… for Apple Motion

Tip #1303: Add a Curve to a Motion Path

Larry Jordan – LarryJordan.com

There are multiple ways to add curves to motion paths.

All motion paths in Motion are straight lines. However, adding a curve is easy. Here’s how.

PEN or PAINTBRUSH TOOL

• When drawing a line with either the Pen or Paintbrush tool, drag when setting a corner. This changes the corner from a sharp edge to a curve.

MOTION PATH

• Double-click anywhere on the red motion path line to set a control point.
• Drag the control point to create a curve.
• Drag one or both of the white control handles to change the shape of the curve.

A CONTROL POINT

• Control-click an existing corner in a motion path line. From the popup menu, change it from Linear to Smooth to add a curve.
• Change from Smooth to Linear to change a curve to a corner.