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Apple Motion 5 Cookbook
Apple Motion 5 Cookbook

Apple Motion 5 Cookbook: With this book you'll be able to fully exploit the fantastic features of Apple Motion. There are over 110 recipes with downloadable content for each chapter and stacks of screenshots. A video editor's dream.

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Profile Icon Nicholas Harauz
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€18.99 per month
Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 2.8 (11 Ratings)
Paperback May 2013 416 pages 1st Edition
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€8.99 €28.99
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€37.99
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Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Nicholas Harauz
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€18.99 per month
Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 2.8 (11 Ratings)
Paperback May 2013 416 pages 1st Edition
eBook
€8.99 €28.99
Paperback
€37.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at €18.99p/m
eBook
€8.99 €28.99
Paperback
€37.99
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Apple Motion 5 Cookbook

Chapter 2. Looking at Motion's Library

In this chapter, we will cover:

  • A brief tour of the Library tab

  • Importing files from the Content library

  • Applying a Glow filter to a layer

  • Copying filters and applying filters to a group

  • Controlling the filter order

  • The power of cloning

  • The power of blend modes

  • Customizing a gradient generator

  • Applying a blend mode to a gradient

  • Adding a frame and changing a drop zone's content

  • Adding a Flourish and applying filters

Introduction


As motion graphic artists and editors, we are constantly looking for content to bring into our projects and compositions. Some of this content can come from an onset location that we want to manipulate, while other content we create on the computer, such as text. What's amazing about Motion is that it ships with a library of content you can use royalty free in any of your projects. You already have some of the content you apply to images on hand, while other content you can create and use from scratch. The best part is that usually you don't have to look any further than in the Library to create breathtaking, broadcast-worthy visuals for a variety of different situations. Let's dive in to see the vast richness available for our projects.

A brief tour of the Library tab


Motion's Library is very similar to Final Cut Pro's Media Browser. Unlike the File Browser where we import material from outside of Motion, the Library contains filters, behaviors, generators, content, and presets available within Motion. It also gives us a gateway to a few external application libraries, such as iTunes and iPhoto. In this recipe, we'll have an overview of the Library tab.

How to do it...

  1. Launch Motion. Set the Preset to Broadcast HD 720p, Frame Rate to NTSC-DV, 29.97, and Duration to 10 seconds. Press OK.

  2. Click on the Library tab located on the left-hand side of the interface. Take a second to look at all the categories that are displayed. Choose Behaviors. On the right-hand side, a list of subcategories display. Currently All is selected, and the content of that subcategory appears in the lower part of the window, as displayed in the following screenshot:

  3. At the bottom of the Library tab, click on the magnifying glass icon. Similar to Spotlight...

Importing files from the Content library


In the previous recipe, we had a brief tour of the Library tab and learned how we can easily search, select, and preview items. In this recipe, we'll import a few items into our project and see how to use them.

How to do it...

  1. You can continue from the project you created in the previous recipe, or if you're starting here, launch Motion. Set the Preset to Broadcast HD 720p, Frame Rate to NTSC-DV, 29.97, and Duration to 10 seconds. Press OK.

  2. Click on the Library tab and choose the Content category. On the right-hand side, select the Background subcategory.

  3. As the subcategory implies, these items are meant to be used as backgrounds in your project. To change the way these items are being displayed, use the icon on the bottom right-hand corner with four squares. All the backgrounds are now displayed as icons. We can change the size of them by clicking on the duration slider, as shown in the following screenshot (next to the magnifying glass icon):

  4. Click...

Applying a Glow filter to a layer


For those of you from Final Cut X, applying effects to your projects is probably second nature but many of you may not realize that the vast majority of the effects in the Media Browser come directly from Motion. At any time, if you Ctrl +click or right-click these effects, you would see an option to open a copy of it in Motion, as shown in the following screenshot:

Let's see how easy it is to add a filter to a clip in Motion.

How to do it...

  1. From this chapter's project folder, double-click and open the 02_03 project.. The project consists of an Aqua Ball from Motion's Content library. It has been scaled up in size. We want to add a filter to it. Make sure the Aqua Ball is selected in the Layers tab.

  2. Click on the Library tab. Locate the Filters category and select it. Select the Glow subcategory. There are eight different glows to choose from, as shown in the following screenshot:

  3. Select the Light Rays filter and click on the Apply button at the top of the...

Copying filters and applying filters to a group


Motion 5 gives us incredible flexibility when we work with filters. By using simple copying and pasting procedures, we are able to easily move filters in between layers and groups.

How to do it...

  1. From this chapter's project folder, open the 02_04 project.

  2. The project consists of two Aqua Balls from Motion's library. One of them has a Light Rays filter on it, which we applied in the previous recipe. We would like to apply this filter to the other Aqua Ball, too.

  3. Select the Light Rays filter in the Layers tab. Go to the Edit menu and choose Copy. Select the Aqua Ball without the filter and go to the Edit menu and choose Paste, as shown in the following screenshot:

  4. Let's add a blur filter to both the Aqua Balls as well. Rather than apply a filter to each ball, we can apply the filter to the group they're both in. Select Group 1 in the Layers tab. Click on the Library tab. Locate the Filters category and select it. Select the Blur subcategory. Select...

Controlling the filter order


Like any good recipe, the order in which we follow steps can make or break the meal we eat. The same can hold true for filters in Motion. In some instances, if we apply one filter before another, it can have a very different result than if the order was reversed. Let's take a look at a simple example where this applies.

How to do it...

  1. Navigate to this chapter's folder and open the 02_05 project.

  2. This project consists of an Earth Transparent layer from Motion's Content library. Click the disclosure triangle to reveal its filters and press F3 to go to the Filters tab of the Inspector.

  3. There are two filters on the layer. One filter was meant to colorize the earth map, while the other created a border around the map with a blue color. This problem arises because we added the Colorize filter after the Border filter, and this is affecting both the border and the layer. Select the Simple Border filter in the Layers tab and drag it up so that it's on top of the Colorize...

The power of cloning


In the previous recipe, we saw how easy it was to copy and paste filters from one layer to another or to a group. Sometimes in a Motion graphics workflow, it's necessary to duplicate layers. A problem can occur when we want to change the filters on these layers. Both the duplicate and the original layers would each have to be changed manually. If you begin to change or manipulate filters several times, this can become a very tedious process. This is where cloning comes in handy. Any changes we make to filters on the original layer, the clone will follow along. As an added bonus, it also allows for better performance in Motion. Let's take a look at an example in action.

How to do it...

  1. Open the 02_06 project from this chapter's project folder. This project consists of the Arrow 01 group from Motion's Content library.

  2. Click on the disclosure triangle for the Arrow 01 group and reveal its content. Notice there are two filters on the group—a Colorize and Trail filter. Press...

The power of blend modes


When you're trying to develop looks for your images, blend modes can achieve exciting results. Blend modes are used in almost all imaging applications and truly are a foundation of motion graphics and compositing. While there is a ton of content about blend modes, such as Motion 5's user manual, sometimes it's better to see for yourself and experiment with a still image. Let's take a look at a few examples.

How to do it...

Let's create a new project and add a still from Motion's library:

  1. Launch Motion. Set Preset to Broadcast HD 720p, Frame Rate to NTSC-DV, 29.97, and Duration to 10 seconds. Press OK.

  2. Click on the Library tab. Go to the Content category and select the Images subcategory. At the bottom of the Library window, double-click the Traditions folder and select the Watercolor 02 still image. In the preview area, you can see that the project's size is 2048 by 1362. That's much larger than our 1280 x 720 project.

  3. Making sure your playhead is at the beginning of...

Customizing a gradient generator


Gradients are fun and easy to use. Some gradients in Motion can be applied to different types of objects. We can apply gradients to shapes, text, particles, and a variety of different objects to create cool looks. We can create other gradients from scratch. To do this, we need to generate the gradient.

How to do it...

  1. Launch Motion. Set the Preset to Broadcast HD 720p, Frame Rate to NTSC-DV, 29.97, and Duration to 10 seconds. Press OK.

  2. Click on the Library tab. Go to the Generators category. There are several generators for you to choose from. Choose Gradient and click Apply. Go to the Window menu and choose Show HUD, if it's not already showing. Use the following screenshot for reference:

  3. A great place to start customizing your gradient is by looking at the various presets that ship with Motion. Next to the word Gradient is an icon. Click it to reveal the gradient presets and select any random one. I choose Dusk as shown here:

  4. Set Type to Radial. Press the I...

Applying a blend mode to a gradient


In this recipe, we're going to use a gradient generator and apply a blend mode to it so that we can enhance the sky in the image below it. While a still image is used in this recipe, this technique can be applied with moving footage as well.

How to do it...

We'll begin by navigating to this chapter's exercise folder on your drive.

  1. Open the 02_08 project, which consists of a still image of a sky. Select the still in the Layers tab.

  2. Click on the Library tab. Go to the Generators category. There are several generators for you to choose from. Choose Gradient and click Apply. Go to the Window menu and choose Show HUD, if it's not already showing.

  3. Make sure the gradient is selected in the Layers tab. In the HUD, next to the word Gradient is an icon. Click it to reveal the gradient presets and select Desert Sun, as shown in the following screenshot:

  4. With the gradient still selected in the Layers tab, Ctrl + click directly in the Canvas window. Choose Edit Position...

Adding a frame and changing a drop zone's content


Drop zones give us the ability to swap either video or a still in replace of a placeholder graphic. Drop zones are great in helping motion graphic designers automate their workflow. Let's say you have a news program that uses the same "Coming Next" animation every week, but the videos and still content in that animation constantly change. You can easily set up a drop zone, so that you can use that same graphic over and over again while literally dropping in video and stills to their respective places.

How to do it...

  1. Launch Motion. Set the Preset to Broadcast 720p, Frame Rate to 29.97, and Duration to 10 seconds.

  2. Click on the Library tab to open it. Go to Content. There are 1349 items to choose from. Click the magnifying glass at the bottom-left of the window. Type in Vertical.

  3. Select any frame with an arrow in the middle of it and choose Import. Select the Vertical group and press F1 to go to the Properties tab of the Inspector.

  4. Decrease the...

Adding a Flourish and applying filters


The Content library in Motion is a great way to start to visualize some of the possibilities Motion has to offer. In this recipe, we'll be taking a look at some of the possibilities that are available with combining some content from Motion's library along with some filters.

How to do it...

  1. Launch Motion. Set the Preset to Broadcast 720p, Frame Rate to 29.97, and Duration to 10 seconds. Click OK.

  2. Click on the Library tab. Go to the Content category. There are 1349 items to choose from. Click the magnifying glass at the bottom-left of the window. Type in Flourish, as shown in the following screenshot:

  3. Select Flourish and click Apply to add it to the project.

  4. Click the disclosure triangle to reveal the content of the Flourish group. It consists of an Ornament layer that is turned off and is referenced by a replicator. The replicator controls how many ornaments we see, while the Sequence Replicator behavior controls how the ornaments are being animated on...

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Key benefits

  • Easy to follow, hands-on instructions that simplify the learning process
  • Lots of in-depth information for FCPX users looking to integrate more motion graphics into their projects
  • Learn keyboard shortcuts that will save you hours and navigate Motion's interface like an expert

Description

Let's face it, people like images that move. Whether you see images on a moving billboard, walk into a bank with an LCD screen, watch TV, or surf the Web, motion graphics are everywhere. With an even greater demand to integrate motion graphics in just about every type of video or interactive content there is, this book will help you get there with Motion 5. It's all about creating eye-catching titles, transitions, and effects!"Apple Motion 5 Cookbook" contains exercises for the beginner and seasoned motion graphics user. You will learn how to navigate Motion's interface and quickly grasp the tools available to you while creating sophisticated and sleek animations in both 2D and 3D environments. Not forgetting visual effects, we will also explore motion tracking and green screen techniques that will help you composite like a pro. Let's launch the application, grab a cup of coffee, and get started on this exciting journey!The exercises will take you right from creating your very first Motion project through to export. You will learn how to navigate quickly and efficiently through Motion's complex interface and toolsets so that you can focus oncreating your masterpiece!You will learn how to create a new project and import material into that project from the File Browser and Motion's vast and rich content library. From there, you will learn to manipulate and animate these source files using Motion's behaviors, classic keyframing techniques, adding filters, and master the built-in tools such as particle systems that will knock your socks off! Last but not least, you will export your projects to a variety of different formats including DVD, as a Final Cut Pro generator, and the Web.The "Apple Motion 5 Cookbook" contains downloadable content for each chapter and is packed with screenshots and illustrations. After reading this book, you'll be creating motion graphics and visual effects in no time!

Who is this book for?

"Apple Motion 5 Cookbook" is designed for Final Cut Pro X video editors and Motion 5 users looking to gain more knowledge of how Motion works, and to get more of a ‘WOW' factor in projects. It's also aimed at designers and motion designers alike, who are looking to build on their skillsets.

What you will learn

  • Import Media using the File Browser including Photoshop and Illustrator files
  • Finish projects by using only what s available to you in Motion s vast content library
  • Build complex animations without ever having to add a keyframe
  • Create incredible particle systems from any source file with the click of a button
  • Add cameras, lights, reflection and depth of field to your scene
  • Make your text animate in seconds using one of several built-in behaviors
  • Use Motion s keyer on greenscreen clips with ease
  • Create beautiful transition, effects, and titles to use directly in FCPX

Product Details

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Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : May 24, 2013
Length: 416 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781849693806
Vendor :
Apple
Tools :

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Product Details

Publication date : May 24, 2013
Length: 416 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781849693806
Vendor :
Apple
Tools :

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Table of Contents

12 Chapters
Getting Around the Interface Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Looking at Motion's Library Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Making It Move with Behaviors Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Making It Move with Keyframes Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Let's Make Text Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Paint and Masks Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Let's Make Particles Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Replicators – It's No Fun By Yourself Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Motion Tracking and Keying Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Intro to 3D Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Publishing Your Work to FCP X Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Customization and Exporting Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

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Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 2.8
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5 star 27.3%
4 star 9.1%
3 star 9.1%
2 star 27.3%
1 star 27.3%
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Howard Gutowitz Aug 08, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Have spent a couple days with this book now and I really like it. I'm a developer, not a designer. Having very detailed, step by stepinstructions such as these is exactly the way to get into it if you really want to do something with the program, as opposed to watching some instructional video which leaves you with no knowledge except "boy, that guy is good."It's designed so that you can pick it up just about anywhere and follow along, which I appreciate. It leads to a lot of repetition, e.g. "Press F7 to open the HUD," but that's a feature, not a bug. By the time you realize it's a repetition, you've actually learned that "F7 = open HUD" and know what the HUD is.It's not chatty, not trying to be your friend. Just trying to get you up to speed.I should add that both the book and the example code could use some careful proof reading. e.g. two projects so far depend on fonts that you have to go download and install. Or they start in a state slightly different from what is described in the text. In the text errors such as it's for its and a long for along.
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jq Dec 14, 2014
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Thanks
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C. J. White Jun 09, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Actually I thought this book was a collection of different "recipes" of what you can do in Motion. In my opinion it's more of a how to book than a cookbook. Having gone through a couple chapters, this book is megatons better than any tutorial I have ever encountered. It breaks down Motion so that the average Joe could understand. It wasn't what I thought it was, but I'm happy that it wasn't. I actually am pleased with the way it guides me through the program. I so far have learned things about Motion that I didn't know previously having gone through two other tutorial programs. It's so clear and simple, I want to say thank you to the author for doing an excellent job!
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David K. Bainbridge Dec 15, 2016
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Good
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MT Jan 29, 2014
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It uses the author's own files and projects. I really need more of a reference book with how-tos that are not tied to a specific case.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
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