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Warping in the Distort Module

Warps are created by drawing a source spline, and then offsetting a second corresponding destination spline. When you draw a source spline, an identical destination spline is automatically created. When you move the destination spline, the offset of the destination from its source spline is what warps the clip. For example, you can draw a source spline around the eye of an actor, and then edit the points of the corresponding destination spline to make the eye bulge.

Source spline drawn around eye Image courtesy of Behavior Communications Inc. | Offsetting destination spline creates warp Image courtesy of Behavior Communications Inc.

Distort Warping Workflow

The general warping workflow in the Distort module includes the following steps.

Step: | Refer to:
--- | ---
1. Load clips into the Distort module. | Accessing the Distort Menu.
2. Draw a source spline. | Drawing Splines. TipUse Distort's schematic as you work with splines to help organize your work. See Using Distort's Schematic.
3. Edit the source spline. | Editing Splines.
4. Animate the source spline. | Animating and Tracking Splines.
5. Unlink the destination spline from the source to enable warping. | Linking and Unlinking Splines and Axes.
6. Edit the destination spline. | Editing Splines.
7. Animate the destination spline. | Animating and Tracking Splines.
8. Refine the warping effect. | Refining Distortions.
9. Set what appears at edges of clip if the distortion effect pulls the clip away from the border, revealing empty space, or the background clip. | Filling in Gaps at Edges of Distorted Clips.

NoteRepeat this workflow for each warped element of the clip.