Motion 3, the latest version of Apple’s real-time motion graphics application, is packed with important new features for higher-end users, and extends the reach of the program into 3D, at least partially.

Unlike most other motion graphics environments, the ability to drag and drop various layers, filters, complex behaviors and other design elements into a visual environment with immediate visual feedback removes the layer of abstraction that makes it difficult for part-time or novice animators to work quickly and confidently. However, advanced graphics pros will also appreciate the real-time performance and some of the advanced tools. The tools combine nicely. For instance, you can create brushes with particles, video or pictures and then animate their use.

Motion Tracking and Particle Emitter tools can be combined to attach an emitter to a moving path in the video that tracks and corresponds to some other element in the video. It’s a simple process. The intuitive, Motion Analysis behavior is used to place a tracker on the feature that you want to track in your footage. This tracker will create a motion path. You then attach the emitter to the motion path and tweak the emitter’s parameters in real time. As a result, the emitter travels along the motion path creating a trail as it goes- all in an interactive, real-time manner.

The new multiplane 3D capability lets you create and transform 2D objects in 3D space. The use of multiple 2D objects can create the illusion of true 3D objects, but the program does not import or create 3D objects. Multiple cameras and spot, point, directional and ambient lights are available and can be animated. However, there are limits to what you can do. For instance, illuminated objects do not cast shadows.

There are over 100 behaviors included with Motion 3 that produce complex motions and simulated interactions between objects. There’s an interesting new audio behavior that synchronizes an animation to a soundtrack. There are various third-party behaviors available- some free and others for sale. There’s also a set of free VU plug-ins from CoreMelt (www.coremelt.com) that generate VU and EQ meters that move to your audio tracks.

The integration of Motion 3 and Final Cut Pro could be improved. When sending a project from FCP to Motion 3, FCP does not send filters applied to clips, generator or transitions; it only does this when the SmoothCam filter is applied.

Motion relies heavily on the GPU on your computer’s graphics card for its real-time performance. A high-end graphics card, currently the XT1900 w 512mb GPU RAM, is highly recommended for heavy users.