5

Transform Parameters
Position: Defines the X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth) position of each layer.
The coordinate system used by Motion specifies the center of the Canvas as 0, 0, 0
regardless of the frame size of the project. Moving a layer to the left subtracts from the
X value, while moving to the right adds to the X value. Moving a layer up adds to the Y
value, and moving a layer down subtracts from the Y value. Moving a layer closer adds
to the Z value, while moving further away subtracts from the Z value.
Canvas center point
(0,0)
-360 pixels +360 pixels
+240 pixels
-240 pixels
Each layer’s position is centered on its anchor point. Offsetting the anchor point also
offsets the position of the layer relative to the X, Y, and Z position values you have set.
Rotation: A dial that controls a one-dimensional value representing the number of degrees
of rotation around the Z axis. A positive value rotates the layer counterclockwise. A
negative value rotates the layer clockwise.
Rotating a layer beyond 360 degrees results in multiple rotations when the Rotation
parameter is animated.
Click the disclosure triangle next to the Rotation parameter to reveal dials that adjust
rotation around all three axes (X, Y, and Z), as well as the Animate pop-up menu.
• Animate: Allows you to set the interpolation for animated 3D rotation channels to one
of two options:
• Use Rotation: The default interpolation method. Layer rotates from its start angle to
their final angle. Depending on the animation, the layer might twist before reaching
its final orientation (the last keyframed value). For example, if the X, Y, and Z Angle
parameters are animated from 0 degrees to 180 degrees in a project, the layer rotates
on all axes before reaching its final orientation.
• Use Orientation: This alternate interpolation method provides smoother interpolation
but does not allow multiple revolutions. Use Orientation interpolates between the
layer’s start orientation (first keyframe) to its end orientation (second keyframe).
Note: The Rotation parameter must be keyframed for the Animate parameter options
to have any effect.
283Chapter 7 Basic Compositing