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Animate the Ball Path
Animating the 'ball paths' was a two step process. I shifted the 'current frame marker' to frame 3.5. Then I created the path using the 'pen tool.' I created a straight red line with a width of '10' connecting ball position 1 and 2. I name the object 'Path 1' in the timeline and the object layer. Now expand the object hierarchy and then expand the transform hierarchy for 'Path 1' in the timeline. Add a 'position' keyframe by clicking the icon next to position.

Now I create my animation in reverse. I shift the 'current frame slider' back to frame 2. I then select 'path 1' and shift it down so the top end point is centered on 'Tee Shot 1.' If you look at the timeline you will see a 'position' keyframe is automatically created.

03:05

00:01

Now when I play the animation the path moves from 'Tee Shot 1' to 'Ball position 2.' Of course I do not want the path to be seen below 'Tee Shot 1.' To remove it I use a simple mask effect. Slide the 'current frame marker' back to 3.5 seconds. Now using the 'rectangle' tool and a fill of white create a rectangle from 'Tee Shot 1' to 'Ball position 2.' Name the object 'white mask 1.' Slide the 'left object duration' marker to frame 1.

Now select 'path 1' in the timeline and then 'white mask 1.' Go Ctrl-G to group them. Name this group - 'Animated Path 1.' Now go - Object - Top Object is Mask. The white rectangle becomes invisible. What has happened is simple and very powerful. The red path will now only be visible whenever it enters the white rectangle mask. To test it just rewind and play.

Create a mask with a simple white rectangle

Result of using a mask

You then do the same for the next three paths. Remember to name all objects, it will reduce confusion. Save your project.

Save and Export
Test the animation by previewing it in your browsers. Make any final edits or changes and then save the project again. Exporting the animation in Shockwave format is a very straightforward procedure.

Export settings window

When selecting 'export settings' for a project you will probably have to test several different combinations to discover the proper balance between file size and quality. In my project I chose Shockwave format using .jpg and a 'Quality' setting of 50. I chose 'Auto Data Rate' for MP3 audio. I used the document 'Frame Rate' of 12 fps. I then exported the file as a Shockwave.

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Click to see the final result - Hole 1 of Ruffled Feathers


 

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