How can I draw a box in After Effects? Newbie needs help please 1

[Pirate1967]

Friends:

I'm just trying to get my feet wet with after effects and this is probably simple to do but....y'know how it goes.

I have added a text layer and want to create a box outlining the text so that it appears as if it is being drawn. It's a simple logo project actually.

Right now I have it so that the text appears as if it is being typed. Now I want the box to outline the text in a different color and appear as if it is being drawn in.

I don't know which tools to use or if I have to create individual solid layers and then somehow animate them. Any help would be great....thanks.

Anthony

 

[maruyama]

1. Create a new layer (LAYER - NEW - SOLID) (any color)

2. Make a box with a mask shape ("Q" - drag marquee around text)
"Q" is the hotkey for masks, but also toggles box/circle; so watch out.

3. Apply an effect that "draws" the box (EFFECT - RENDER - STROKE)

3A - A window opens, showing the effect controls.
3B - Color = color of your box
3C - Go to frame zero. click on the stopwatch for 'END', change 'END' value to 0 (zero)
3D - Go to end frame. Change 'END' value to 100%.

Preview.

?

Ko Maruyama
Free Tutorials

http://homepage.mac.com/komaruyama/Tutorials