Sliced Scale filter in Motion

Divides an image or shape into nine portions, or slices, then resizes or tiles the slices to prevent distortion of the image’s intrinsic shape or pattern.

When creating Final Cut Pro templates, you can use this filter to dynamically scale lower-third titles, speech bubbles, and other images with linked objects (using the Link parameter behavior). See Use the Sliced Scale filter.

Adjust this filter using the parameter controls in the Filters Inspector:

• Edit Slices: Displays onscreen controls to define the position and size of the center slice (the “stretchable” area of the image).

• Slice Right Top: Sets the upper-right position and the size of the center slice. This parameter becomes available when the Edit Slices checkbox is selected.

• Slice Left Bottom: Sets the lower-left position and the size of the center slice. This parameter becomes available when the Edit Slices checkbox is selected.

• Scale Method: Sets the scaling behavior of the center slice. This pop-up menu, available when the Edit Slices checkbox is deselected, has three options:

  • Stretch: Stretches the portion of the image within the defined center slice. Use this option for images with gradients or solid colors.

  • Partial Tiles: Fills the stretched portion of the center slice with repeating partial tiles. Use this option for images with smaller patterns, such as a halftone dot pattern or random noise.

  • Whole Tiles: Fills the stretched portion of the center slice with repeating whole tiles. Use this option for images with larger patterns and textures that need more exact placement, such as a picture frame with an ornate pattern.

• Scale: Sets the size of the center slice. This parameter becomes available when the Edit Slices checkbox is deselected.

  You can also use the onscreen controls to adjust the Scale parameter values.

• Offset: Offsets the image relative to its original position. This parameter becomes available when the Edit Slices checkbox is deselected, and may readjust automatically when you use the onscreen scale handles.

• Expand: Available when the Edit Slices checkbox is deselected, expands the left, right, top, or bottom of the image. You can use this option, for example, to add a “margin” outside of the center slice.

• Mix: Sets the percentage of the original image that’s blended with the sliced image.

• Publish OSC: Publishes the filter’s onscreen controls in Final Cut Pro. See Intro to Final Cut Pro templates.