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Reposition, scale, or rotate clips with the Motion effect

Every clip in the Quick view timeline or the Expert view timeline automatically has the Motion effect applied to it. You use the Motion effect to position, rotate, or scale a clip within the video frame. You can also use the Motion effect to set the anchor point. Position, Scale, and Rotation values are calculated from the anchor point, which lies at the center of the clip, by default.

Because the Position, Scale, and Rotation properties are spatial in nature, it’s best to adjust them directly in the Monitor panel.

Note:

To animate clips, set keyframes for Motion properties.

Adjust a clip’s position

  1. Select the clip in the Quick view timeline or the Expert view timeline.
  2. In the Monitor panel, drag the clip (making sure not to drag a handle) to reposition it.
    Note:

    To make the clip move over time, set keyframes as you manipulate the clip in the Monitor panel.

Scale a clip

  1. Select the clip in the Quick view timeline or the Expert view timeline.
  2. Click the Applied Effects button.
  3. Do any of the following:
    • To scale proportionally, click the clip in the Monitor panel and drag a clip handle. Alternatively, expand the Motion effect in the Applied Effects panel, and drag the Scale slider.

    • To scale height and width independently, expand the Motion effect in the Applied Effects panel, deselect Constrain Proportions, and then drag any clip handle in the Monitor panel. Alternatively, expand the Motion effect in the Applied Effects panel and drag the Scale Height and Scale Width sliders.

      note: Scaling video and low‑resolution images over 100% can make them look blocky or pixelated. Premiere Elements continuously rasterizes scaled EPS files to prevent pixilation.

    Applied Effects panel with the Motion effect selected, and the Monitor panel with a clip handle selected for scaling.

Use a clip at its original size

Clips you import into Premiere Elements are scaled to fit the frame size of your project. If you want to use a clip at its original dimensions, do the following:

  1. Select the clip in the Project Assets panel.
  2. Choose Clip > Video Options.
  3. Deselect Scale To Frame Size.

Rotate a clip

  1. Select the clip in the Quick view timeline or the Expert view timeline.
  2. Click the Applied Effects button.
  3. Expand the Motion effect in the Applied Effects panel, and do one of the following:
    • Drag the underlined value to the right of Rotation.

    • Click Rotate Left or Rotate Right to rotate the clip 90° in either direction.

Adjust a clip’s anchor point

  1. Select the clip in the Quick view timeline or the Expert view timeline.
  2. Click the Applied Effects button.
  3. Expand the Motion effect in the Applied Effects panel.
  4. Drag the anchor point sliders for the Motion effect.

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