Motion Path Modifiers

There are a number of modifiers you can apply to the path to change the way motion occurs along the path.

Normally an object moves from the first key event on the path to the last over the course of the animation. If you want the object to move backwards along the path, or repeat its action, you would have to reposition the object and set up new key events. The modifiers let you create these types of effects automatically.

For example, if you wanted to animate the motion of a grandfather clock pendulum, you have to set up the forward motion and then the backward motion.

However, using the Pendulum modifier you just have to set up the forward motion path since the modifier changes the object's behavior so that it moves forward then back along the same path during the course of the animation. All you have to do to see the new motion is extend the duration of the animation.

There are four modifiers available:

• Make One Shot restores the motion of the path to its original configuration, meaning the action along the path only occurs once.
• Make Repeat creates a loop in the action. The motion on the path repeats continuously.
• Make Pendulum creates a repeating cycle in the action along a path. The object will move forward on the path, then back and then forward continuously.
• Make Circular closes the path to create a circular path. The object will move along the path and when it reaches the end, it'll swing around to the front of the path and start all over.

To apply a modifier to a motion path:

1. Select the object.
2. Click the button that appears next to its bounding box. The Object Attributes dialog appears.
3. Click the Animation tab.
4. Enable a modifier.
   
   
5. Extend the duration of the animation so you can see the change in motion.

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