Applying Motion Path Effects Using Advanced Actions in Captivate 9

Since it is not possible to a the motion path effect when applied via advanced actions, here is how you apply a custom effect into an advanced action. 

First you have to apply the effect on the group as a self-based effect and you can preview to ensure you have the effect you want. 

When you apply a self-based “Right to Left” motion path on the Group in the Cp9 project, on the stage you can preview how the effect will look – 

The motion path is applied from the center of the Group (from the green arrow to the red square) – this is why only the group center travels till the Red Square and the group seems to come out only half way. In my case, the path length will need to be increased(doubled).

Check out this video tutorial that will walk you through the below steps:

So, on the stage, you will need to:

1. First apply the RightToLeft effect on the group (as a self-based effect, not through an action)
2. Click and drag the Red square to the left, and increase the length of the Motion path. You may increase the effect duration as well, if you feel it necessary.
3. Preview this effect on stage and see if it suits your needs.
4.  When you feel it is suitable, Save this path as an XML to your machine.(say, Path1.xml)
5. Go to the Effects panel > Click Browse > browse this saved XML (say, Path1.xml) – the effect will now be available under Custom Effects
6. Remember to delete the applied effect from the Group
7. Now, open the Advanced actions dialog, and select this saved effect (Custom Effects > Path1) from the dropdown.
8. Do the same for Left to Right motion.