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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.
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.
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.
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.
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