Apple Motion 4 - Manual (Page 724)

Using Replicators in 3D Space
Two of the replicator pattern styles available in the Shapes pop-up menu have 3D
properties: Box and Sphere. The Box and Sphere shape options are available only when
the 3D checkbox is selected in the Replicator tab. Box and Sphere replicators build a
pattern of elements in 3D space. Whereas the 2D Rectangle and Circle replicator shapes
have columns (in the Y plane) and rows (in the X plane), Box and Sphere have an additional
Ranks parameter, which adds depth to the replicator.
Box replicator with 13 columns, 12 rows,
and 3 ranks Sphere replicator with 14 columns, 14 rows,
and 5 ranks
The Line and Wave replicator shapes, on the other hand, have quasi-3D properties: Their
start and end points can be moved into Z space. In the following image, the Z Start Point
(yellow end of the pattern) is set to 20 and the Z End Point is –18 (red end of the pattern).
Although the Rectangle, Circle, Line, Wave, Image, and Geometry replicators have no
inherent 3D parameters, they can be moved and rotated in 3D space. Pattern elements
can also be pulled out of their plane when behaviors are applied. The replicator must be
a member of a 3D group in order to be pulled out of the X and Y planes by a behavior.
724 Chapter 12 Using the Replicator