3D cameras overview

By default, newly created Motion projects are 2D, planar environments. When you add a scene camera and convert your project to a 3D environment, the following occurs:

  • A third dimension (depth) is activated in the Canvas, represented by the Z axis.

  • A camera object is added to the Layers list and to the Canvas (as a wireframe icon that you can drag like any other object in Motion). Like a real-world camera, a Motion scene camera lets you frame a custom point of view during your sequence. And like a real camera, a Motion scene camera can be static or set into motion to create elaborate tracking shots.

  • Controls become available in the Inspector for adjusting your camera’s angle of view and other properties. See Controls in the Camera Inspector.

  • 3D overlays become available in the Canvas to help you view and arrange your 3D elements. See View 3D overlays.

  • Additional reference views (called reference cameras) become a available so that you can see your 3D project from various angles (from the front, back, sides, and so on). See About cameras and views.

  • A group of camera behaviors becomes available, allowing you to apply sophisticated animated camera moves. See Add Camera behaviors.