Concentric Shapes

The Concentric Shapes generator creates a repeating pattern of shapes.

Adjust this generator using the controls in the Generator Inspector:

• Shape: A pop-up menu that sets the shape type. There are two choices:

  • Circles: Creates concentric circles.

  • Polygons: Creates concentric polygons with a minimum of three sides.

• Number of Sides: A slider (available when shape is set to Polygons) that determines the number of sides on the polygonal shape. A polygon must have at least three sides.

• Rotation: A dial (available when Shape is set to Polygons) that determines the orientation of the polygonal shapes.

• Center: Value sliders that set the center point of the generator in the Canvas. The left value slider represents X; the right value slider represents Y. To access individual X and Y controls, click the disclosure triangle.

• Inner Cutoff: A slider that defines a center stopping area for the generator. A value greater than 0 creates a hole in the middle of the generator; the greater the value, the larger the hole. Objects composited below the generator in the project appear in the cutoff areas.

• Outer Cutoff: A slider that defines an outer stopping area for the generator. The lower the value, the more the outer edges of the generator are cut off. Objects composited below the generator in the project appear in the cutoff areas.

• Color Type: A pop-up menu that specifies color type. There are two choices:

  • 2 Color: Creates two-color concentric shapes.

  • Gradient: Adds additional gradient parameters to the Inspector: the Gradient editor and Gradient Handling pop-up menu (described below). For more information on gradient editors, see Gradient editor controls.

• Color 1: Color controls (available when Color Type is set to 2 Color) that set the first color in the generator. Using the default settings, this color appears in the center of the concentric shapes.

• Color 2: Color controls (available when Color Type is set to 2 Color) that set the second color in the generator.

• Gradient Handling: A pop-up menu (available when Color Type is set to Gradient) that specifies whether to clamp, repeat, or mirror the gradient in the areas beyond the end of the shape (determined by the Center parameter and the rightmost color tag in the gradient). There are three choices:

  • Clamp to End Point: Limits the gradient to its edge (as defined by the Center parameter and the rightmost color tag in the gradient).

  • Mirror: Mirrors the gradient from its edge (as defined by the Center parameter and the rightmost color tag in the gradient).

  • Repeat: Repeats the gradient from its edge (as defined by the Center parameter and the rightmost color tag in the gradient).

• Width: A slider that sets the width of the concentric shapes.

• Contrast: A slider (available when Color Type is set to 2 Color) that controls the transition between the two colors. A value of 1 creates the highest contrast between the colors; lower values create less contrast, softening the shapes.

• Phase: A slider that cycles through the colors or gradient.

  Tip: Animate the Phase parameter to create a hypnotic effect.

• Publish OSC: A checkbox that, when selected, ensures that if this generator is sent to Final Cut Pro X as part of a template, the onscreen controls are accessible in Final Cut Pro. For more information about publishing onscreen controls and other parameters, see Final Cut Pro templates overview.