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Replicator Concepts
The replicator in Motion builds patterns of repeating elements with minimum effort. The
elements of the patterns can consist of video, still images, shapes, text, or any other type
of layer in a Motion project. For example, with very few clicks of your mouse you can
create spinning loops based on a basic shape.
Replicator source shape
Replicator result
Replicator parameters can be keyframed to change a pattern’s dynamics over time. For
example, you can create a wave of dots that follow one another across the screen by
keyframing the replicator’s Offset parameter.
You can add behaviors to the replicator or its cells to create even more varied effects
(simulation behaviors can be especially effective). Behaviors applied to a replicator or a
cell can be applied to each element of the pattern. This lets you achieve almost limitless
variation and complexity that would take hours to animate using keyframes. You can also
apply a behavior, such as Vortex, to another object in your project (an object that is not
part of the replicator pattern), and have the pattern elements circumnavigate that object.
A special behavior called Sequence Replicator allows you to choreograph the parameters
of your onscreen elements (their position, scale, and opacity, for example) in a sequential
animation. For more information, see Using the Sequence Replicator Behavior.
734 Chapter 15 Using the Replicator