Name Expression in After Effects

If you want to incorporate a layer name into your composition, the name expression makes it easy. This expression isn’t one of the more popular ones, but it can be useful in many instances.

For example, if you are creating lower thirds, you can add this expression and just change the name of the layer. This will update the text on screen, allowing you to avoid double-clicking on the text in the composition. Even better, the layer name will match the text on screen, which helps keep complicated compositions tidier.

To do this, set an expression for Source Text on a text layer. Then, simply write name in the expression box. This will automatically update the text on screen for the layer with the layer name. Now, you just need to change the layer name to what you want.

Enjoying the news? Sign up for the Creative COW Newsletter!

Sign up for the Creative COW newsletter and get weekly updates on industry news, forum highlights, jobs, inspirational tutorials, tips, burning questions, and more! Receive bulletins from the largest, longest-running community dedicated to supporting professionals working in film, video, and audio.

Enter your email address, and your first and last name below!