Motion and graphic path

[Eric Holzapfel]

Hello Motion Group,

I am planning to use a map image (tiff or psd, etc). I would like to trace a path from one
city to another, etc. Like Raiders of the Lost Ark, or like they did in the 30s and 40s when
the film showed the “route” of intrepid travelers. I can do something like this in Flash, by creating a path over the map, from city to city, and have Flash draw a line, and move a round dot along the path. I do not want to follow a straight path, but have the path follow “roads” on the map.

I want to use this concept for a travel film I am working on, which will use FCP timeline with stills and
video. Can I do this in Motion? Is Motion a realistic choice for this type of work? Or AfterEffects?

Thanks,

Eric

[Stephen Smith]

I think Motion is a great choice for a project like this. Its Write on Behavior makes this easy to do. I would Use the B-Spline tool to create a line and then add a Write on Behavior to animate the line. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Stephen Smith
Utah Video Productions

Check out my Motion Training DVD

Check out my Motion Tutorials

[Eric Holzapfel]

Hello Stephen,

Thanks, I have motion 4, and this will be a good learning exercise for me.

Thanks,

eric

Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop

[Andy Neil]

The write on behavior works for drawing the line. For the animation of a dot along the path, you should use the Motion Path behavior. Check out my quick tutorial that shows exactly that.

Andy

Quick Tip: Motion Path Behavior

https://www.timesavertutorials.com

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[Mark Petereit]

Here’s a tutorial that covers exactly what you want to do:

https://www.motionsmarts.com/tutorials/drawinglines/drawinglines1.html

[Mark Spencer]

That tutorial was great for Motion 2 but if you have Motion 3 or 4 using a paint stroke and a write on behavior is much easier.

—
Mark Spencer
Freelance Producer/Editor/Motion Graphics Artist
Apple-certified Master Trainer
Author, Motion 4 from Peachpit Press
https://www.applemotion.net

[Mark Petereit]

LOL! Sometimes Google is NOT your friend. 😉

Thanks, Mark!

[Eric Holzapfel]

Hello Andy,

Great help. How did you know that my map i intend to use for animation is very
much like yours!!

Thanks,

eric

Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop

[Eric Holzapfel]

Hello Mark,

What a great resource the Cow is. Also, thanks for the input. i have your
Motion 3 and Motion 4 traing DVD (via iTunes) and it is great.

Eric

Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop

[Andy Neil]

I just assume that everyone needs a map between Exeter and Norwich.

Andy

https://www.timesavertutorials.com