2.2. The Basic Process

Let’s jump straight into creating a new recording. You can find full details about each part of the process later in this manual, but right now, you probably want to actually get started, rather than sitting around reading a manual. So, let’s do this.

1. Creating a Recording.
   1. In the Assets panel, click the Sequence button. This creates a new asset named Sequence 1. A Sequence serves as a timeline, where you can place and edit multiple recordings.
   2. Position the mouse in the center of the Canvas panel, and the cursor displays as a reticle, or crosshairs. Hold the mouse button down, and move the mouse in a small spiral. When you get though the spiral, release the mouse button to end the recording. We use a spiral for this example, but you can move the mouse in any path or shape you desire.
   3. When you release the mouse button, a new Recording will appear in the Assets panel.
      1. You can click the name of any Recording or Animation to change its name. Click the name of Recording 1 and rename it Spiral.
2. Editing Your Recording. These next steps allow you to fine-tune the Recording.
   1. Double-click Sequence 1 to open it in timeline.
   2. Drag the Spiral recording from the Asset panel onto the Position X track of the timeline. Then, drag it from the Asset panel to the Position Y track as well.
   3. You may occasionally have bits at the start and end of your recordings that are unwanted or unnecessary. If you want to trim either end of your recording, position the mouse near the end of the recording, then click and drag to trim the end off of the clip.
      1. Before trimming a clip, you can drag the playhead to find the point that you want to trim to.
3. Export Your Sequence to HitFilm. Once the contents of your Sequence are edited the way you want, and you are happy with it, you need to export the Sequence so you can use it to control your animation in HitFilm Pro or HitFilm Express.
   1. On the timeline, click the Settings cog in the tip right corner to open the Sequence Settings.
   2. Select the frame rate of the timeline you want to use your Action Pro animation in. For this example you can leave it set to the default, but when using the motion paths with actual video files, you will want to match the frame rate of the video you are using. Click Apply to apply the settings and close the window.
   3. In the Asset panel, right-click Sequence 1 and choose Save As HitFilm Composite Shot… from the menu.
   4. Select a name and location for your saved file. Click Save to create the file.