How to Flow Text Along a Path in After Effects

This article explains the concept of path text in Adobe After Effects and provides a straightforward, step-by-step tutorial on how to attach and animate text along a custom mask path. By reading this guide, you will learn how to create open or closed vector paths on a text layer, link the typography to the shape, and manipulate path settings to produce dynamic motion graphics.

What Is Path Text?

Path text refers to typography that conforms to the shape and curvature of a vector line or mask rather than sitting on a standard horizontal or vertical baseline. In Adobe After Effects, any text layer can be linked to a mask drawn directly on that layer. This allows the characters to bend, curve, rotate, and travel along custom trajectories such as circles, waves, or complex custom illustrations.

How to Flow Text Along a Mask Path

Step 1: Create Your Text Layer

  1. Open your composition in Adobe After Effects.
  2. Select the Horizontal Type Tool (Ctrl+T on Windows or Cmd+T on macOS).
  3. Click inside the Composition panel and type your desired text.

Step 2: Draw a Mask on the Text Layer

  1. Ensure the text layer is selected in the timeline. If the layer is not selected, drawing will create a new Shape Layer instead of a mask.
  2. Select either the Pen Tool (G) for custom curves or a shape tool (such as the Ellipse Tool) for geometric paths.
  3. Draw your path directly over the composition window. A new entry named Mask 1 will appear under your text layer properties in the timeline.

Step 3: Link the Text to the Path

  1. Twirl open the properties of your text layer in the timeline panel.
  2. Twirl open the Text group.
  3. Locate and twirl open Path Options.
  4. Click the dropdown menu next to Path (which currently says "None") and select Mask 1.

Your text will immediately snap to the contours of the drawn mask path.

Customizing and Animating the Path Text

Once the text is attached to the mask, several configuration options appear beneath Path Options:

  • Reverse Path: Flips the direction of the text, switching the start and end points of the path.
  • Perpendicular to Path: Keeps characters angled perpendicular to the curve when turned on. Turning this off keeps characters oriented vertically regardless of the path's curve.
  • Force Alignment: Distributes the characters evenly across the entire length of the path.
  • First Margin and Last Margin: Controls where the text starts and stops along the path.

To animate the text flowing along the line, click the stopwatch icon next to First Margin to create a keyframe at your start time. Move the timeline playhead forward, increase or decrease the First Margin value until the text moves along the path to the desired position, and a second keyframe will be generated automatically.