Add a generator

There are two ways to add generators: by dragging a generator from the Library to your project or by using the Add Generator pop-up menu in the toolbar. After you add a generator, it becomes a layer in the Layers list (and Timeline) and appears in the Canvas. The generator is set to the duration and size of your project by default. For example, if you’re working on an NTSC D1 project and you add a generator, the generator has a 720 x 486 (.90) pixel aspect ratio.

Note: The duration and start frame of the generator depends on the Project settings in Motion Preferences. For more information, see If it’s your first import.

Add a generator by dragging from the Library

  1. In the Library, click the Generators category.

  2. In the stack, click a generator.

    The generator preview appears in the preview area. If the generator is animated, such as Clouds, the animation plays in the preview area.

  3. Do one of the following: Drag the generator to your project.

    • Drag the generator to the Canvas, Layers list, or Timeline.

    • Click the Apply button in the preview area.

    Note: Generators added to a project are not added to the Media list. The Media list includes only media files imported into Motion, such as image sequences, video files, Photoshop files, and audio files. For more information, see Display, sort, and search the Media list.

Add a generator from the toolbar

  • Click the Add Generator pop-up menu in the toolbar, then choose a generator.

    Add Generator button in the toolbar

    There are two types of generators: standard image generators and text generators.

    Selecting a generator from the Add Generator pop-up menu in the toolbar