5

Here’s a simple comparison of a behavior and a Parameter behavior. A Throw behavior
is applied to a text layer and the text travels across the Canvas. The Throw behavior affects
the Position parameter of the text layer. You can accomplish a similar effect by applying
a Ramp parameter behavior to the Position parameter, but the Ramp behavior can also
be applied to any other parameter such as Tracking or Opacity.
A Parameter behavior’s effect on an object depends on the parameter to which it is
applied. For example, if you apply the Randomize parameter behavior to a particle emitter’s
Position parameter, the emitter drifts randomly around the screen when the project plays.
Applying the Randomize parameter behavior to a shape’s Scale parameter makes the
shape randomly grow and shrink.
Important: Although you can apply a Parameter behavior to an object, the applied
behavior does not affect the object until you select a parameter to apply the Parameter
behavior to. A more direct way to apply a Parameter behavior is by using the shortcut
menu in the Inspector.
To apply a Parameter behavior to a specific parameter of an object
1 Select the object to apply the Parameter behavior to.
2 Do one of the following:
• Control-click a parameter’s name in the Inspector, choose Add Parameter Behavior,
then choose an item from the submenu.
• Click the parameter’s Animation menu, choose Add Parameter Behavior, then choose
an item from the submenu.
• Control-click a parameter in the HUD, choose Add Parameter Behavior from the shortcut
menu, then choose an item from the submenu.
• Control-click a parameter in the Keyframe Editor, then choose a Parameter behavior
from the shortcut menu.
When you apply a Parameter behavior, the Behaviors Inspector opens.
Note: Use the pop-up menu above the Keyframe Editor to choose the parameters you
want displayed in the Keyframe Editor. For more information, see Filtering the Parameter
List.
To apply a Parameter behavior to an object
1 Do one of the following:
• Drag a Parameter behavior from the Library to an appropriate object in the Canvas,
Layers list, or Timeline.
Note: It is usually easier to drag a behavior to a camera or light in the Layers list or
Timeline than to the object in the Canvas.
• Select an object in the Canvas, Layers list, or Timeline, open the Add Behavior pop-up
menu in the toolbar, then choose an item from the Parameter submenu.
375Chapter 9 Using Behaviors