Spirals

This generator creates a repeating circular spiral pattern.

Adjust this generator using the controls in the Generator Inspector:

• Type: A pop-up menu that specifies whether a modern or classic spiral is created. There are two menu items:

  • Modern (Linear): Creates a modern spiral pattern, with the color swirls evenly spaced as they move toward the center of the spiral.

    

  • Classic (Exponential): Creates a classic spiral pattern with color swirls becoming thinner as they move toward the center of the spiral.

    

• Center: Value sliders that set the center point of the generator in the Canvas. The left value slider represents X position; the right value slider represents Y position. To access individual X and Y controls, click the disclosure triangle. (You can also use the Adjust Item tool to modify this parameter with onscreen controls. For more information, see Modify or animate a generator.)

• Color Type: A pop-up menu that specifies whether the spirals are two-color or a gradient fill.

  • 2 Color: Creates two-color spirals. When 2 Color is selected from the Color Type pop-up menu, the Color 1, Color 2, and Contrast parameters become available.

  • Gradient: Lets you add colors to the spiral, creating soft transitions between colors. Spiral colors are determined by the Gradient editor. You can create a custom gradient or apply a preset gradient to the spirals. For more information on using gradient editors, see Move, duplicate, or change the interpolation of gradient tags.

    

• Color 1: Color controls (available when Color Type is set to 2 Color) that set the first color of the spiral.

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

• Gradient: Gradient controls (available when Color Type is set to Gradient) that allow you to pick a gradient from the Library.

• Scale: A slider (available when Type is set to Modern) that determines the size of the spiral arms.

• Tightness: A slider (available when Type is set to Classic) that determines the curl of the spiral. The lower the Tightness value, the looser the spiral.

• Contrast: A slider that controls the transition between the two colors. A value of 1 creates the highest contrast between colors; lower values create less contrast, softening the spiral. The Contrast parameter is not available when Gradient is chosen from the Color Type pop-up menu.

• Rotation: A dial that rotates the spiral around its center. (Animate the Rotation 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.