5.5

186Motion User Guide
Add cameras to create 3D environments
Intro to 3D cameras in Motion
By default, newly created Motion projects are 2D, planar environments. When you add a
scene camera and convert your project to a 3D environment, the following occurs:
• A third dimension (depth) is activated in the canvas, represented by the Z axis.
• A camera object is added to the Layers list and to the canvas (as a wireframe icon that
you can drag like any other object in Motion). Like a real-world camera, a Motion scene
camera lets you frame a custom point of view during your sequence. And like a real
camera, a Motion scene camera can be static or set into motion to create elaborate
tracking shots.
• Controls become available in the Inspector for adjusting your camera’s angle of view
and other properties. See Camera controls in Motion.
• 3D overlays become available in the canvas to help you view and arrange your 3D
elements. See View 3D overlays in Motion.
• Additional reference views (called reference cameras) become available so that you can
see your 3D project from various angles (from the front, back, sides, and so on). See
Cameras and views in Motion.
• A group of camera behaviors becomes available, allowing you to apply sophisticated
animated camera moves. See Add Camera behaviors in Motion.
Add a camera in Motion
To convert your project to 3D, add a scene camera.
Add a scene camera to a Motion project
1. In Motion, do one of the following:
• In the toolbar, click Add Object, then choose Camera from the pop-up menu.
• Choose Object > New Camera (or press Option-Command-C).
If your project contains no existing 3D groups, the following dialog appears:
If your project is empty or already contains at least one 3D group, go to step 3.