New! Use and Import 3D Objects into Apple Motion

New with the 5.4.6 update to Apple Motion is support for 3D Objects. In fact, Motion now includes 60 fully 3D objects in its Library; each of which can be animated.

In addition, Motion also imports 3D Objects stored in the USDZ format.

ACCESS EXISTING LIBRARY OBJECTS

60 pre-built 3D objects are located in Library > 3D Objects.

Add a 3D element into a project the same as always. Once added, however, use the 3D Transform tool (to the left of the Hand tool) to rotate and position the object in the Viewer.

If you want more precision – or to add keyframe animation – choose Inspector > 3D Object > Orientation. (Keyframes are added to 3D objects the same as any other element.)

While many of these new objects are fully textured, many others are white. While we can’t, yet, add textures to these objects, we can add color.

To do so, you can use Filters > Color > Colorize or Filters > Color > Gradient Colorize. (I prefer using Gradient Colorize because it allows me to use a darker color to emphasize shadows, as the screen shot above illustrates.)

The anchor point is that spot where any object – 3D or not – rotates or scales. If you need to change its location go to Inspector > Properties > Transform > Anchor Point and tweak.

Keep in mind that the real benefit to 3D objects is that you see new parts of them as they move, or as you move a camera through them. So, if you use 3D objects, you’ll get the best results by creating movement.

Movement options include:

* Apply Behaviors > Basic Motion > Spin
* Add keyframes to Inspector > 3D Object > Orientation settings
* Add a camera, then use a camera move to change position (Behaviors > Camera > Sweep) or fly through (Behaviors > Camera > Dolly) the object.

IMPORT USDZ OBJECTS

USDZ, which stands for “Universal Scene Description,” is a file format for 3D models introduced by Apple in collaboration with Pixar for Apple’s ARKit.

According to Medium.com: “USDZ is a compact single file, containing all the information about the mesh data, binary data, and textures of a model, so you don’t have to worry about stitching the details of your model every time you want to transfer to another system or render it.”

In January this year, Apple released Reality Converter. Currently in beta, Apple writes: “The new Reality Converter app makes it easy to convert, view, and customize USDZ 3D objects on Mac. Simply drag-and-drop common 3D file formats, such as .obj, .gltf and .usd, to view the converted USDZ result, customize material properties with your own textures, and edit file metadata. You can even preview your USDZ object under a variety of lighting and environment conditions with built-in IBL options.

NOTE: Downloading Reality Converter requires an Apple Developer ID. I suspect this app will be formally released simultaneously with Big Sur.

According to AppleInsider.com: “Apple implements USDZ in built-in iOS apps like Safari, Messages, Mail, News and Notes through Quick Look, which displays rendered virtual objects in 3D or AR. The technology aims for immersion with special features such as real-time reflections of the real world on shiny 3D surfaces.”

Importing USDZ objects is the same as importing any other element into Motion: Choose File > Import or type Cmd + I.

Apple offers the following tips on importing 3D objects:

• Motion only supports 3D objects in the USDZ file format. Additionally, if you import 3D objects from sources other than the Motion Library (even in the USDZ file format), you may see unexpected results. Objects that appear problematic in Motion also appear incorrect when viewed in the macOS Finder or in the Preview app.
• The 3D object appears in the canvas, composited above objects that are below it in the Layers list. Depending upon the 3D object, the anchor point may not be located in the center of the layer. Because all transformations occur around each object’s own anchor point, you may want to reposition the anchor point.
• If an imported 3D object appears in the Layers list but is not visible in the canvas, it may be positioned beyond edge the canvas. Try adjusting the size of the 3D object or zooming out of the canvas to see the object.
• If you add a single USDZ file that contains multiple objects, you cannot modify the individual objects in the scene. To control the individual 3D objects, you must import each object as a separate file so it becomes its own editable layer in Motion.

Here’s an Apple KnowledgeBase article on how to work with imported 3D objects.

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