Write on effect with existing handwritten text

[Graham Quince]

I think this is possible, although you’ll have a bit of work to do.

1. With your handwriting layer selected, go to Layer > Auto-trace
2. Select Luminance and set a blur of about 5 pixels and for the auto-trace to create a new layer
3. Add a stroke effect to this layer, select All Masks and set a large stroke width.
4. Animate the stroke’s end from 0% to 100%. When you do this you’ll see the words “write on” but not in the correct order.
5. Now it’s a case of selecting each mask and dragging them into the correct position. You can select them in the comp view and then drag them up in the timeline.
6. Once complete, use this layer as a Alpha matte for your original image.

[Liz Dawn]

Have you tried the Stroke effect? It uses masks for each letter to add a written-on effect. There are lots of YouTube tutorials to watch to learn how to use it.

[Ryan Daily]

I have had to do this many times. The problem is that for a block of text like that it will be very time-consuming. What you want to do is create a new shape layer or solid and basically draw out all of the curves to as you would if you were writing with a pencil in one continuous line. Draw the loop of a “t” and then draw the cross part of the “t” all as one line. You want to add a trim paths to it if it is a shape layer or a “stroke” to it if it is a solid with masks. Make this layer a matte layer for the image with the text. Animate the stroke or trim paths from 0 to 100 over time. Adjust the thickness so none of your letters get cut off or look too thin.
I know this sounds complicated but if you would like, I can send you an AE file with basic setup or you can join a small discord we have for interactive AE help. ✌

[Laurie Pepper]

Thanks so much. I’ll try it!

[Laurie Pepper]

Thanks so much. I’m not sure I follow, but I’ll work on it!

[Laurie Pepper]

Ryan! It does sound complicated! But I’m so glad to hear you’ve done it. I would love to have a template from. you or more advice. How???

[Ryan Daily]

Here you go. This is with the latest version of AE. If you want to discuss the details, me and a few others hang out in an AE help group on Discord: https://discord.com/channels/1144491754817597581/1144491754817597584

I hope this helps.

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