
Example: Setting up a motion path
The Motion path effect moves an object along a path consisting of a
combination of straight and curved lines. Several pre-packaged paths
are provided in OOo, but it is not difficult to create your own custom
path. Start by selecting the object you want to animate and selecting a
pre-packaged motion path animation that is similar to the effect you
want to obtain. Alternatively use the Polygon or Curve animation to
create a new path.
Select the object to show the animation path, which will be displayed
as a thin gray line with a triangle showing the starting point and
another indicating the end point. Click on any point on the line so that
blue handles are displayed around it. When the blue handles around
the path are shown, you can move or resize the path the same way
you would perform these operations on a graphic object.
Note
When moving a path, remember to also move the object on that
path; otherwise the animation will start with a jump. Currently it
is not possible to rotate a path.
If instead you want to modify the individual points on the line, select
the Points tool from the Drawing toolbar while the path is
selected. The Edit Points toolbar of Figure 181 should be displayed; if
not, select it from View > Toolbars > Edit Points.
Figure 181: The Edit Points toolbar
Once a point is selected, you can add an additional point, delete it,
move it and so on. For a detailed explanation on how to manipulate the
points on a curve, see the Draw Guide. Once you are satisfied with the
shape of the curve and its speed, click anywhere on the screen to
deselect the object and continue normal editing.
Figure 182 shows a polygon motion path with a curved section.
You can combine a motion with other effects such as spinning or
changing of size or colors to create dramatic effects.
230 OpenOffice.org 3.2 Impress Guide
Comentarios a estos manuales