This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Replicators
Like particle emitters, replicators create patterns from a chosen source object (image, shape, movie, text, generator, and so on), but replicators do not have an inherent life cycle. They are more structured than particle systems, taking on a specific pattern or shape, yet used to create abstract backgrounds.
Using Preset Replicators
- In the Utility window, select the Library tab.
- In the Library tab, choose Replicators and, if desired, a specific subcategory.
- Select the desired preset from the file stack.
- To add the preset to your project, select a destination group, if desired, and then do one of the following:
- Click the Apply button at the top of the Library tab.
- Drag the preset to the desired group within the Layers tab.
- Drag the preset to the Canvas.
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Creating a Replicator from Scratch
- In the Canvas window or Layers tab, select a source object to become the replicator cell.
- In the Toolbar, click the Replicate icon, or press L.
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Modifying a Replicator
The Inspector tab allows you to customize the appearance of a replicator. As when modifying other layers in Motion, note which layer is selected before making adjustments.
TIP
The HUD displays a reduced selection of parameters for adjusting the replicator.
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Parameters of a Replicator Cell
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NOTE
All Color Modes are affected by the Origin parameter set in the Replicator tab. Origin sets the anchor point of the pattern at Center by default.
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When Color Mode is set to Original, you can adjust the cells’ opacity over the pattern.
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When Color Mode is set to Colorize, you can adjust tinting and manipulate the alpha channel.
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When Color Mode is set to Over Pattern, the cells are modified by the Origin parameter in the Replicator tab. The cells take the range of opacity and color tags from left to right across the pattern.
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When Color Mode is set to Pick From Color Range, the cells randomly select a color from the gradient editor regardless of the Origin setting.
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NOTE
Additional parameters become available with other object types, such as a movie object.
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Replicator Shapes
Here are examples of the available replicator shapes:
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Behaviors and Filters for Replicators
As with any non-text layer, you may easily apply behaviors and filters to create movement or a particular appearance for replicators. The Basic Motion, Parameter, and Simulation behaviors can be applied to a replicator. Within the Basic Motion subcategory, only Throw and Spin may be applied to replicator cells.
One behavior applies only to replicators or replicator cells: Sequence Replicator. This powerful behavior requires customization.
- Apply the Sequence Replicator behavior to a replicator.
- From the Parameter Add pop-up menu, choose the parameter you want to animate.
- Modify the parameter’s values to the desired settings.
- Change the Sequence controls as desired.
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For example, if you wanted to fade-in the particle cells across the pattern, do the following:
- Choose Add > Opacity.
- Change the Opacity value to 0.
- Set Sequencing to From.
- Adjust the behavior’s duration in the mini-Timeline.
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