The Bend effect in Alight Motion allows you to curve a layer along a circular arc, making it a versatile tool for creating animations with flexible, dynamic shapes. Whether you’re animating elastic movements or designing curved objects like rainbows, this effect gives you precise control over how your layer bends and twists.
Key Properties of the Bend Layer

- Origin
- Defines the fixed side of the layer. The opposite side moves when the layer bends.
- Options:
- Left
- Right
- Top
- Bottom (Default)
- Angle
- Specifies the bending angle for the side opposite the Origin.
- Range: 180ยบ to 180ยบ (Default: 0ยบ)
- Start
- Determines where the bend begins within the layer.
- For example, setting this to 33% fixes the first third of the layer while bending the rest.
- Range: 0% to 100% (Default: 0%)
- Before Start
- Defines how the part of the layer before the Start point behaves.
- Options:
- Freeze: The part before the Start remains fixed and does not bend.
- Bend to Same Side: The part before the Start bends in the same direction as the rest of the layer.
- Bend to Opposite Side: The part before the Start bends in the opposite direction, forming an “S” curve.
- Default: Freeze
Advanced Properties
- Tune Head
- Limits the bend at the end of the layer opposite the Origin.
- Range: 0% to 100% (Default: 75%)
- Tune Tail
- Limits the bend at the Origin of the layer.
- Range: 0% to 100% (Default: 25%)
How to Use the Dynamic Bending Effects
- Basic Bending:
- To bend from one side, set the Origin to the fixed edge and adjust the Angle to create the desired curve.
- Use Start to limit which part of the layer bends.
- Bending from the Middle:
- Set Start to a percentage other than 0% or 100%.
- Adjust before Starting to control how the non bending portion behaves (e.g., freeze or opposite bending).
- Tuning Head and Tail:
- If extreme Angle or Start values cause kinks in the layer, use Tune Head or Tune Tail to smooth out the discontinuities.
- Animate the layer as desired and fine tune these values to maintain smooth curves.
Best Practices
- Layer Shape: The Layer Bending works best with long, thin layers for smooth, natural curves.
- Elastic Animations: Combine the Bend effect with elastic easing to create animations of springy or stretchy objects.
- Adjust Gradually: Use keyframe animation to slowly move the Start point or adjust the Angle for dynamic, flowing bends.
Creative Use Cases
- Springy or Elastic Animations: Perfect for animating bouncy objects or flexible movements.
- Curved Shape Modeling: Easily create arcs, rainbows, or curved design elements.
- Dynamic Transitions: Use the bend effect creatively for smooth and eye catching transitions.
See Also
The Bend effects in Alight Motion unlock endless possibilities for adding dynamic curves and flexibility to your animations. By experimenting with its properties, you can easily achieve both natural movements and artistic designs!