Start and finish lines

Add an IFX to use for the start and finish lines

We’ll add an IFX to the environment to use for the start line and finish lines. The Christmas Fence Pole is a good choice. For instructions on how to add IFX, see IFX.

Christmas fence pole

Set the end time for the pole

Next, we’ll configure how long the object remains on the timeline. Our animation will have a maximum duration of one minute. You can drag the end grip of the object container on the timeline, but if you want to set an exact time, complete the following steps:

1. On the timeline, select the cog icon on the object’s container. For more information, see Effect options.

2. On the Current Effect Options page, edit the End Time field and enter 00:01:00.

3. Select SAVE EFFECT.

End Time field

Complete the start line

1. On the timeline, select the pole.

2. On the left-hand side of the timeline view, select Clone.

3. On the timeline, select the new clone.

4. On the left-hand side of the timeline, select the translate tool (), and then move the new clone a short distance along the Y (blue) axis.

A pair of Christmas fence poles to mark the start line

Add the finish line

To ensure that the finish line posts align with the start line posts, we can clone the start line posts.

1. On the timeline, select one of the poles.

2. Hold Ctrl and select the second pole.

3. On the editor panel, select Clone.

Position the finish line

Use the transform tool to move the finish line poles a suitable distance along the X (red) axis. The following image shows an example layout:

Relative position of the start and finish lines (select to expand)

To ensure that the finish line poles align correctly, you can turn on the snap feature of the gizmo. Object movement will then snap to an invisible grid. You can also increase the step increment to make the translation jumps larger and easier to compare.

Snap and increment settings on the gizmo

Set custom names

Use of custom names is optional but can help you to identify objects on the timeline. To set a custom name for an object, select the cog icon on its container, edit the Custom Name field, and then select SAVE EFFECT. For more information, see Setting a custom name.

Timeline without custom names (select to expand)

Timeline with custom names (select to expand)