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December 3, 2025
Question

How can I make these text effects? (all of them)

  • December 3, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 110 views

I'm new to After Effects and I'm wondering how to create the text effects in the main menu of the Hotline Miami 2 game. I tried using effects like Echo and Glow, and I tried using 3D features, but I couldn't get the result I wanted. Could you please help me?

1 reply

ShiveringCactus
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 4, 2025

Is it primarily the colour inside the letters you're after?  In which case, you'll need to use a track matte of the letters for a gradient.

 

  • With your words, precompose them.  We'll be using them multiple times and this way you only have to type them once.
  • Duplicate your precomp layer, then precomp the underneath one again.
  • Make the layer 3D and use them Advanced Renderer.
  • Expand the layer on the timeline, so that you can add depth in geometry options.
  • Create an animated gradient, and use the other non-3D precomp as its track matte.