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AldineJade
Participating Frequently
August 18, 2025
Question

Change text color after words are spoken then goes back to original color after

  • August 18, 2025
  • 4 replies
  • 242 views

Hi, 

Is it possible in After Effects to change color of the text then goes back to its original color after the word was mentioned by the audio script? It's like a karaoke style but instead of staying to one color following the script. It should go back. Sample is this https://www.instagram.com/p/DNgCTVcxwaa/?hl=en , from "It took me...." text effect around 8 seconds. 

4 replies

Roland Kahlenberg
Legend
August 23, 2025

This process can be automated relatively easily - I THINK. It depends on the structure of your text layer(s). If you share more details including your timeline and composition screen captures ...


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Warren Heaton
Community Expert
Community Expert
August 19, 2025

Hello, hello.

Create a Text Layer.  Apply a Text Animator for Fill Color.  Under the Advanced properties for Range Selector 1 , set the Units to Index and Based On to Words.  Then animate the Offset parameter with Hold keyframes in sync with the dialog/voice over.  While the Animator is selected, use Animation > Save Animation Preset to save a .ffx file that can be quickly applied to other Text Layers via Animation > Apply Animaiton Preset or the User Presets folder in the Effects & Presets panel..

 

 

Here's a quick screen recording of applying Fill Color to an exisitng Text Layer and setting up this animation for the Offset value being keyframed:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QhbwvkSddNJmzz6FTVx1BC1-w5YcIAgC/view?usp=share_link

 

Here's a "Change Text Color by Word" FFX file created in After Effects 25:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V6W0GndIDbgAlcafL_uo1v4PKDTxVuSI/view?usp=sharing

 

 

 

 

Inspiring
August 18, 2025

You couiild probably achieve this by duplcating the text layer, chaning the text oolor on the to text layer and then animating it on using a text Animator. 

 

Kevin J. Monahan Jr.
Community Manager
Community Manager
August 18, 2025

Hey Aldine, 

I read your case notes and I think this effect is possible, but I am a little unclear on the steps to pull it off. Hey @Warren Heaton10841144, can you take a look at this request  and see if you can help them create this effect. I hope we can help you shortly. 

 

Thanks,
Kevin

 

Kevin Monahan - Sr. Community and Engagement Strategist – Adobe Pro Video and Audio