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What's a simple way to make a gradient horizontal?

Hello. The more I use Motion, the more I like it, except for a few oddities.


When I apply a gradient to a horizontal shape (say, a rectangular box), the default gradient is top to bottom. Is there a simple way to change the angle of the gradient, apart from going into XY start and end points?


I am sure there is a very simple way I am not getting.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 14.1

Posted on Aug 26, 2024 10:04 PM

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3 replies

Aug 26, 2024 11:18 PM in response to Paramvir Singh

The *simple* way is to not change the XY start and end points, but to rotate the entire gradient.


By default, the gradient size is the size of your project. Go to the Generator > Gradient properties pane and set the Width and Height (both) to about 4 times your project width. Then you can use Transform > Properties > Rotation > Z to rotate the gradient. You can also move the gradient (center) to any point within your project and you won't have any areas that are "cut off".


HTH

Aug 27, 2024 9:48 AM in response to Paramvir Singh

In the Shape Fill > Gradient parameters, you could link the gradient End to the Start and use a Link > Scale of -1. This way, you only need to change the Start XY.


For a method that lets you easily rotate the gradient through any angle, give this a try:


Add a Gradient generator to a Group. Add you Shape to the same group and duplicate it ("Shape copy") if you need an outline — otherwise, you can skip this.

Link the Gradient Position to the Shape Position.

Set the Shape Fill to Color. Turn off the Outline.

Set the Shape Blend Mode to Stencil Alpha. [Make sure the order of objects, bottom up is Gradient below Shape below Shape copy].

Set the Group > Blend Mode to Normal (you do not want the Alpha to "pass through")

Set the Shape copy to Outline (only)

Link the Shape copy parameters you need to match the Shape, like Shape > Size, Shape > Roundness, Position, Rotation, Scale if needed, etc.


However you animate or change the shape (or if you decide to simply animate the parent Group), the Gradient and the Shape copy will "follow". If you're publishing a template for Final Cut, you can publish the Gradient generator Rotation > Z to change the angle.

What's a simple way to make a gradient horizontal?

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