. These include, but are not limited to:

Transform: Center X/Y can be animated to move an image around.

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DVE: Center X/Y can be animated to move an image around.

Merge: Center X/Y can be animated to move the Foreground connected image around.

Paint: Stroke Controls > Center X/Y can be animated to move a stroke around.

Camera 3D node: Translation X/Y/Z

Shape 3D node: Translation X/Y/Z


The following nodes have parameters that can be animated using paths to alter the direction of a visual effect. These include, but are not limited to:

Directional Blur: Center X/Y can be animated to change the direction of the blur.

Hot Spot: Primary Center X/Y can be animated to move the hot spot around.

Rays: Center X/Y can be animated to change the angle at which rays are emitted.

Polygon/BSpline/Ellipse/Rectangle/Triangle mask: Center X/Y can be animated to move the mask.

Corner Positioner: Top Left/Top Right/Bottom Left/Bottom Right X/Y can be animated to move each corner of the corner-pinned effect.

Vortex: Center X/Y can be animated to move the center of the warping effect.

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NOTE: It’s not possible to add a motion path to a one-dimensional value, such as blur strength or merge angle. However, you can use the Spline Editor to edit these kinds of values in a visual way.


NOTE: It’s not possible to add a motion path to a one-dimensional value, such as blur strength or merge angle. However, you can use the Spline Editor to edit these kinds of values in a visual way.


NOTE: It’s not possible to add a motion path to a one-dimensional value, such as blur strength or merge angle. However, you can use the Spline Editor to edit these kinds of values in a visual way.

 

Types of Motion PathsPolyline PathPath ModifierControlling Speed and Orientation along a PathXY Path