Text Tool
Create point text or paragraph text layers. Animate text properties for dynamic typography.
Text
Shortcut: Ctrl+T (Cmd+T)Beginner6 min readQuick Reference
Text Tool
Adobe After EffectsKeyboard Shortcut
Ctrl+Tkey
Where to Find
Select the Text Tool from the toolbar or press Ctrl+T (Mac: Cmd+T). Click once for point text, or click and drag for par
Best Used For
- ▸Creating titles and lower thirds
- ▸Adding captions and subtitles
- ▸Designing credit rolls and end cards
- ▸Building text-based motion graphics
Beginner-Friendly⏱ 15-30 minutes to master
Key Settings
Font: Character PanelSize: Leading / TrackingAlignment: Paragraph Panel
The Text Tool is the starting point for all typography in After Effects. Whether you need simple titles, scrolling credits, or dynamic text animations, the Text Tool gives you full control over fonts, size, spacing, and alignment. Combined with text animators, it's incredibly powerful.
Where to Find
Select the Text Tool from the toolbar or press Ctrl+T (Mac: Cmd+T). Click once for point text, or click and drag for paragraph text.
How to Use
- Point Text: Click once and start typing — text stays on one line until you press Enter
- Paragraph Text: Click and drag a box — text wraps within the box boundaries
- Character Panel: Open Window > Character for font, size, leading, tracking, and color controls
- Paragraph Panel: Open Window > Paragraph for alignment and indentation
- 3D Text: Enable the 3D layer switch for depth and perspective
Pro Tips
- Use the Character panel to set all text properties before animating
- Convert text to shapes (Layer > Create > Create Shapes from Text) for custom vector animations
- Use text animators for character-by-character animation
- Pre-compose text layers before adding complex effects