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Chapter 1 Getting To Know Motion 17
Unique Tools
As the field of motion graphics design has evolved, the tool sets in the most common
applications have grown, but Motion takes a completely fresh approach to the task. It
incorporates the cutting edge of software design and takes advantage of the latest
powerful Apple hardware. And while it does include the tools and techniques artists
have grown accustomed to, it also incorporates a streamlined, mode-less interface and
a new set of tools called behaviors that make previously complex (or near-impossible)
procedures as simple as drag and drop. A tool called the replicator creates a
customizable pattern from copies of an object, quickly creating complex design effects
that would take hours to build in other applications.
Behaviors
The Motion behaviors simplify the most common tasks such as scaling, fading, and
moving objects. They also allow you to create complex interactions between objects
with behaviors such as Edge Collision (making objects bounce off of one another) or
Attractor (which gives one object a gravitational pull on surrounding objects). And
because text is such a critical element of motion graphics work, Motion includes several
behaviors specifically designed for text elements that treat individual letters uniquely
while simultaneously affecting the entire object as a whole.
The Dashboard
One of the things that can bog down an otherwise fluid motion graphics experience is
having to stop and hunt for the location of a particular setting. Motion uses a special
floating window called the Dashboard to provide at-your-fingertips access to your
most frequently used parameters. The Dashboard changes dynamically, depending on
what is selected. The Dashboard also provides access to unique visual controls for some
of the behaviors.
The Dashboard also allows you to quickly add Parameter behaviors to the parameters
of the selected object. To add a Parameter behavior, Control-click a parameter in the
Dashboard, then choose a Parameter behavior from the shortcut menu. For more
information about Parameter behaviors, see “
Applying Parameter Behaviors” on
page 326.
Real-Time Feedback
Finally, one of the strengths of Motion is that with the right hardware configuration,
nearly every effect and adjustment you make can be viewed in real time. This means
that you can watch how the various elements of your composition interact as you
adjust them. Not only does this mean less waiting time while the computer converts
your various clicks and drags into a watchable movie, it means that you can interact
with your creation in a more fluid and engaging way. Rather than making a set of
assumptions and then waiting to see how they turn out, you can now see how your
ideas work immediately, and make adjustments on the fly.
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