What is a move block?
A move block is the transition between two camera anchors. While anchors define where the camera is at specific moments, move blocks define how the camera gets from one anchor to the next — the style, speed, and feel of the movement.
How move blocks work
Every move block connects two anchors:
- A start anchor (where the movement begins)
- An end anchor (where the movement ends)
The move block sits between them on the Motion track of the timeline, displayed as a colored rectangle. The color indicates the move type.
Move types
Smooth Operator offers eight move types, each creating a different style of camera transition:
| Move Type | Color | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth | Blue | A natural, gentle transition between anchors. Best for general use. |
| Dolly In | Purple | The camera pushes in toward the subject, increasing zoom. |
| Dolly Out | Purple | The camera pulls back from the subject, decreasing zoom. |
| Reveal | Green | The camera moves from a tight shot to a wider reveal. |
| Pan | Orange | Horizontal camera sweep across the scene. |
| Tilt | Orange | Vertical camera movement up or down. |
| Handheld | Yellow | Simulates organic, slightly shaky handheld camera motion. |
| Locked | Gray | The camera stays completely still (no movement between anchors). |
Camera weight
The weight slider controls how the camera feels during the move:
- Light (Snappy): Quick, responsive movements. The camera reaches its target fast.
- Heavy: Slower, more deliberate movements with a cinematic feel.
Think of weight like the mass of the camera — a heavy camera takes longer to start and stop moving.
Easing
Easing controls how the movement accelerates and decelerates:
- Ease In (0-100%): How gradually the movement starts. Higher values = slower start, building up speed.
- Ease Out (0-100%): How gradually the movement ends. Higher values = slower landing, easing into the final position.
Ease In at 0% means an instant start. Ease Out at 0% means an abrupt stop. For natural-looking motion, use moderate easing on both ends.
Duration
Each move block has a duration — how long the camera takes to complete the transition. You can adjust this by dragging the edges of the move block on the timeline or using the duration slider in the properties panel. Duration ranges from 0.3 seconds to 30 seconds.
When move blocks are created
- Smart (Hybrid Auto) mode: Move blocks are automatically created between anchors you add.
- Slo-Mo (Timing) mode: Move blocks are also automatically connected.
- Natural (Physics) mode: Move blocks are NOT automatically created. You need to manually add them by selecting two adjacent anchors and tapping "Add Move." This gives you full control over which transitions have movement and which do not.
How to add a move block (Physics mode)
- Make sure you are in Natural (Physics) motion mode.
- Select two adjacent anchors on the timeline.
- Tap the "Add Move" button that appears.
- A new move block (default: Smooth type) fills the gap between the anchors.
- Adjust the type, weight, and easing as needed.
Tips
- Use Smooth for most moves. It is the most versatile and natural-looking.
- Dolly In works well for emotional moments — slowly pushing in on a speaker or subject.
- Handheld is great for documentary-style footage — it adds organic imperfection.
- If the camera jumps between anchors, check that a move block is present. In Physics mode, gaps without move blocks cause instant cuts.