-
Importing Vector Images
I’m thinking this might be an argument for using AE over Motion. I have a map of the US that I want to zoom in very close on, but because of the resolution restriction in Motion, that isn’t possible without getting jagged edges. The obvious solution would be to use a vector image so that when you zoom in on it, the edges maintain their sharpness.
However, Motion doesn’t have a feature for importing Illustrator files. So, does anyone know of a way around this. Am I not aware of a feature for handling imported vector graphics? Or should I stick to AE for something like this?
Thanks.
Using Motion 3
CS3 -
14 Replies
-
Heya,
Motion can read an Illustrator file just fine. Just be sure to save the AI file with PDF compatibility. After you bring it into Motion, just select it, press Shift+F (takes to you the Media tab), then uncheck the Fixed Resolution checkbox. This will allow the vector image to be rasterized at whatever size it is on-screen (like continuous rasterization in AE).
-
Thank you for the advice, but I don’t see a “Fixed Resolution” checkbox. Where is it?
-
Nevermind. I found it. It only shows up when you work wiht a 2D group.
Unfortunately, I’m still getting the jagged edges. As a vector graphic, the image should be just as sharp at 900% as it is a 100%.
I think I should just stick with AE for this.
-
Heya,
I see where the confusion lies: I wasn’t referring to the Fixed Resolution option on 2D groups. I was referring to the Fixed Resolution option on the footage settings for your AI file. After you’ve imported your AI file, do the following:
1. Select the image in the Layers List.
2. Press Shift+F to shortcut to the footage settings for the image (your AI file).
3. In the Media tab of the Inspector, uncheck the Fixed Resolution checkbox.This is similar to setting the footage interpretation settings on a piece of source media in FCP or AE. In this case, the Fixed Resolution option is specific to source footage that is vector-based.
-
There are 2 Media tabs. There is the one next to the layers tab that shows you all the Media currently being used on the project. Then there is the Media tab in the Inspector that shows the the properties for that specific piece of media.
The only “Fixed Resolution” checkbox I see is in the Inspector’s Media tab, and it only shows up when the layer is a 2D group.
Checked or Unchecked, I get the same results.
-
Hey,
Actually, that tab in the Inspector will read as ‘Group’ when a group is selected and ‘Media’ if a media object is selected. If you follow the steps in my previous post, you will see the appropriate checkbox.
Here’s a movie.
-
Thats really fantastic. Thank you!
-
If anyone is still tracking this thread. I am finding that any fxplug filter applied to the vector image causes the image to go raster, is this confirmed as such?
-
Hey David:
I had the same problem (filter causing rasterization), but when I applied it to the group instead of the image, it was fine. I’m sure you already discovered that, but wanted to add it to the thread.
“…all the labours of the ages, all the devotion, all the inspiration, all the noonday brightness…” yada yada
-
So I have been trying to follow your instructions to a tee, so I can import .ai files into Motion.
What am I doing wrong. I uncheck “Fixed Resolution” but still have jagged edges.I am using Motion 4.
See screenshot below:
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up