Changing Object Order on the Layers Tab


Files are always added to a project above the previous objects. This is one reason why it's good to start with the background and build upward. Since the map was added after the globe, it is currently above the globe in the Canvas and on the Layers tab. In this exercise, you'll change the order of the objects and then rename the entire layer.

To change the order of objects on the Layers tab, you simply drag an object either upward to move it above another object or downward to move it below.

Dragging an object up or down on the Layers tab can also create a new layer containing the object that is being moved. You control whether you move an object or create a new layer by aligning the position indicator with the desired icon. If you align the object with the Layer icon, you create a new layer; if you align it with an object icon, you move the object.

The Layer icon looks like a series of layers.

Layer icon

The object icon varies, depending on the type of object file. There are four object icons: Still image, Movie, Shape, and Text.

Still image

Movie

Shape (created in Motion)

Text (created in Motion)

The position indicator takes the guesswork out of moving objects within layers. As you move an object, the position indicator appears as a black line between the rows. When the position indicator is aligned with the correct icon, release the mouse to place the object.

Let's move the Map Loop object to create a new layer; then we'll move the Map Loop object within the new layer.

1.

Press Cmd-4, or click the Layers tab, to open the Layers tab.

As you can see, the Map Loop object is above the Globe Corner object.

2.

On the Layers tab, drag the Map Loop icon downward and to the left, below the Globe Corner icon, until the position indicator aligns with the Layer icon. When the Add symbola green circle with a plus signappears, indicating that you are adding a new layer, release the mouse.

Position indicator aligned with the Layer icon, creating a new layer containing an object

A new layer containing the Map Loop object is created.

3.

Press Cmd-Z to undo the last step.

Now let's move the object without creating a new layer.

4.

Drag the Map Loop object below the Globe Corner object. Make sure the position indicator is aligned with the object icons; then release the mouse.

Position indicator appears to show a move within the layer.

The map is now below the globe both on the Layers tab and in the Canvas.



    Apple Pro Training Series Getting Started with Motion
    Apple Pro Training Series: Getting Started With Motion
    ISBN: 0321305337
    EAN: 2147483647
    Year: 2005
    Pages: 283
    Authors: Mary Plummer

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