Each layer’s auto-orientation options (Layer > Transform > Auto-Orient) specify how its orientation depends on motion paths, points of interest, and cameras.

Off

The layer rotates freely, independent of the motion path, point of interest, or other layers.

Orient Along Path

The layer faces in the direction of the motion path. For example, use this option for a camera to depict a driver’s perspective while looking at the road ahead while driving.

Orient Towards Camera

The layer is always oriented so that it faces the active camera. This option is available for 3D layers; this option is not available for 2D layers, cameras, or lights.

Orient Towards Point Of Interest

The camera or light always points at its point of interest. This option is not available for layers other than cameras and lights.

Note: If you specify an auto-orientation option, and then change the layer's Orientation or X, Y, or Z Rotation properties, the layer orientation is offset by the new values. For example, you can set a camera with Orient Along Path, and then rotate the camera 90 degrees to the right to depict the perspective of a passenger looking out the side window of a car as it moves.

The automatic orientation to point to the point of interest occurs before the Rotation and Orientation properties' transformations are applied. This means that a camera or light with the Orient Towards Point Of Interest option can still be made to look temporarily away from the point of interest by means of animation of the Rotation and Orientation transform properties.