5.5

231Motion User Guide
Add objects to the Timeline
Intro to adding objects to the Motion Timeline
Just as you can drag objects (media and effects) to the Layers list or canvas, you can drag
objects to the Timeline. There are two ways to do this:
• Add media to the Timeline layers list. This method is identical to the workflow for
dragging media to the Layers list in Project pane.
• Add media and effects objects to the Timeline track area. With this method, you can
control how media is added to the project—inserted, exchanged with existing media,
and so on—with a series of drop menu commands.
Additionally, you can set drag-and-drop preferences to customize how and where objects
are placed the Timeline.
Drag to the Timeline layers list in Motion
Just as you can add media to the Layers list, you can drag media into the Timeline layers
list. When you do so, a layer is added to the Timeline layers list (and also to the Layers list,
and canvas), and a corresponding timebar appears in the track area.
Library effects (behaviors, filters, and so on) can also be dragged into the Timeline layers
list. However, because effects objects are applied to media layers (images, video, audio,
and so on), they cannot be grouped by themselves.
Note: You can also drag images and clips to the Timeline track area. See Drag to the
Timeline track area in Motion.
Add a layer to a group
1. In Motion, do one of the following:
• In the toolbar, click Import, then drag a media file from the dialog that appears to the
Timeline layers list (but don’t release the mouse button yet).
• Drag a media item from the Library or Media list to the Timeline layers list (but don’t
release the mouse button yet).
2. Do any of the following:
• Add the item as the topmost layer in a group: As you drag, position the pointer over a
group, and when the group is highlighted, release the mouse button.
• Add the item between two existing layers: As you drag, position the pointer between
two layers, and when a blue position indicator appears, release the mouse button.
• Replace an existing image layer: As you drag, position the pointer over an existing
layer, and when the pointer becomes a curved arrow, release the mouse button.
The new layer is added to the Timeline layers list, Layers list and canvas.
Note: If the media item is a clip with multiple audio tracks, a drop menu will appear,
allowing you to choose between mixing down the multiple tracks to stereo or importing
audio tracks individually. See Add audio files in Motion.