… for Apple Motion

Tip #1377: Create a Reflection

Larry Jordan – LarryJordan.com

Reflections require a reflecting surface and a group that’s switched to 3D.

Philip asked: “How do I create a reflection in Motion?”

By default, all objects in Motion radiate light, meaning they can create a reflection. However, in order to see a reflection, you need a second object that catches the light from the first object and reflects it. THAT setting, to enable reflections, is turned off by default.

To enable reflections:

• Create the object you want to reflect (the heart, in this screen shot)
• Create a surface upon which you want the reflection to appear (the gold rectangle)
• Be sure both objects are in the same group.
• Switch the group from 2D to 3D by clicking the small icon of rectangles on the right of the group name in the Layers panel.
• Select the rectangle.
• Go to Inspector > Properties and enable (check) Reflection.
• Adjust the angle of the rectangle to get the reflection you want.
• Adjust the Inspector settings to get the look you want.

NOTE: 3D Objects do not create reflections.