Add or remove a Parameter behavior in Motion

A standard behavior is applied to an object and typically affects multiple parameters of that object. However, the special class of behavior known as the Parameter behavior is applied to a specific parameter of your choosing. In this way, you can modify a single parameter belonging to a filter, particle system, shape, text, or any other object in your project. You can even apply a Parameter behavior to a parameter of another behavior.

A Parameter behavior’s effect on an object depends on the parameter to which it is applied. For example, if you apply the Randomize parameter behavior to a particle emitter’s Position parameter, the emitter drifts randomly around the screen when the project plays. Applying the Randomize parameter behavior to a shape’s Scale parameter makes the shape randomly grow and shrink.

Apply a Parameter behavior to a specific parameter of an object

In the Layers list in Motion, select the object to apply the Parameter behavior to.
Do one of the following:
- In the Inspector, Control-click a parameter’s name, choose Add Parameter Behavior, then choose an item from the submenu.
- Click the parameter’s Animation menu (the down arrow that appears when you move the pointer over the right side of a parameter row), choose Add Parameter Behavior, then choose an item from the submenu.
- Control-click a parameter in the HUD, choose Add Parameter Behavior from the shortcut menu, then choose an item from the submenu.
- Control-click a parameter in the Keyframe Editor parameter list, then choose a Parameter behavior from the shortcut menu.
  Use the pop-up menu above the Keyframe Editor to choose the parameters you want displayed in the Keyframe Editor. See Choose a curve view in Motion.

When you apply a Parameter behavior, the Behaviors Inspector opens.

Apply a Parameter behavior to an object

You can also apply a Parameter behavior to an object. However, the behavior does not take effect until you assign a specific parameter to be influenced.

In Motion, do one of the following:
- Drag a Parameter behavior from the Library to an appropriate object in the canvas, Layers list, or Timeline.
  Note: When applying a behavior to a camera or light, it’s usually easier to drag the behavior to a camera or light in the Layers list or Timeline than to the wireframe object in the canvas.
- Select an object in the canvas, Layers list, or Timeline, click Behaviors in the toolbar, choose Parameter, then choose a behavior from the submenu.
The behavior is applied to the object, but no parameter is assigned to the behavior.
To assign a specific parameter to the Parameter behavior, do one of the following:
- Select the Parameter behavior in the Layers list, click the Apply To pop-up menu in the Behaviors Inspector, then choose a parameter from the submenu.
- Select the Parameter behavior in the Layers list, click the Apply To pop-up menu in the HUD, then choose a parameter from the submenu.
The parameter you chose appears in the Apply To text field.

Apply a Parameter behavior to a parameter of another behavior

Parameter behaviors can also be applied to the parameters of other behaviors. For example, you can apply the Oscillate parameter behavior to the Drag parameter of the Orbit Around behavior. As a result, the orbital drag fluctuates, causing the object to fall toward the center of its orbit.

Canvas showing behavior’s parameter being controlled by another behavior

In Motion, select a behavior that you’ve already applied to an object.
Do one of the following:
- Control-click a parameter’s name in the Inspector, choose Add Parameter Behavior, then choose an option from the submenu.
- Click the parameter’s Animation menu in the Inspector (the down arrow that appears when you move the pointer over the right side of a parameter row), choose Add Parameter Behavior, then choose an option from the submenu.
- Control-click a parameter in the HUD, choose Add Parameter Behavior from the shortcut menu, then choose an option from the submenu.
- Control-click a parameter in the Keyframe Editor parameter list, then choose a Parameter behavior from the shortcut menu.
  Use the pop-up menu above the Keyframe Editor to choose the parameters you want displayed in the Keyframe Editor. See Choose a curve view in Motion.

Remove a Parameter behavior

In Motion, select a Parameter behavior in the Layers list, Timeline, Behaviors Inspector, or pop-up menu in the title bar of the HUD.
Do one of the following:
- Choose Edit > Delete.
- Press Delete.
  Note: You can also Control-click the behavior in the Layers list or Timeline, then choose Delete from the shortcut menu.

Note: If you save a Parameter behavior as a favorite, the parameter assignment is saved with the rest of that behavior’s settings. As a result, the saved behavior will affect the same parameters of any object it’s applied to.

Helpful?

Motion User Guide

Add or remove a Parameter behavior in Motion

Apply a Parameter behavior to a specific parameter of an object

Apply a Parameter behavior to an object

Apply a Parameter behavior to a parameter of another behavior

Remove a Parameter behavior