The easiest way to add a replicator system to your project is to use a preset in the Replicators category of the Library.

1. In the Library, select the Replicators category, then select a subcategory, such as Mattes, Transitional, Backgrounds, and so on.

2. In the Library stack under the categories and subcategories, select a replicator object.

   A preview of the selected replicator appears in the Library preview area.

   

3. Do one of the following:

   • Click Apply in the preview area to add the replicator to the center of the Canvas.

     Note: If Create Layers At is set to “Start of project” in the Project pane of Motion Preferences, the replicator is added at the first frame. See If it’s your first import.

   • Drag the replicator from the Library stack into the Canvas at the position where you want it to appear.

   • Drag the replicator from the Library stack to a group in the Layers list or Timeline layers list.

   • Drag the replicator to the track area of the Timeline or mini-Timeline. When you reach the frame where you want the new replicator to start, release the mouse button.

     The replicator preset appears in the project, composited above objects below it in the Layers list.

If necessary, modify the replicator parameters in the HUD or in the Replicator Inspector. You can also replace the preset image source with one of your own images, clips, shapes, or text layers. For more information, see Adjust a replicator overview. You can modify a replicator only after it’s added to a project.

You can create a custom replicator pattern by designating an image layer in your project as a source for the cell. Applying a replicator to that layer creates a nonanimated, filled rectangular pattern. You can then modify the replicator parameters to suit your project needs.

1. Create a layer to serve as the cell source for a custom replicator.

   This example uses a bird graphic from the Content folder in the Library.

   

2. Select the layer in the Layers list or Canvas, then do one of the following:

   • In the toolbar, click the Replicate button.

     

   • Choose Object > Replicate (or press L).

   The new custom replicator layer appears in the Layers list and in the Canvas, composited against any other layers you’ve already added.

   

If necessary, modify the replicator parameters in the HUD or in the Replicator Inspector. For more information, see Adjust a replicator overview.

You can create a more complex pattern containing multiple elements by adding multiple image sources to a single replicator. Each source becomes a cell in the replicator, and each cell has its own set of parameters.

1. In the Layers list or Timeline, select the layers to replicate.

   This example uses two graphics from the Content folder in the Library.

   

   Note: Shift-click to select contiguous layers; Command-click to select noncontiguous layers.

2. Do one of the following:

   • In the toolbar, click the Replicate button.

   • Choose Object > Replicate (or press L).

   The cells of the default rectangle replicator pattern are created from the source layers (which are deselected so they do not appear in the composition).

   

   When multiple cells create a replicator pattern, the elements appear at the same points on the pattern. The replicator is positioned at the average of the source’s positions.

   

• In the Layers list, drag an existing image layer onto the replicator.

  Note: If you drag a media item from the File Browser or Library onto a replicator in the Layers list, the item is not added to the replicator; rather, it’s added to your project as a new layer in a new group.

  

  The layer is duplicated as a new cell in the replicator.

  Note: If the layer you drag to a replicator is a shape or mask, a drop menu appears, giving you the option to add the spline object as a replicator cell or as a mask. For more information, see About using filters and masks with replicators.