> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tessact.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Motion paths

> Interpret the sampled canvas path produced by X and Y keyframe tracks.

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

1. Collect unique frames from X and Y tracks.
2. Keep frames from layer start through the final visible frame.
3. Sample between consecutive keyframe frames—at least two samples and at most twelve per segment, with denser samples for longer spans.
4. Evaluate animated geometry and layout overrides at each sample.
5. 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.

<Tip>
  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.
</Tip>

See [transforms](/editor/canvas/transforms), [keyframe lanes](/editor/animation/keyframe-lanes), and [easing](/editor/animation/easing).