Please Clarify how AE Handles Anti-alias Text From Photoshop?

[Filip Vandueren]

I don’t have CS2, but think its’ the same with CS:

in AE, Text is imported as Pixel-data but with the option to convert back to true Editable vector Text (if you have the same font installed).

If you don’t plan on animating your text, then you can keep it as pixels.
Make sure those layers are positioned at integer value position, because otherwise AE will anti-alias an allready aa’d layer, eg. [102.3 , 100.1] is bad news: round to [102,100]
BUT: look at the anchorPoint, if this has a value with a decimal (probably .5), you do have to use the same decimal in Position.

Anyway:
If you want to scale, rotate or do very slow moves, you should “convert to editable text” (It’s in the Layer Menu), so you can work with the vector data.
You’ll notice the look will change ever so slightly when you do this, so AE probably has a different Antialias algorithm.

But be warned that you should add a slight blur or interlace-deflicker filter to those layers anyway since you’re going to create a DVD-menu:
don’t fall in love with hyper-sharp, minimal antialiasing on your computer screen, if you’re designing for a Tv-set !

[Jay Lee]

Filip,
Thank you for taking the time to write. Much appreciated.
Just to clarify: If I see a decimal on a PSD imported text file 0.5 for example on just one axis then I should match a corresponding decimal in position for just that axis only or both X & Y?

Many thanks,

J

[Filip Vandueren]

Just the one Axis.

Sorry for the late reply, you prob. figured it out by now 😎

[Jay Lee]

Filip,
Much obliged…….always noticed AE handle these pixel files which some sort of interpretation….no I know.

Many thanks,

J