What is a Text Animator?

Written by 90 Seconds
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Last updated: October 4, 2023
What is a Text Animator?

Text animation is a frequently utilized after effect of video production which helps to effectively keep the viewer’s attention, make transitions between general topic areas more engaging and/or highlight any critical information being conveyed.

Text animators are responsible for the creation of such animated text, which typically travels across the screen or moves in a particular pattern of motion (although in some cases the text may appear and remain in one section of the screen).

A text animator may utilize a variety of software programs to create the desired animation; 3D modeling and 3D animation programs are popular options that produce similar but unique effects.

JavaScript may be used to animate HTML text or a separate piece of streaming media may be embedded into the video to produce the moving text.

The role of the text animator includes selecting the most appropriate program to achieve the overall effect expressed by the director of the production.

He or she will typically work closely with other members of the video production team to ensure all components of the video come together as planned, and in a timely manner.

Primary roles

Know what's required

Determine which types of special effects and patterns of motion will most effectively achieve the results expressed by the director of the video production.

The ability to make text rotate, morph, utilize inverse kinematics, move along a particular curve, come to rest in the center of the screen, change texture and much more lies in the hands of the text animator and the number of variations in style is virtually limitless.

Deadlines

Ensure the timely completion of any required text animation to allow the entire production team to remain on schedule.

Text animators must promptly relay any challenges or issues that could compromise deadlines to the director of the project and should be willing to work extra hours and/or make last minute adjustments on their components of the video as needed.

Secondary roles

Typography

Determine which fonts and/or other special effects (such as bold, italics, etc.) will be most effective at capturing and holding the viewer’s interest throughout the animation sequence.

Color will also be an important factor to consider as the text must be highly legible when viewed in contrast to other components of the screen but must also fit the mood and setting desired by the video’s director.

Softwares

Evaluate which available software options could achieve the desired effects and determine which is ultimately most appropriate to use in each situation.

Vector-based graphical programs utilize algorithms to move text along a path selected by the text animator at a defined rate, while 3D modeling programs place a 3D version of each letter in the selected location on the screen at the programmed kerning and spacing rates.

Simpler options are generally included in most office suite software packages and may be appropriate for lower budget or basic projects.