5

Generators are objects in the Library that you add to a project to create instant graphical
treatments such as colors, bars, stripes, noise, or gradients. Some generators create
animated patterns. However, most default to static, patterned images that can be animated
using behaviors or keyframes.
This chapter covers the following:
• About Generators (p. 941)
• Adding a Generator (p. 942)
• Modifying Generators (p. 943)
• Generator Parameters (p. 953)
• Text Generators (p. 976)
About Generators
You add generators to a project in the same manner as other files—by dragging the
generator into your project from the Library. Alternatively, you can apply generators from
the Add Generator pop-up menu in the toolbar. After you add a generator, it becomes
a layer in the Layers list (and Timeline) and appears in the Canvas. The generator is set
to the duration and size of your project by default. For example, if you are working on
an NTSC D1 project and you add a generator, the generator has a 720 x 486 (.90) pixel
aspect ratio.
After you add a generator, you can modify its preset values as well as animate nearly all
of its parameters—whether the generator is animated or static. After you modify a
generator, you can save it to the Library for later use.
Note: The duration of the generator depends on the Project settings in Motion Preferences.
If Create Layers At is set to “Start of project,” the generator starts at the first project frame
regardless of where the playhead is when the generator is added. If set to “Current frame,”
the generator starts at the playhead’s frame.
941
Working with Generators
18