How to create a lower third animation in After Effects

Lower third adds context to your footage — it is perfect for titles, names, or any information that needs to appear onscreen without distracting from the video.

Steps to create a lower third animation

Create a text layer with your information (like a name or title). Press T to reveal Opacity and set a keyframe at 0%. Move the playhead forward a few frames and set another keyframe at 100%. Your text now fades in smoothly.

Create a solid layer as a backdrop for your text. Resize the solid to fit behind your text — make it wide enough to frame the text nicely and tall enough to contain it. Parent the solid to the text layer so it moves together. Add a Fill color that complements your video. Animate the solid’s opacity the same way — fade in from 0% to 100% so the background appears with the text.

Animate the position of your lower third. Select the solid layer, press P to reveal Position, and set keyframes to move it from off-screen to its final position onscreen. Ease the keyframes using F9. Since the text is parented to the solid, it moves with it automatically. Time it so the lower third slides into place smoothly.

One more thing

Check The Ultimate Motion Bundle for thousands of creative titles, lower thirds, posters, and other ready-made designs. They all come with customizable text, colors, and animations — save hours instead of building from scratch.

Related how-tos

How to fade in and fade out layers in After Effects
How to use easing for smooth animation in After Effects
How to add keyframes in After Effects

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