name: motion-graphics description: "Generate motion graphics and animated videos using Python, FFmpeg, and Pillow. Use for: creating intro videos, data visualizations, animated diagrams, and text-based motion graphics."

Motion Graphics

This skill enables the creation of programmatic motion graphics and animations within the Manus sandbox environment.

Core Workflow

To create a motion graphics video, follow these steps:

1. Define Animation Parameters: Determine the resolution (e.g., 1280x720), duration (e.g., 5 seconds), and framerate (e.g., 30 FPS).
2. Choose an Implementation Strategy:
   • Frame-by-Frame (Recommended): Use Python with Pillow to draw each frame as an image, then assemble them with FFmpeg.
   • FFmpeg Filters: Use complex filtergraphs for simpler animations like scrolls, zooms, and overlays.
   • Matplotlib Animation: Best for mathematical or data-driven motion graphics.
3. Implement the Script: Create a Python script (refer to scripts/generate_motion.py for a template) that:
   • Calculates a progress variable (0.0 to 1.0) for each frame.
   • Draws elements (shapes, text, images) based on the progress.
   • Saves frames as numbered files (e.g., frame_0001.png).
4. Assemble and Encode: Use FFmpeg to combine frames into a final video file (e.g., .mp4).
5. Clean Up: Delete all temporary frame files after the video is generated.

Bundled Resources

Scripts

• scripts/generate_motion.py: A template script for frame-by-frame animation using Pillow and FFmpeg.

References

• references/techniques.md: Detailed guide on animation techniques, FFmpeg filters, and best practices for high-quality output.

Guidelines for Quality

• Smoothness: Use a consistent framerate (30 or 60 FPS).
• Compatibility: Always use -pix_fmt yuv420p in FFmpeg to ensure the output video plays correctly on all devices.
• Resource Management: The sandbox has limited storage; avoid generating thousands of high-resolution frames without cleanup.
• Visuals: Use Pillow's ImageDraw for crisp vector-like shapes and ImageFont for professional typography.