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Putting the Leaf on the Right Path

Right Click the 'Falling Leaf' layer and select - 'Add Motion Guide.' A motion guide layer is added to the 'falling leaf' layer.

Select frame 1 in the - Guide: Falling Leaf - layer and create a path using the 'pencil tool.' Keep it simple. To attach the leaf to the path properly select frame 1 in the - Guide: Falling Leaf - layer and center the leaf to the top end of the path. Then select the last key frame and move center the leaf over the end of the path.

Hint: Use the - View - Snap to Object - command so the leaf will snap to the ends of the path.

Now press 'enter' or the 'return' key and the leaf follows the path. Better, but not exactly 'Disneyesque.'

Hint: Another way to give your 'falling leaf' a natural motion is using your 'ease' in and out sliders in the 'frame' palette. By adjusting each keyframes' slider the leaf will speed up or slow down for that keyframe. This is a great way to suggest the power of the wind is changing.

We will now give the 'falling leaf' a more realistic appearance by tweening the leafs' shape, color, and alpha.