AFTER EFFECTS BASICS

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Creating Titles with Tracking in After Effects

Introduction:

• Welcome to this step-by-step tutorial on creating titles with tracking in After Effects, inspired by the video "AFTER EFFECTS BASICS" from the channel Peter McKinnon.

Step 1: Understanding After Effects Interface

• Launch After Effects and familiarize yourself with the interface.
• Project window: Drag your footage into this window to start your project.
• Composition window: Adjust and tweak elements here.
• Effects panel: Access effects for your project.
• Toolbar: Contains tools for editing.
• Timeline: Where you work on your project's timeline.

Step 2: Creating a New Composition

• Click on your footage in the project window and drag it to the "Create a New Composition" button.
• Adjust the resolution and settings of your timeline to match your footage.
• Trim your footage by marking in and out points.

Step 3: Adding Text

• Use the text tool (T) to add text to your composition.
• Play through your footage to see how the text interacts with the scene.

Step 4: Creating a Null Object for Tracking

• Right-click in your timeline, go to New, and select Null Object.
• This invisible aid will help control effects in After Effects.
• Track movement in your scene by attaching the text to the null object.

Step 5: Tracking the Scene

• Access the Tracker panel and set your tracking points.
• Choose high-contrast points in the scene for accurate tracking.
• Analyze the scene's movement and adjust tracking as needed.

Step 6: Applying Tracking Data

• Apply the tracking data to the null object.
• Use the pick whip tool to connect the text to the null object.
• Ensure the text follows the tracked movement of the scene.

Step 7: Finalizing and Adjusting

• Play through your composition to see the tracked text in action.
• Make adjustments to the text's position as needed.
• Experiment with different fonts and effects to enhance your title.

Conclusion:

• Congratulations on completing the tutorial on creating titles with tracking in After Effects.
• Practice these steps multiple times to solidify your understanding.
• Stay tuned for more tutorials and explore additional features in After Effects to enhance your projects.

By following these steps, you can create dynamic titles with tracking effects in After Effects. Experiment with different techniques and settings to unleash your creativity in video editing.