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MOGRT Shape Reveal Text Problems

Explorer ,
Aug 25, 2022 Aug 25, 2022

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My goal is to create a motion graphics template for a title reveal with a solid underneath, like the kind used on many social media videos. I have been referncing this ECAbrams tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG7m3j1X9hQ&t=792s

Box Fit Text Expression.PNG

I used his expression to make the rectangle fit whatever text is typed. The difference is, I would like to reveal the text and have the solid go from left to right instead of from the center. 

 

When I try using the rectangle contents' scale property, I have to adjust the corner anchor point each time, or else the rectangle reveal doesn't start from the very left.

 

I tried using the linear wipe effect, but the 0-100% controls don't correspond to the length of my rectangle. Also, I haven't been able to make the rectangle's transition completion dictate the rectangle alpha matte's completion. This way, I would have to include the linear wipe properties for both rectangles in the essential graphics pannel and constantly re-keyframe, which defeats the time-saving purpose of a template.

 

Am I missing a simpler solution? Thanks for your help!

TOPICS
Expressions , FAQ , How to , Import and export , User interface or workspaces

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correct answers 1 Correct answer

Community Expert , Aug 25, 2022 Aug 25, 2022

You need to tie the position of the shape layer to the position of the Text layer and compensate for paragraph styles by using sourceRectAtTime().left and baseline shift using soruceRectAtTime().top.

 

You also have to tie the Rectangle/Position to the size of the rectangle with an expression. Roland gave you the format for doing that with Anchor Point, but I prefer to keep it all in the Contents/Rectangle section of a shape layer. 

 

This is how I do it. Because the text layer is always above t

...

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Valorous Hero ,
Aug 25, 2022 Aug 25, 2022

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You need an Expression to set the anchorPoint for Contents>Scale Prop - 

const mySize = content("Rectangle 1").content("Rectangle Path 1").size;
[-mySize[0]/2,0]

RolandKahlenberg_0-1661468819229.png

 

Motion Graphics Brand Guidelines & Motion Graphics Responsive Design Toolkits

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Explorer ,
Aug 29, 2022 Aug 29, 2022

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Thank you, @Roland Kahlenberg. Your response along with Rick's pointed me in the right direction!

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Community Expert ,
Aug 25, 2022 Aug 25, 2022

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You need to tie the position of the shape layer to the position of the Text layer and compensate for paragraph styles by using sourceRectAtTime().left and baseline shift using soruceRectAtTime().top.

 

You also have to tie the Rectangle/Position to the size of the rectangle with an expression. Roland gave you the format for doing that with Anchor Point, but I prefer to keep it all in the Contents/Rectangle section of a shape layer. 

 

This is how I do it. Because the text layer is always above the shape layer rectangle, I use (index - 1) instead of the text layer name, and I have a bunch of animation presets I saved, so I don't have to enter the expressions by hand.  I have also added horizontal and vertical padding sliders and a roundness slider. 

 

If you want to use a text animator to reveal the line or lines of text, you also need to add a time something like this: sourceRectAtTime(thisLayer.inPoint + .5) so that the size of the shape layer background is taken after the text has been revealed. You can also use the half-second (.5) if the text animates in from the left side.

 

I also always compensate for text layer scale. Here are the expressions:

 

 

 

 

// Rectangle/Size
src=thisComp.layer(index - 1);
ref = sRc.sourceRectAtTime();
refScale = sRc.scale * .01;
pad = 20; // ten pixel padding
x = ref.width + pad;
y = ref.height + pad;

[x * refScale[0], y * refScale[1]]

// Rectangle/Position Compensates for paragraph justification and baseline shift
src=thisComp.layer(index - 1);
box = src.sourceRectAtTime();
refScale = src.scale * .01;
x = box.width / 2;
y = box.height / 2;
t = box.top;
l = box.left;

[(x + l) * refScale[0], (y + t) * refScale[1]]

// Rectangle/Roundness - adds curved edges
src=thisComp.layer(index - 1);
maxR = sRc.sourceRectAtTime().height / 2;
rndRatio = .5;
rVal = maxR * rndRatio;

//Shape Layer/Transform/Position - ties the rectangle to the text layer.
src=thisComp.layer(index - 1);
sRc.position;

 

 

 

 

 

You can't really do what you are trying to do with just one expression. I always use at least 3. If there are text animators, you'll need to add a time value for sourceRectAtTime(thisLayer.inPoint + time in seconds)

 

This is a screenshot from an upcoming tutorial series I am working on showing all of the modified properties of the shape layer. I've added Offset Paths, sliders to control things, and even background and stroke color controls. 

RickGerard_0-1661493161918.png

 

I hope this helps.

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Explorer ,
Aug 29, 2022 Aug 29, 2022

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@Rick Gerard, thank you very much for the detailed explanation. The sourceRectAtTime(left) and sourceRectAtTime(top), along with pick whipping the position to size did the trick! I still have to try out those other expressions you shared, like adding curved edges along with the time-saving (index-1) with presets method.

 

I'm still scratching the surface with expressions and sourceRectAtTime seems like a very powerful tool.

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