New to Motion. Can any Motion gurus tell me how to do a simple effect. I just want to make a red line go across the screen against a black background.

After Effects? In an empty comp create a black layer. That's your background. Then make a red solid layer and place it above (in front of) the black layer. Apply a mask over the red solid layer the size and shape you want. Using keyframes on the timeline you can animate its position.

Best suggestion I have is spend time with the product and also here (http://www.videocopilot.net).

If you're not using AE, you'll have to tell us your software.

Sounds like Motion IS the software.

Open motion. Press P, or just go to the paintbrush icon in the "Create" set.

Draw a line.

Play it back and it should be auto-animating. Change the duration of the write-on behavior that was created, and change the properties of the stroke to fit your needs. Press F7 for the HUD or just use the inspector.

Sounds like Motion IS the software.

Oops. Sorry.

Yes, I am using Motion... I tried the paintbrush feature, but can;t get a straight line.