Apple Motion 2 User Manual
Page 291
Chapter 4
Using the Timeline
291
Nesting Layers
To help organize large groups of objects or to create certain kinds of special effects,
you can place one layer inside of another. This gives you the flexibility to create a layer
containing multiple objects, and then treat that entire layer as a single object within
another layer. You could go further and take that “parent” layer, combine it with some
other layers, and treat that group as a single element, and so on. This is called nesting
or grouping.
There are many reasons why you might choose to nest your layers. It allows you to
simplify your composite, grouping objects and layers into fewer containers. It also
allows you to manipulate a group of objects as one. For example, you could take the
individual letters of your title (each animated on its own) and use nesting to animate
the group of them across the screen. You can also use grouping to create complex
particle systems. You can nest several objects into a layer, and use the entire layer as
the emitter cell. For more on particle systems, see “
Note: You cannot group objects from different layers.
To place one layer inside another:
1
Drag the layer icon in the Timeline Layer list onto the layer inside which you want to
nest it.
A black border highlights the destination layer.
2
Release the mouse button.
The first layer is now nested inside the second layer.
You can also select the objects you want to next and choose Object > Group (or press
Shift+Command+G).
Note: There is no limit to the number of layers you can create within layers.
To return a nested layer to its original state:
m
Select the grouped layer, then choose Object > Ungroup (or press
Option+Command+G).
The layer is restored into individual objects. Any layer within another layer can be
ungrouped.
To remove a layer from within a nest:
1
Click the layer icon in the Layer list.
2
Drag the layer out of the existing parent layer to the area above the highest track.
The position indicator appears.
3
Release the mouse button.
The layer is restored to primary layer status.
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