Lesson1.Working with the Basic Interface

Lesson 1. Working with the Basic Interface

Time Goals

Lesson_01 > 1-1 Graphics start

Lesson_01 > 1-2 Graphics finished

This lesson takes approximately 1 hour to complete.

Launch the Motion program

Explore the Motion interface

Explore the Utility window

Work with the Dynamic Guides

Modify an object in the Canvas

Create an object using the Create tools in the toolbar

Work with the Dashboard window

Add a drop shadow to an object in the Canvas

Create text in the Canvas

Change text color in the Dashboard

Save a Motion project

Welcome to the world of motion graphics.

By definition, graphics are representations of something in the form of images. Graphics include pictures, text, shapes, and objects, all of which can be grouped together to create an overall image called a composite. These composite images can be used for anything from a business card to a billboard.

Motion graphics, on the other hand, are exactly what their name implies: graphics in motion. Motion graphics are more than just graphics that move, however; they can grow, spin, fly, glow, wiggle, explode, and just about anything else you can imagine.

Over the years, I've worked with many frustrated editors and graphic designers who struggled to create dynamic motion graphics without spending days calculating and plotting, and who often settled for less than what they desired.

That was before Motion. This software is different. You don't have to be a computer engineer or graphic designer to create motion graphics. You don't even have to be an artist. If you can click a mouse, you can turn your Mac into a motion graphics studioit's really that simple.

It's a good idea to learn to walk before you run, so prepare yourself for a brisk walk through the basic Motion interface as you build a graphic composite. Along the way, you'll learn some useful keyboard shortcuts as you get to know the program.