• Adobe After Effects Expressions

  Batch insert text from file using Expressions

  Posted by Ted O’brien on May 28, 2013 at 9:05 pm

  I need to process a lot of video on a regular basis and I’m looking for help automating part of it. I’m a total noob with programming but I’m trying to learn. I’m hoping to write a script to do the following:

  User chooses a text file
  Text file is scanned for keywords
  When keywords are found, that text is copied
  A new comp is created
  Video is imported to bottom layer
  Copied text is inserted on top layer for a specific duration
  Comp is added to render que
  Text file is scanned for keywords
  If no additional keywords are found, start render que

  I’m starting with Dan Ebberts example over at MotionScripts to help me learn. https://www.motionscript.com/ae-scripting/create-text-layers-from-file.html

  I’m looking for some tutorials or other resources to help me learn about scripting in After Effects in general also. Any guidance is appreciated

  Dan Ebberts replied 13 years, 3 months ago 2 Members · 1 Reply
• 1 Reply

• 

  Dan Ebberts

  May 28, 2013 at 9:44 pm

  All of what you’re trying to do is readily achievable with scripting and would, I think, be a good first-script project. You should get familiar with the AE CS6 Scripting Guide, which will give you the syntax you’ll need for creating comps, layers, text, etc. and Adobe’s JavaScript Tools Guide, which covers file I/O, user interface, pop-up dialogs, etc.

  See if you can track down one or more example scripts that show how to do some piece of what you’re trying to do, crack open the guides and have a go at it.

  Come back with any questions you run into.

  Dan

Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up