The canvas draws a motion path when a selected layer has at least two position-keyframe frames inside its visible interval. It combines horizontal and vertical tracks, evaluates layout, and plots the layer center.
Path construction
- Collect unique frames from X and Y tracks.
- Keep frames from layer start through the final visible frame.
- Sample between consecutive keyframe frames—at least two samples and at most twelve per segment, with denser samples for longer spans.
- Evaluate animated geometry and layout overrides at each sample.
- Connect the resulting center points.
What the overlay shows
- Diamond markers represent position keyframe frames.
- The connecting polyline approximates the evaluated path.
- A current-position marker shows the layer center at the playhead.
- Overlay stroke and marker size compensate for canvas zoom so they remain legible.
Layout-aware geometry
The path uses computed layout rectangles when available. A child in auto layout or grid can therefore move because its parent layout changes even if its raw absolute values appear stable. The overlay describes evaluated output, not only stored X/Y fields.
Limitations
The line is a sampled approximation, not a draggable Bézier spatial path. Easing changes sample spacing along time but the displayed polyline connects evaluated centers. Rotation and scale affect appearance but do not create a position path on their own.
Use the path to detect an unintended arc, off-canvas excursion, or parent-layout jump. Use the keyframe inspector to change values and easing; the path itself is review evidence.
