Stretch Text Reveal in After Effects
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Stretch Text Reveal in After Effects
Learn how to create a Stretch Text Reveal animation in Adobe After Effects. This tutorial will guide you through the process of animating text using shape layers and keyframes.
Where to Use Stretch Text Animation?
Stretch text animations can be used in various creative projects, including:
- Motion Graphics Projects – Add a professional touch to presentations and explainer videos.
- Intro Videos – Make your brand or channel name stand out.
- Social Media Posts – Add dynamic text to Instagram reels, TikTok videos, and YouTube Shorts.
- Title Sequences – Enhance film or video titles with unique animations.
- Advertisements – Grab attention with stretched text in promotional content.
You may also like these tutorials to enhance your text animation even further.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Stretch Text Revel:
Step 1: Create a New Composition
- Open Adobe After Effects and create a new composition.
- Name it Stretch Text Reveal.
- Uncheck the Lock Aspect Ratio and set the width to 1080 pixels.
- Set the frame rate to 30 frames per second.
- Set the duration to 5 seconds.
Step 2: Set Up the Guidelines
- Click on Grid and Guide Options and select Title Action Safe.
- Press Ctrl+R to enable the Ruler.
- Drag a guide from the ruler to align your text properly.
Step 3: Add and Align Text
- Select the Type Tool from the Toolbar.
- Click anywhere on the screen and type your text.
- Center the Anchor Point using the Pan Behind Tool.
- Align your text to the center of the composition.
- Use a bold font like High Rise Demo for better visibility.
Step 4: Convert Text to Shape Layer
- Right-click on the Text Layer.
- Go to Create and select Create Shapes from Text.
- Ensure the time indicator is at frame 0.
- Search for Path in the Timeline Panel.
- Click the Path Stopwatch Icon to create a keyframe.
- Hold the left mouse button to add additional keyframes.
Step 5: Create the Stretch Effect
- Press U to reveal all keyframes.
- Move the time indicator to 1 second.
- If the text paths don’t appear correctly, ensure Mask and Shape Path are visible.
- Press V to select the Move Tool.
- Zoom in on the screen.
- Select the top points of each letter and drag them upwards while holding Shift.
- Repeat this process for all letters.
Step 6: Animate the Stretch Effect
- Select the first keyframes and press Ctrl+C to copy them.
- Move the time indicator to 1 second 20 frames.
- Press Ctrl+V to paste the keyframes.
- Select the bottom path points and press the Up Arrow key twice.
- Select the top path points and press the Down Arrow key twice.
- Move the time indicator to 2 seconds and paste the copied keyframes again.
- Move 5 frames forward and press N to set the work area.
Step 7: Smooth Out the Animation
- Select all keyframes, right-click, go to Keyframe Assistant, and choose Easy Ease.
- Open the Graph Editor.
- If the graph doesn’t appear correctly, ensure the Speed Graph is selected.
- Adjust the points on the graph for a smoother animation.
- Exit the Graph Editor and preview the animation.
Step 8: Stagger the Animation
- Move the time indicator to the first frame.
- Press Ctrl + Right Arrow to move one frame forward.
- Select the bottom keyframes and shift them to start at the current frame.
- Repeat this for each letter, ensuring a staggered animation effect.
Step 9: Add Colors to the Stretch Text
- Delete the original Text Layer.
- Right-click on the Stretch Outline Layer and select Pre-compose.
- Name it Text Stretch.
- Right-click, then select New, and create a Solid Layer of any color.
- Drag the Solid Layer below the Stretch Text Layer.
- Right-click on the Stretch Text Layer, go to Layer Styles and select Stroke.
- Under Stroke Properties, change the Stroke Size to 5 and the Stroke Color to Black.
- Go to Effects & Presets, search for Fill, and apply it to the Stretch Text Layer.
- Change the Fill Color to any color of your choice.
- Duplicate the Stretch Text Layer.
- Select the bottom duplicate layer and change its fill color to white.
- Keep the bottom layer selected and press the Right Arrow key six times.
- Preview the animation.
Final Preview & Export
Your Stretch Text Reveal animation is now complete! You can now preview the final animation and export it.
Conclusion
With this technique, you can create unique text stretch animations in After Effects. Experiment with different fonts, colors, and keyframe timings to achieve even more creative results.
Download the project file from my website: [Your Website URL]
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Project File Details:
Updated | January 26, 2025 |
Compatibility | After Effects CC |
Required Plugin | No |
Size | 628 KB |
Price | Free |