Alpha Track Matting Another Video to Fill the Inner Text Layer

[One&Done]

Hello there!

Who Has the Know-How to Bring this Common Idea to Life?

Current Scenario: 

√The neon-style magenta background is layered behind my text.

√The background is a video and my text has several keyframes. 

Desired Outcome: 

√To keep my current scene the way it is, yet add an additional video file which only displays through the the inside of the text outlines. 

Tried to: 

√Change 'TrkMat' Column via Timeline on the Text Layer, but then the Text Layer disappeared from view, in preview, completely. This only left the neon-style magenta background and nothing else.   

Much Gratitude,

One&Done

[thepixelsmith · Accepted solution]

Assuming the text is created in AE:

1 - Duplicate the text layer.

2 - Move the new (duplicate) layer below the original text layer. 

3 - Set the new text layer's properties so it has a fill

4 - Place your video layer below the new text layer (thats the duplicate text again)

5 - Set the Track Matte menu of the video layer to Alpha Matte "text layer's name will be here".

[One&Done]

Ah, make much more sense now for a layer beneath text top have the alpha setting. I would have never realized I needed a duplicated text layer, so thank you greatly! The only step I am stuck on is the 3rd. Trying to figure out if fill options for this in the Character or Tools panel...or someplace else?

Thank you very much!

[thepixelsmith · Accepted solution]

Assuming it's an AE text layer you should have a fill color in the Character panel.

[One&Done]

Cool, I was able to set a fill, thank you! For some reason the text just won't display...I must be doing something wrong..

[One&Done]

I see I need to adjust some timings..I will see if this does the trick with this alpha technique

[One&Done]

Was Able to Get It Now : )   THANK YOU!!!

[thepixelsmith]

glad I could help.