Motion Example: Customize a metal gradient
Each of metal materials in the Motion Library has a default reflection gradient governing how colors reflect off the surface of metallic 3D text. You can customize the preset metal materials to create unique effects. This example shows how to add colorful iridescence to a default metal reflection gradient.
In the Layers list, Timeline, or Canvas, select a 3D text object.
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In the Text Inspector’s Appearance pane, click the preview thumbnail in the Material area, choose Metal from the pop-up menu, then choose a metal type from the submenu.
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Do one of the following:
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If you chose Aluminum Foil, Brushed Metal, Chrome, Copper, Gold, or Nickel: In the Substance controls, click the Type pop-up menu, then choose Custom (at the bottom of the list).
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If you chose Brushed Circular, Distressed Metal, Grunge Metal, Iron, Old Steel, or Rust: Click the Substance pop-up menu, and choose Metal; then click the Type pop-up menu, and choose Custom.
The Reflection Gradient control for the selected metal appears.
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Modify the gradient using the gradient editor.
For more information about using gradient controls, see Gradient editor overview.
In the final text treatment, the colors that you set on the left side of the gradient editor (the fuchsia and light blue colors, in this example) are more visible when 3D text surfaces are perpendicular to the screen. The colors that you set on the right side of the gradient (violet and gray, in this example) are more visible in the final text treatment when 3D surfaces are parallel to the screen. And when the 3D text is rotated (or the camera is animated in a 3D project), the text reflects the different gradient colors, shimmering as it moves.
For more information on using the gradient editor, see Gradient editor overview. For information on the metal material controls, see Substance controls.