User level: Level 3 (694 points)I used a spline and the behavior Write On to create line that traces a path across a map. Everything looks good while the path is being drawn. But at the end of the spline (path) it disappears. How can I keep the completed path visible while other actions occur?
Posted on Sep 27, 2026 1:43 PM
User level: Level 9 (77,942 points)Sep 28, 2026 1:33 AM in response to WilliamL
It seems to me that this should be very simple.
Make the object the length of the project; make the write on behavior whatever duration you like.
For example, here is a 10 second project. The path object is there for the whole 10 seconds; the write on behavior is there for 5 seconds. After the behavior is done, the path object remains in the frame, as you can see:
User level: Level 6 (13,826 points)Sep 27, 2026 4:11 PM in response to WilliamL
Check to make sure you didn't shorten the B-spline shape in the timeline along with the Write On behavior. By default,
If you have any doubt - a screenshot of the Video Timeline would help us out more.
User level: Level 3 (694 points)Sep 28, 2026 7:43 AM in response to WilliamL
Yes guys you are both correct in that I can just shorten the Write On behavior. That does what I want. I am sorry for the inconvenience. I should have tried that on my own. I just thought that the Path and the Behavior were more closely tied.
User level: Level 6 (13,826 points)Sep 27, 2026 8:30 PM in response to WilliamL
Ok... Your path "template" is separate from the map (image?) and you're using it to overlay in Final Cut?
Couldn't you use a Build Out - Mandatory marker on the last frame of your template? Then just drag out the end of the template (Title? Generator?) for as long as you need?
User level: Level 6 (13,826 points)Sep 27, 2026 6:43 PM in response to fox_m
I think what you want to do is have the Path object the entire length of your project.
Set the Speed to Custom and keyframe the Custom Speed to match your animation.
User level: Level 3 (694 points)Sep 27, 2026 7:58 PM in response to WilliamL
I can “fix” this in FCP by putting a Hold Frame on the last frame with the full Path.
User level: Level 6 (13,826 points)Sep 27, 2026 6:16 PM in response to WilliamL
The Group "bar" is only as long as the longest object inside the group, so, your shape ends at the end of the "group bar". You can have objects with lesser time inside a group, but the group will always be at least as long as the *longest* object inside the group. [Hope that makes sense.]
User level: Level 6 (13,826 points)Sep 27, 2026 4:43 PM in response to WilliamL
Once it writes on, it should stay on even if you shorten the Write On behavior with respect to the shape outline. Are you using the Stroke Offset for anything?
User level: Level 6 (13,826 points)Sep 27, 2026 6:32 PM in response to WilliamL
Only if the Path/Write On bars are shorter... the Group can be longer but the Path still ends when its bar ends.
User level: Level 3 (694 points)Sep 27, 2026 4:34 PM in response to fox_m
Hey fox_m. Maybe my description way wrong. The Path stays visible for its entire length. Let us say I have a 30 second Motion project. The Write On Path does its thing for 15 seconds (and completes.) I want the Path (line) to stay visible for the remaining 15 seconds.
User level: Level 3 (694 points)Sep 28, 2026 5:13 AM in response to WilliamL
I have been remiss in including all information. I am sorry about that. The output from Motion is a .mov.
It sounds like both of you agree that shortening the Write On behavior will accomplish what I want.
I will give that a try and report back.
User level: Level 9 (77,942 points)Sep 28, 2026 7:49 AM in response to WilliamL
WilliamL wrote:
Yes guys you are both correct in that I can just shorten the Write On behavior. That does what I want. I am sorry for the inconvenience. I should have tried that on my own. I just thought that the Path and the Behavior were more closely tied.
It's a great thing that you can time any objects and behaviors just the way you want it. You can also apply multiple behaviors, either concomitantly, or successively. The possibilities are endless 😎
User level: Level 3 (694 points)Sep 27, 2026 5:59 PM in response to fox_m
No, I didn’t do anything with the Stroke Offset. In the Timeline at the bottom of the screen, once the playhead passes the end of the group bar, the Path disappears.
User level: Level 3 (694 points)Sep 27, 2026 6:25 PM in response to fox_m
So the Path Group is independent of the Path /Write On bars inside?
User level: Level 3 (694 points)Sep 27, 2026 6:56 PM in response to fox_m
The Path can end at the 15 second mark (completely finished) as long as it stays visible until the end of the Timeline.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256366122