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Q: How to set the Cloud Generator to loop

This has come up before but I cannot find an answer.

 

I want to create a short clip, 10 or 12 seconds, that uses the Cloud Generator to make an effect, but I want it to loop seamlessly.

 

Making a Project Loop End Marker (which is quite hard to find out how to do) does not work in this instance.

Is there any way to tell the Cloud generator to loop?

 

Thanks.

Posted on Apr 11, 2016 7:55 AM

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Q: How to set the Cloud Generator to loop

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  • by fox_m,

    fox_m fox_m Apr 11, 2016 4:57 PM in response to anyusernameleft
    Level 5 (5,547 points)
    Video
    Apr 11, 2016 4:57 PM in response to anyusernameleft

    This is a very good tutorial on the basic method of creating a looping graphic (it's a little long, and the first 11 minutes are setting up the graphic used - you can fast forward to the 11 min mark to get to the info you're looking for.) However, I've tried it with Clouds and find it very difficult to create a "smooth" transition in the overlap. Playing with the gradient colors and speed will help... but I'm not optimistic that a satisfactory solution can be found.

     

    Why does it have to loop? The speed parameter creates endless variation. Also, you can change the dimensions of the generator and use various methods of moving it across the background to create a more natural effect.

  • by anyusernameleft,

    anyusernameleft anyusernameleft Apr 11, 2016 5:05 PM in response to fox_m
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Video
    Apr 11, 2016 5:05 PM in response to fox_m

    It has to loop so that it only takes up megabytes of space, not gigabytes.

    It is a background loop.

     

    Your tutorial is kindly meant but not all that helpful given the criteria stated and the fact that  you don't actually seem to have linked to it.

    But thank you.

     

    I get that Apple haven't thought of this, but they should have.

  • by fox_m,

    fox_m fox_m Apr 11, 2016 6:06 PM in response to anyusernameleft
    Level 5 (5,547 points)
    Video
    Apr 11, 2016 6:06 PM in response to anyusernameleft

    So... you're creating a video of a looping background for some other target than Final Cut Pro X (or Motion) and don't want to generate video that's too long?

  • by anyusernameleft,

    anyusernameleft anyusernameleft Apr 11, 2016 6:11 PM in response to fox_m
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Video
    Apr 11, 2016 6:11 PM in response to fox_m

    I Want to create a 12 second loop.

    as the preview window in Motion is a seamless loop it is clearly possible.

  • by fox_m,

    fox_m fox_m Apr 12, 2016 12:26 AM in response to anyusernameleft
    Level 5 (5,547 points)
    Video
    Apr 12, 2016 12:26 AM in response to anyusernameleft

    Think I might have found a solution...

     

    Basically you follow the instructions in the video. Instead of using a Fade In/Fade Out behavior, you will need to keyframe the Opacity of the top clone. Try to make enough overlap to go as far as you can manage (below is about half.) The project play range was reduced from 20 (setup) to 12 seconds in my trial and I cut the clone layers at 6 seconds.

     

    Once you keyframe the Opacity, right click on the Opacity parameter and "Show in Keyframe Editor". Select the two endpoints and right click on one of them and for the Interpolation, set it to Bezier.  Create the type of shape you see below... This will slow the fade in to blend at a slower rate. The last keyframe should be close to linear (at least that's how I liked it), but adjust it how you like.

     

     

     

    Screen Shot 2016-04-12 at 2.08.04 AM.png

     

    Put the project loop end marker on the last frame of the Play Range.

     

    HTH