How to Highlight Text in After Effects
Why Highlighting Text is Useful
Highlighting text in After Effects is a great way to emphasize key words or phrases in a video. This technique is commonly used in explainer videos, presentations, and social media content. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a smooth text highlight animation using a solid layer and the Stroke effect.
Step 1: Import Your Media
Go to File > Import > File and select your video or image. Drag it onto the Timeline Panel to use it as a background or reference for the highlighted text.
Step 2: Create a Solid Layer
Go to Layer > New > Solid and choose any color. This solid layer will act as the highlight effect behind the text.
Step 3: Apply the Stroke Effect
Open the Effects & Presets panel and search for Stroke. Drag and drop the effect onto the solid layer.
Step 4: Adjust Blending Mode and Paint Style
In the Effect Controls Panel, set Paint Style to On Transparent and change the solid layer’s Blending Mode to Multiply for better visibility.
Step 5: Create a Mask with the Pen Tool
Select the Pen Tool (G) and click on the solid layer. Draw a mask around the first line of text you want to highlight. This will define the highlight area.
Step 6: Customize Stroke Settings
In the Effect Controls Panel, set Path to Mask 1 and adjust the Brush Size, Color, and Hardness to match the desired highlight effect.
Step 7: Animate the Highlight
To animate the effect, click the Stopwatch next to End and set it to 0% at the start of the highlight animation. Move forward in the timeline and change the value to 100% where you want the highlight to end.
Step 8: Add More Highlights (If Needed)
If you want to highlight multiple lines, create additional masks on the solid layer. In the Effect Controls Panel, check All Masks to apply the effect to all the selected areas.
Step 9: Preview the Animation
Press Spacebar to preview the highlight effect and make any necessary adjustments to timing or stroke settings.
Step 10: Render the Final Video
Once satisfied, go to Composition > Add to Render Queue and export your animation to use in your project.
Conclusion
Highlighting text in After Effects is a simple yet effective way to draw attention to important words or phrases. With these steps, you can create a clean and professional animated highlight that enhances your video content.
