Step-by-Step Guide to Masking Text in After Effects

Introduction to Masking Text in After Effects

Masking text in After Effects can add dynamic flair to your animations, allowing text to appear or disappear creatively within a designated area. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to create a simple but powerful text masking effect.

Step 1: Create a New Composition

Start by creating a new composition for your text animation. Go to Composition > New Composition, set your desired resolution and duration, and click OK. This will be the main workspace for your masked text effect. Step 2: Add Text to the Composition

Select the Text Tool (Ctrl/Cmd + T), click on the composition panel, and type your desired text. Use the Properties panel to adjust the font, size, and color until it looks just right. This will be the text that appears in the masked animation.Step 3: Create a Mask Around the Text

To create the mask, select the Rectangle Tool (Q), and draw a box around your text. This mask defines the area where the text will appear, creating a boundary for the animation. Make sure this mask covers the area where you want the text reveal to begin and end.Step 4: Add a Position Animator to the Text

Expand the text layer’s properties and find the Animate menu next to the Text section. Click the inverted triangle, and from the dropdown menu, select Position. This will add a Position Animator to the text layer, which allows you to control its movement.Step 5: Create Keyframes to Animate Text Movement

In the Text layer, go to Animator 1 > Range Selector 1 and find the Position property. Move the Current Time Indicator (CTI) to the beginning of the composition, then set a keyframe for the Position property. Adjust the Position values to move the text just outside the mask boundary, either below or to the left, so it’s initially hidden. Next, move the CTI forward along the timeline to the point where you want the text to exit on the opposite side of the mask, either at the top or right edge, and set a second keyframe for the Position. This will create a smooth animation where the text enters from one side, moves across, and exits on the opposite side, revealing itself as it moves through the mask area.Step 6: Add Ease to the Animation for Smooth Movement

To make the animation smoother, select both keyframes, right-click, and choose Keyframe Assistant > Easy Ease. This will add a gentle acceleration and deceleration to the animation, making the text reveal more fluid and professional.Step 7: Preview the Masked Text Animation

Press the Spacebar to preview your masked text animation. Ensure that the text appears and disappears smoothly within the mask boundaries. Adjust the keyframes or timing if needed to refine the effect.Step 8: Render the Final Animation

When satisfied with the animation, go to Composition > Add to Render Queue. Select your output settings and click Render. This will export your masked text effect, ready for use in your project. Conclusion

Using text masking in After Effects is a fantastic way to add engaging, professional-looking reveals and transitions. With the help of position animations and a simple mask, you can create visually striking text animations for a variety of projects.