Creating a Motion Path

[mcgnancy]

I have the dumbest question.  What/how do you 'click' to create a motion path?  I am trying to create a custom line path.  I click on the object to start, start to draw the path.... How do I place a point?  Then I guess I can move in another straight line and place another point (if only I could figure out how). Then how do I 'exit' drawing the path without it disappearing?  I have tried clicking, double-clicking, etc.  Frustrated!!

[Lilybiri]

Custom line path? You have to know that it is the center point of the object that will follow the path. If you have a weird form of object, it is the center point of the bounding box. Same for a group: center point of the bounding box of the group. I emphasize this because the normal reference point in Captivate (for aligning) is the top left corner of the bounding box, only for Effects it is the center point. There is no way to change that reference point in CP.

To create a custom line path:

1. click more or less on the center point of the object
2. move the mouse (do not drag) to the location where you want the first line segment to end
3. click to set that point
4. repeat 2 and  3 as many times as you need
5. double-click to end the path

For cursom curved paths, start the same way, but drag instead of moving for step 2.

For scribbled path, just drag all the time, you'll get many points along the curve you are drawing, no clicking.

TIP: use the Rulers and Guides, they can be a great help.