To convert an object to a motion path animation in InDesign, follow these steps:
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Select Objects: Select both the object you wish to animate and the path you want it to follow. Note that you can only select a maximum of two objects (the object and the path).
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Convert to Motion Path: In the Animation panel (Window > Interactive > Animation), click the "Convert To Motion Path" button.
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Adjust Settings: Fine-tune the animation settings in the Animation panel to achieve the desired effect. This includes adjusting duration, speed, and other properties.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Object Selection: The order in which you select the objects is crucial. Usually, you select the object to be animated first, and then the path second.
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Animation Panel: The Animation panel is your central control for customizing the motion path animation. Experiment with the different settings to achieve the look and feel you desire. Some key settings include:
- Duration: Controls how long the animation takes to complete.
- Speed: Determines the pace of the animation.
- Easing: Allows you to control the acceleration and deceleration of the object along the path.
- Orientation: Controls whether the object rotates to follow the path or remains fixed.
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Path Creation: Before you can use a path for animation, you need to create it using InDesign's drawing tools (e.g., the Pen tool or the Ellipse tool).
By following these steps, you can successfully convert objects to motion paths in InDesign, creating engaging and dynamic animations.