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Help Centre
Any element that can have keyframes and interpolations on it will contain a motion path when there is movement on it. This path will be Separate or 3D. This article will explain the difference between these path types and when they should be used.
| NOTE: Both drawing and peg layers can contain a motion path, however it is recommended to keep your keyframes and interpolations on peg layers, and keep drawing layers for artwork. |
About Separate paths
In a separate path, the X, Y and Z axes are treated as separate functions. This means the direction and pace of the movement across all three axes can each be done separately.
The trajectory of a separate path will be a straight line unless there are eases applied to the motion.
| Without eases | With eases |
Separate paths are useful when you need finite control over your 2D animation transformations.
Where to use Separate paths
Separate paths are generally used for the following:
- Rigging: This is the most important application of Separate path pegs, as the separation of functions allows for more control during cut-out animation.
- No motion in Z-space: Any element that does not require any type of 3D motion, or is not a 3D object
| TIP: It is suggested that your pegs are set to Separate by default unless you specifically work in the 3D space. You can define the default path type for your pegs by checking the Default Separate Position for Pegs setting under the General tab in your Preferences. |
About 3D Paths
In a 3D path, the X, Y and Z axes are contained inside a single function. The ease of a movement is determined by a single velocity function.
This results in a path that automatically has a curve, regardless of the presence of eases or not:
| Without eases | With eases |
3D paths can be useful in creating smooth motion around the 3D space, even if the object is not 3D. You can easily add points directly to the path to make adjustments in the trajectory of the object.
Where to use 3D Paths
3D paths are generally used for the following:
- Cameras and objects in the Z-space: If a 2D camera or character needs to move through the scene and interact with multi-plane layers, then a 3D path can give you more control over the trajectory.
- 3D objects (Harmony Premium): Any imported 3D objects will need to have both the 3D Path and Enable 3D option activated to be successfully manipulated.
Changing the path type
To see or change the path position on an element, open the Layer Properties and go to the Transformation tab. Under the Position section, you will see whether the element is set to 3D or Separate.
The path type can be changed by selecting the corresponding radio button.
| WARNING: If there is any animation already on the element, this animation will no longer work after changing the Position type. You will have to redo the animation. |