Creating Text on a Path with Apple Motion

In Apple Motion you can create text objects that will follow a specific path.  Here’s a quick tutorial on how to do this.

Press command 4 and command 7 to bring forward the layers tab and timeline windows.

Click on the text tool and type a title within the canvas window.

Click on the inspector tab within the inspector window so you can adjust the size of the text.

Click on the style tab to give your text preset style.

Click on the layout tab.

Set the layout method to path.

By default, Apple motion will create a spline for the text to follow. 

You can adjust these bezier handles to create a complex path.

You can also have the text follow a basic shape. 

Go ahead and select a circle for the path shape.

You can move the entire path by using the select / transform tool.

To animate the text along a path you can change the path offset.

Set a path offset so the title is located at the bottom of the circle.

Turn on the record button at the top of the timeline window.

Move the playhead indicator forward a few seconds.

Set the path offset back to 0.

Back up and play the animation.

Another cool trick is to add a behavior to your existing animation.

Click on the add behavior button and select text – energetic – magnetic in.

Back up and play the animation.   You can now bring this animation into Final Cut Pro.

For other great tips and tricks like this or to enroll in an Apple Motion training course, visit GeniusDV.com