Making animated titles generally requires the use of an animation software program, which is ideally used by professional artists. However, there are also dedicated animated title programs for amateur users. They already set the initial parameters so it will be easy to produce titles without the technical and skill requirements general users would have to contend with. Although the step-by-step requirements in making animated titles depend on the animation program or animated title program used, the basic procedure and workflow followed in making them are practically the same in most cases.
Instructions
1. Configure the video settings of your project. Whatever animation program you use, you typically need to create a "New Composition" or a "New Project." Your settings depend on what is available in your selected program and the actual settings of the video where the animated title will be used for.
For a standard-definition (SD) video, set your project's resolution to 720x480. For high-definition (HD) video, set your project's resolution to 1980x1080 or 1280x720. You also need to select your video's frame rate, which is 30fps (frames per second) for TV projects and 24fps for movies.
2. Set the attributes of your animated title project including its color, font, size, background color, running time, among many other possible attributes your animation program may offer. The settings for these attributes are usually accessible from a "Toolbox" within your project area or at the menu options located on top of your animation program.
3. Select the program's "Text" tool, then type in your title.
4. Drag the cursor to position your text into your project's work area. Position the text according to how you want it to first appear on screen. Set its width, length and height, then play around the size and location of the text until you find your desired look for your title. Use the title safe guides to align your text accordingly.
5. Select the "Animate" button or any other similar option provided by your animation program, then start experimenting on how you want the title to look and move on screen. Add camera movements to provide depth and perspective in your animated title. Most of these features are easily accessible from your "Toolbox," menu area or other windows located within your project area.
6. Add lighting, texture and special effects in your text using specific menus and features offered by the program. Popular ones include buttons like "Colors," "Gravity," "Effect," "Stylize," "Glow," "Motion Blur," "Slow," "Particles" and "Lens Flare." These are typically available from the menu area located on top of the screen.
7. Click the "Play" or "Preview" button to see how your project looks. Make adjustments, if necessary.
8. Render your project after finalizing your animated title, then export it to the required video file format of your edited movie. This makes it easier to import the animated title into the video-editing program where your movie is being edited.
