Blog Archives

In this short video tutorial, watch as Larry Jordan shows how to create and animate a dotted line in Motion 5. This is the perfect technique to use to illustrate a path across a map.

Motion 5 can create visually stunning motion graphics for Final Cut or any other video editing software. In this short video tutorial, Larry Jordan shows how to export a Motion project to use in Adobe Premiere Pro CC.

Motion Simulators create very cool effects – and they are also very well hidden. In this short video tutorial, watch Larry Jordan explain what they are and show you some of the effects they can create.

“Publishing” allows you to send Motion effects settings to Final Cut Pro X so that you can adjust a Motion template inside Final Cut. Sounds complex, but it isn’t, as this short video tutorial explains.

Final Cut Pro X can’t open Motion projects directly. But, using Motion 5, you can convert any existing Motion project so it will open and play in Final Cut Pro X. This short video tutorial explains how.

Rigs and widgets extend the power and flexibility of Motion into Final Cut Pro X. In this short video tutorial, learn how they work.

Recently, I wrote about how to add video to a shape in Final Cut Pro 7 While adding video to shapes is reasonably easy in Final Cut Pro 7, it is almost impossible in FCP X. So, this week I decided to create a video tutorial on adding video to a shape in Final Cut Pro X.

Changing the color of a gradient in Final Cut Pro X requires opening it in Motion and making changes. This article describes how.

GenArts, long recognized as a leader in high-end visual effects, announced a new version of its Sapphire product line at the London SuperMeet in late June.

Here’s a quick effect to create a “pull quote” using the Motion tab in Final Cut Pro.

In addressing a subscriber’s question we look at what makes 3D work, what’s required to best create the desired effect in Motion and what makes them difficult.

With the release of Final Cut Pro v5.1.2, Apple added 53 new filters. Here’s an article that shows you how to create interesting “trail” effects.

If you’ve tried matching text sizes between Final Cut and Motion, you’ve discovered they aren’t the same. This article explains why.

Creating smooth moves on stills is at the heart of many documentaries. Final Cut makes creating moves easy. But smoothness is sometimes much harder to achieve. Take a look at what these editors have to say about the best way to get your images to move.

Here’s a simple technique to apply a filter to a portion of clip — then use the Slip tool to move it where you need it.

NewBlue is new to the Mac, but not to creating effects. They’ve been producing video effect for Windows users for years. This product review takes a look at several of their new plug-ins for Final Cut Pro/Express/Motion. Featuring a very easy to use interface, there is a lot to like.

If you’ve ever had to convert a 16:9 sequence into a 4:3 letterbox video, this explains how to do it.

Since its first release, Final Cut Pro has integrated effects with video editing. In this tutorial, I show you how to create a picture-in-picture effect, then make it move using keyframes in the Motion tab.

There’s a right way and a wrong way to position text in Final Cut Pro to get the highest quality. This article explains what you need to know.

What’s the best way to position text in Final Cut Pro, and why does the position shift as you change justification? This short article explains the why and how.

Creating keys on the computer is easy – and they look great. Where problems occur is when those specials effects are shot with interlaced video and displayed on an interlaced TV set or monitor. This article describes how to avoid suddenly discovering that all your effects look out of focus.

One of the effects I wanted to create for my training was a reflection of a moving clip of video. This is what we are going to create in this technique.

Here’s a technique you can use to create multiple keyframes in multiple clips at the same time with a single mouse click. Then, I’ll show you how to get more control over the keyframes you set.

This is a comprehensive look at how computer and video graphics are different and what you need to know to create great looking video text and graphics. This article can make your life a LOT easier!

Great looking chroma-keys start on set with how you light. However, once you’ve got the footage, what’s the best way to create a key. Here’s a quick sidebar that lists some other software you might want to try if you are not able to get the effect you want using the keyers that ship with Final Cut or Motion.

Tired of recreating the same effects over and over again? Final Cut has a better way – create a Favorite Effect. This article shows you how fast and easy this is.

Dramatically slow motion is easy to create in Motion – if you know where to look. This article details all the steps you need to take to make your fastest shots move in balletic slow-motion.

It’s hidden in plain sight, near the top of the Motion tab in Final Cut Pro: Anchor Point. But, what does it do?

Keyframes and motion paths are used in Final Cut to move images around the screen. However, every keyframe contains additional Bezier controls if you know where to look. This article shows you where they are and how they work.

Here is a fast way to use anchor points in the Motion tab to create motion effects quickly, while saving keyframes.