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PowerPoint - Work with a motion path Tutorial

In this video, you will learn how to work with a motion path using Microsoft 365. The video covers the steps to create and manipulate motion paths in order to add dynamic movement to your presentations.
This will help you create engaging and visually appealing presentations that will captivate your audience.

2:50
4531 views

Available in Microsoft365

Objectifs :

This video aims to teach the basics of creating motion paths in animation, specifically focusing on how to animate a wheel rolling back and forth using a straight line motion path.

Chapitres :

Introduction to Motion Paths
In this section, we will cover the fundamental concepts of motion paths in animation. Motion paths allow objects to move along a defined trajectory, enhancing the visual dynamics of animations. The example used in this video is a wheel that rolls back and forth.
Creating the Motion Path
To create the motion path for the wheel, follow these steps: 1. Select the wheel image. 2. Navigate to the Animations tab in your software. 3. Choose a motion path from the available options. For this demonstration, a Straight Line path is selected, which is the most common type. 4. The green circle indicates the starting point of the path, while the red circle marks the endpoint. A ghosted image of the wheel shows its final position along the path.
Adjusting the Motion Path
Once the path is created, you can adjust it as needed: - If you click outside the path, it will deselect, and the starting and ending points will be represented by arrows. - To change the direction of the path, select the path and look for the four-pointed cursor. Click and drag to adjust the path direction. For this animation, a right-pointing path is desired.
Resizing the Motion Path
To make the motion path longer, follow these steps: 1. Select the path. 2. Hold down the Shift key. 3. When the cursor changes to a two-pointed sizing cursor, drag the mouse to resize the path. 4. Release the mouse button and the Shift key when the desired length is achieved. This allows the wheel to stop at the intended endpoint.
Previewing the Animation
After adjusting the motion path, it's time to preview the effect. The wheel will move straight to the right along the path you created. You can also drag the path to reposition it in any direction. If you need to change the direction from down to right, it may require more precision to ensure the line is perfectly horizontal.

FAQ :

What is a motion path in animation?

A motion path is a defined route that an animated object follows. It can be straight or curved, allowing for various movement effects in animations.

How do I create a straight line motion path?

To create a straight line motion path, select the object you want to animate, go to the Animation tab, and choose the Straight Line path option. Adjust the starting and ending points as needed.

What does the ghosted image represent?

The ghosted image represents the object's position along the motion path, helping you visualize where the object will move during the animation.

Can I change the direction of a motion path?

Yes, you can change the direction of a motion path by selecting the path and dragging it to the desired direction. You can also adjust the path length by resizing it.

What is the purpose of the preview effect?

The preview effect allows you to see how your animation will look before finalizing it, helping you make adjustments as needed.

Quelques cas d'usages :

Creating Animated Presentations

Use motion paths to animate objects in presentations, making them more engaging. For example, animate a wheel rolling across the screen to illustrate a concept.

Developing Educational Videos

In educational videos, motion paths can be used to demonstrate processes or movements, such as showing how a wheel moves in a physics lesson.

Enhancing Marketing Materials

In marketing materials, animated graphics with motion paths can attract attention. For instance, animate a product moving across the screen to highlight its features.

Creating Interactive Learning Modules

In interactive learning modules, motion paths can guide users through a sequence of actions, such as navigating a virtual environment or completing a task.

Improving User Experience in Software Demos

In software demonstrations, use motion paths to show how to navigate through the application, making it easier for users to understand the workflow.

Glossaire :

Motion Path

A predefined route that an object follows during an animation. It can be straight or curved, allowing for various movement effects.

Animation Tab

A section in animation software where users can access tools and options for creating and modifying animations.

Straight Line Path

The most common type of motion path, where an object moves in a straight line from a starting point to an ending point.

Ghosted Image

A faint representation of an object that shows its position along the motion path, helping users visualize the animation.

Path Point

A specific point on a motion path that indicates the starting or ending position of an animated object.

Sizing Cursor

A cursor that appears when resizing an object or path, typically represented by a two-pointed arrow.

Preview Effect

A feature that allows users to see how an animation will look before finalizing it.

00:00:08

a wheel that rolls back and forth.

00:00:12

In this movie I'll focus on creating the Motion path for the effect

00:00:15

so you can see how to work with a path.

00:00:18

In Movie 3, I'll apply a spin and other effects

00:00:21

to the wheel to complete the rolling effect.

00:00:25

Here's the wheel image with no effects applied,

00:00:28

to apply the Motion path I select the wheel

00:00:31

and on the Animations tab I open the Effects Gallery

00:00:35

and scroll down to Motion paths.

00:00:39

There are these paths and down at the very bottom there's a link to more.

00:00:45

A Straight Line path is most common and that's what I want so I'll choose it.

00:00:50

The Path effect plays in the auto preview

00:00:53

and it's a downward path by default.

00:00:56

On the path, the green circle shows the starting point for the line,

00:01:01

the red circle shows the ending point.

00:01:04

This paler image of the wheel shows you where it will end up.

00:01:08

When you see the ghosted image and the start and end points are little circles,

00:01:12

you know the path is selected.

00:01:16

When I click anywhere that isn't on the path that deselects the path.

00:01:21

When the path isn't selected, the starting and ending points

00:01:24

are a green arrow and a red arrow.

00:01:27

For my wheel animation effect I want a right pointing path not a down one.

00:01:33

The easiest way to fix that is to first select the Path,

00:01:37

point to it and look for the 4 pointed cursor, then click,

00:01:42

then I'll open Effect Options

00:01:45

and here are more types of straight paths.

00:01:48

I'll choose Right, the wheel now moves to the right

00:01:52

and its arrows point to the right.

00:01:55

I want to make this path longer so I'm going to resize it.

00:01:59

First I select it,

00:02:02

then I'm going to press the Shift key to keep the line horizontal as I drag it.

00:02:08

With the Shift key down, I point to the end of the path

00:02:12

and when I see this 2 pointed sizing cursor I drag the mouse.

00:02:17

I want the wheel to stop about here so I'll let up the mouse button and Shift key.

00:02:24

Now let's preview the effect,

00:02:26

the path moves the wheel straight to the right to the end of the bar.

00:02:31

Note that when I'm dragging to size the path,

00:02:34

I can move it in any direction I want too.

00:02:37

Earlier I could have changed its direction by dragging it from down to right.

00:02:43

It's just a little trickier when you draw to get the line perfectly horizontal.

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