Turn Random Letters into Text or Word in After Effects

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Creating a New Composition
3. Centering the Text
4. Adjusting the Text Size
5. Adding Effects to the Text
6. Using the Character Offset Option
7. Adding Animation using the Wiggle Code
8. Creating the Word Formation Effect
9. Using Range Selector for Animation
10. Including Special Characters in the Animation
11. Integrating the Text Animation with Background Images
12. Adding Sound Effects
13. Finalizing the Edits
14. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will explore how to create a text animation from random letters in After Effects. We have all seen this type of text animation in police movies, crypto, hacking, or digital-themed productions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to create captivating text animations that will add a professional touch to your videos.

Creating a New Composition

To begin, open the After Effects program and create a new composition by clicking on "New Composition." Set the composition to be 10 seconds long with a size of 1920*1080. You may choose a black background for your composition.

Centering the Text

After creating the composition, select the Text Tool and write your desired text. Use the Selection Tool to center the text on the workspace. To have better control over the text, ensure that the Anchor Point is in the center. By double-clicking the Anchor Point button and pressing the Ctrl key, you can position the Anchor Point in the center of the text.

Adjusting the Text Size

If the text appears too large, you can adjust its size using the Character Panel. Simply select the text layer and make the necessary adjustments to the text size until it suits your preferences.

Adding Effects to the Text

Now that the text is in place, it's time to add effects to make it more dynamic. Select the text layer and click on the arrow next to "Options" to open the effects menu. Look for the "Animate" option and click on the small icon next to it. This will reveal a menu with various animation options. The effect we will be using is the "Character Offset" option.

Using the Character Offset Option

To apply the animation, press the Alt key and click on the icon to the left of the "Character Offset" text. This will open the Expression panel, where you can make edits and add code to customize the animation. We will be using the Wiggle code for this animation. Enter the desired values in parentheses to control the parameters of the animation. Experiment with different values to achieve the desired effect.

Creating the Word Formation Effect

After applying the animation, you will notice that the characters start randomly changing. To create the word formation effect, we will use the Range Selector. The Offset part of the Range Selector determines when the word formation begins. Set the Offset value to 100% at a specific keyframe to reveal the complete word. By manipulating the timing and values, you can create a seamless word formation animation.

Using Range Selector for Animation

The Range Selector part of the text animation is crucial for controlling how the characters appear. Experiment with different values for the Offset to achieve the desired animation. You can create keyframes and adjust the timing to make the animation more engaging and visually appealing.

Including Special Characters in the Animation

To make the animation more diverse, you can include special characters such as dollar signs, hyphens, asterisks, colons, question marks, and more. Adjust the options in the animation settings to allow the appearance of these special characters. This will add more variety and visual interest to your text animation.

Integrating the Text Animation with Background Images

To enhance the visual impact of the text animation, consider integrating it with background images. You can add images to the composition and use effects like zoom and scale to create an engaging visual experience. Make sure the text seamlessly blends with the background and provides a cohesive narrative.

Adding Sound Effects

To further elevate your text animation, consider adding sound effects. Place the sound effect below the text animation and adjust the timing to synchronize them. This will create a more immersive and impactful viewing experience for your audience.

Finalizing the Edits

After adding all the desired effects and adjustments, review the entire composition. Make any necessary tweaks to ensure that the text animation, background images, and sound effects are harmoniously synchronized. Pay attention to the timing and pacing to create a smooth and polished final product.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have explored the process of creating text animations from random letters in After Effects. By following the step-by-step guide, you now have the knowledge and tools to create captivating text animations that will undoubtedly enhance the visual appeal of your videos. Remember to experiment with different settings and parameters to achieve unique and eye-catching results. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more exciting tutorials.