Applying and Removing Filters

In Motion, filters modify image layers (still images, video clips, shapes, and so on). Filters are applied to image layers in the Canvas, Layers list, or Timeline. An applied filter is attached to its target layer (or a folder containing layers), nested underneath it in the Layer’s list and Timeline layers list.

Important: Some filters can cause a group to be rasterized. When a group is rasterized, it is converted into a bitmap image. In 2D groups, the application of any filter causes rasterization. In 3D groups, the application of specific filters causes rasterization. For more information on rasterization, see Filters and Rasterization.

To apply a filter

Do one of the following:

Drag a filter from the Library stack to an object in the Canvas, Layers list, or Timeline.
Select an object or folder in the Canvas, Layers list, or Timeline, then select a filter from the Library stack and click Apply in the preview area.
Select an object in the Canvas, Layers list, or Timeline, then choose an option from Add Filter pop-up menu in the toolbar.

The filter is applied to an image layer.

Note: Although you can apply a filter from the Library to another effects object in the Layers list (a behavior or another filter), the filter affects the parent image layer, not the effects object.

To remove a filter from the Layers list or Timeline

Select a filter that’s been applied to an object in the Layers list or Timeline and do one of the following:
- Choose Edit > Delete (or press Delete).
- Choose Edit > Cut (or press Command-X).
- Control-click the filter and choose Cut or Delete from the shortcut menu.
  The filter is removed from the project.

To remove a filter from the Filters Inspector

Select a filter in the Filters Inspector and do one of the following:
- Choose Edit > Delete (or press Delete).
- Choose Edit > Cut (or press Command-X).

Special Considerations When Applying Filters to Text and Groups

Filters affect text, 2D, and 3D groups in different ways. For more information on applying filters to 2D groups, see 2D Group Properties. For information on applying filters to 3D groups, see 3D Group Properties. For information on applying filters to text, see Adding Behaviors and Filters to Text.

Applying Multiple Filters to an Object

You can apply any number of filters to an object (image layer or folder) in Motion. When multiple filters are applied to an object, they have a cumulative effect. In the Layers list and Timeline, multiple filters appear under the object they are applied to.

Figure. Layers tab and Timeline tab showing filters applied to an object.

To apply more than one filter to an object

Do one of the following:

Select the image layer or folder to apply the filters to, Shift-select contiguous filters or Command-select noncontiguous filters in the Library, then click Apply.
Shift-select contiguous filters or Command-select noncontiguous filters in the Library, then drag them to the image layer or folder in the Layers list, Canvas, or Timeline.
The filters are applied to the image layer in the order they are selected. For example, if you select Echo, Brightness, and Bevel, in that order, and then apply them to an object, their stacking order in the Layers list is Bevel above Brightness above Echo. The stacking order of filters determines the order of application which, in turn, affects the result of the composite effect. For more information about managing filter order, see Reordering Filters.

Improving Performance When Using Filters

In large projects with complex motion graphics, applying multiple filters can adversely affect your computer’s performance. To ensure smooth playback, there are several things you can do to optimize your use of filters. When multiple layers are affected by a filter, rather than applying the filter multiple times, place the targeted layers in a single group and apply the filter to the group. When applying filters to very large 2D groups (such as a group containing a growing particle system), select the Fixed Resolution checkbox in the Group Inspector. When Fixed Resolution is enabled, layers in the group that expand beyond the edges of the Canvas are cropped, reducing the processing load on your computer. For more information, see Fixing the Size of a Group.