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Random

Random mode adds different random values to layers or parameters.

Layer Time Offset

Random values will be based on the initial variation applied to a layer time offset or parameter.

In the example below, we select a group of layers and start to time offset the one at the top of the stack. The distance covered by the mouse cursor while clicking and dragging will define a Maximum value.

For each selected layer, a random value will be choosen between -Maximum and +Maximum and used for the time offset.

Signed Distribution

By default, you can see that the layers move to the left as well as to the right. This is because random values can be positive or negative.

By unchecking the Signed option, this function will no longer evolve between -Maximum and +Maximum, but between 0.0 and +Maximum.

Quickly Change Random Seed, Live

Changing the Seed parameter allows you to define a new set of random values assigned to layers or parameters. It is of course possible to change this value before using Random mode, but it is even more interesting to change this value while applying these variations.

  • Pressing the Up key will increase the Seed value by 1
  • Pressing the Down key will decrease the Seed value by 1

Note

You can adjust the Seed value while playing your animation in a loop, possibly bound by Work Areas

Changing the Random Amplitude

The Amplitude parameter acts as a multiplier on the random value applied to each layer or parameter.

By default set to 1.0, it makes no difference to the random values; but, reducing or increasing this value offers greater control over the level of chaos applied when using Random mode.

Distribution Across Other Parameters

Random mode can be used to apply these variations over several parameters that are the same type.

In the example below, we click on the layer at the top of the stack, which defines it as the active layer, then we press the Shift key before clicking on the lowest layer in the stack.

With this set of layers selected, we can modify the Position.Y parameter of the active layer, as displayed in the Inspector, in the Properties section.

The distance traveled by the active layer is used as a maximum to define a random value applied on the other parameters:

Changing the Active Layer

To define a new active layer, simply press the Ctrl/Cmd key, click on a layer to deselect it, then click again while holding Ctrl/Cmd to reselect it.

Changing the Position.Y value again will have a completely different effect.