5.5

119Motion User Guide
Transform layers in the canvas
Intro to transforming layers in the Motion canvas
You can transform image layers in the canvas using onscreen controls (transform handles)
to drag, resize, rotate, and more. Although you can perform the same modifications with
more precision by adjusting parameter controls in the Properties Inspector, onscreen
controls give you a more hands-on method of working.
Before transforming layers, you must make a selection in the Layers list or canvas. After
you select a layer, a bounding box with transform handles appears in the canvas.
You can move selected layers anywhere in the frame shown in the canvas, and you can also
drag layers past the edge of the frame. By default, when you move a layer past the edge
of the frame, it becomes invisible; however, you can still manipulate the layer using its
bounding box.
You can perform different adjustments in the canvas by choosing different transform tools
in the canvas toolbar. The default tool—Select/Transform—lets you reposition, resize,
and rotate a selected layer or group. Other transform tools let you distort or crop objects,
create drop shadows, and more.
Important: In 360° projects, onscreen controls are not always available. See Intro to 360°
video in Motion.