Vector Line in Pan/Crop Tool

jeremyrfoster wrote on 3/17/2003, 4:15 PM

I don't fully understand the function of the "comet trail" vector in the pan/crop tool. I understand that it is supposed to be the path of the video frame, but shouldn't that be determined (at least on start and finish) by the placement of the video frame? For instance, for my first keyframe at the beginning of the clip I can shrink the frame a place it on the far left. Then I can add a keyframe at the end of the clip and use the same small frame but now on the far right. At this point, the clip will do what I expect... move from left to right across the clip... BUT, if I then flip the "comet trail" 180 degrees by grabbing its endpoints I get all kinds of weird results... like the frame is trying to get from A to B (and always makes it) but is being influenced by this vector the whole time. Any hints?

Comments

Paul_Holmes wrote on 3/17/2003, 4:36 PM

When you set key frames in a pan and scan you can alter the motion path subtly by clicking on the 2nd or 3rd or greater keyframe, grab the little circle in the middle of the box and drag it in different directions. This will alter it's path towards the direction you have dragged it. This just gives you a little more control over the movement. (Say, instead of just having it pan horizontally from left to right, you wanted it to dip a little first between keyframes).

That's my experience with it so far. It may have other uses I don't know. Usually I leave it alone, but occasionally it provides subtle and pleasing movement to an otherwise boring pan.

Grazie wrote on 3/18/2003, 3:22 AM

Thanks for that Paul - definately a "RTFM" for me. So, I can subtly adjust the wanderings of the clip by pulling the "widget" on the vector line? Neat! I can move the "circle" place a Keyframe and then move on - yeah?

Grazie