5.5

308Motion User Guide
The Motion Path behavior is an easy way to create predictable motion without using the
Keyframe Editor. It’s also a great way to create reusable motion paths that you can save in
the Library for future use.
When the Motion Path behavior is added to an object, the Adjust Item tool is selected,
allowing you to modify the default path in the canvas by adding points and using the Bezier
(or B-Spline) controls attached to each point to adjust each curve. You can also move and
resize preset motion path shapes, such as a rectangle or wave, in the canvas.
Adjust this behavior using the controls in the Behaviors Inspector:
• Path Shape: A pop-up menu that defines the shape of the path on which the object
travels. Choose one of the following path shapes:
• Open Spline: The default shape, a straight path defined by two points at the
beginning and end of the path. You can choose to work with Bezier or B-Spline
control points. Option-click (or double-click) anywhere on the path to add points.
Note: You cannot add points to a motion path when Circle or Rectangle is selected
from the Path Shape pop-up menu. To change the shape of a path when Geometry is
selected from the Path Shape pop-up menu, edit the source shape.
• Closed Spline: A closed path with the last point in the same location as the first
point. You can choose to work with Bezier or B-Spline control points. Option-click
(or double-click) anywhere on the path to add points.
• Circle: A simplified version of Closed Spline, in which the X radius or Y radius can
be adjusted to create a circle or an ellipse. Use the outer control points to resize the
circle (or rectangle) motion path’s shape.
• Rectangle: A closed path in which the width and the height can be adjusted to create
a square or a rectangle.
• Wave: A wavy path (a sine wave) defined by two points, one at the beginning and
one at the end of the path, and controlled by the End Point, Amplitude, Frequency,
Phase, and Damping parameters.