Skip to main content
ronaldf41747277
ronaldf41747277
Participating Frequently
January 12, 2018
Question

Point Text entry in After Effects

  • January 12, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 1974 views

When typing a text string (point text) into a single After Effects text layer, how do I end one phase and start another by setting keyframes? I want to enter about 30 separate phrases at about 4 seconds apart.

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    2 replies

    Mylenium
    Mylenium
    Legend
    January 12, 2018

    When typing a text string (point text) into a single After Effects text layer, how do I end one phase and start another by setting keyframes?

    Simply don't! What's stopping you from using multiple layers in the first place? It may get crowded in the timeline, but it's most definitely more visual than messing with a ton of source text keyframes, even more so once you need to apply text animators on top. In the latter case copying the keyframes over and over just to reset the values far outweighs any advantages doing it on a single layer may have...

    Mylenium

      ronaldf41747277
      ronaldf41747277Author
      Participating Frequently
      January 19, 2018

      Hi Mylenium,

      Sorry for the delay response.  A while back I saw an experienced Ae user type phrases of text for a title sequence spacing their timing using keyframes.  Unfortunately, I forgot how he did it.  I am trying Roland's recommendations in this thread; so far without success.  I may end up using multiple layers as you suggest.

      Many thanks, Ron

      R
      Community Expert
      Rick GerardCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      January 19, 2018

      My approach to complex typography problems is to create multiple text layers in Photoshop with each text element in its hero position, import as a comp, convert to editable text if you need to use text animators, and go from there. Multiple line text animations with different font sizes are much easier to set up this way. Then you can just sequence the layers, adjust the in and out points as needed and complete your animation in very little time.

      For creating a bunch of lower 1/3's I almost always use a script to retrieve the copy, but if there are just a few I will use the AE/PPro graphics integration to set things up and just edit the names in Premiere. The most efficient technique depends entirely on the project. Experience will teach you how to get the job done in the least amount of time.

        Roland Kahlenberg
        Roland Kahlenberg
        Legend
        January 12, 2018

        It's best that you use Paragraph Text to make things a lot easier. Otherwise, you'll have to create tricky Expressions to create line breaks at appropriate/strategic parts of the text string AND this will change if you change font attributes.

        So, use Paragraph Text and apply the AE Text Preset Buzzwords. Once applied, change the buzzwords to your phrases.

        Very Advanced After Effects Training | Adaptive & Responsive Toolkits | Intelligent Design Assets (IDAs) | MoGraph Design System DEV
        ronaldf41747277
        ronaldf41747277Author
        Participating Frequently
        January 16, 2018

        Thanks Roland.  I tried this but I must be doing something wrong.  When I apply the buzz word preset I get an alert saying "The project contains an expression error: error 1 of 1."

        Roland Kahlenberg
        Roland Kahlenberg
        Legend
        January 17, 2018

        Then use the Pop Buzzwords preset which doesn't use Expressions but uses keyframes for the Source Text property.

        Then do a screen cap of the Error Message. I've just applied the Buzz Words preset and have no issues.

        Very Advanced After Effects Training | Adaptive & Responsive Toolkits | Intelligent Design Assets (IDAs) | MoGraph Design System DEV
          Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
          Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices