How to add a new text layer in After Effects

Titles, lower thirds, little labels — text layers handle it all. They’re super easy to create and even easier to edit.

Steps to add a new text layer

Select the Type Tool from the toolbar or press Ctrl+T (Windows) / Command+T (Mac). Click anywhere in your comp viewer and start typing. You’re done.

After Effects toolbar with the Type Tool selected

You can also create an empty text layer without typing right away by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Shift+T (Windows) / Command+Option+Shift+T (Mac) — this adds a new layer to your timeline ready to go.

Timeline in After Effects showing an empty text layer added

Use the Character and Paragraph panels to adjust font, size, tracking, and alignment.

Character and paragraph tabs in After Effects

One more thing

Press V to jump back to the Selection Tool and move your layer around without editing it by accident. Saves you from accidentally changing what you just typed.

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How to add a new text layer in After Effects

Steps to add a new text layer

One more thing

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