Use preset text styles

The Motion Library contains preset 2D and 3D text styles that you can apply to text. A text style is a group of Appearance parameters that are modified and saved in the Library. For example, the Neon text style applies a rounded font style and includes a gradient outline simulating the bright glow of an electrified glass tube filled with neon gas. You can apply these presets from the Library or from the Text Inspector.

Canvas showing text object with preset style applied

You can also customize and save your own text style or format (or both) in the Library. See Save a custom text style.

Apply a preset text style from the Library

  1. In the Library, select the Text Styles category.

  2. Select the 2D Styles or 3D Styles category, then select a style from the stack.

    Library showing selected 2D Text Styles folder
  3. Do one of the following:

    • Select the text in the Canvas, then click the Apply button in the preview area.

    • Drag the style from the stack to text in the Canvas, Layers list, or Timeline.

      The text style is applied to the text. If you applied a 3D style, the text is extruded and becomes 3D text (the 3D Text checkbox is selected in the Appearance pane of the Text Inspector). For more information, see 3D text overview.

Apply a preset text style from the Text Inspector

  1. Select text in the Canvas, Layers list, or Timeline.

  2. In the Appearance pane or Format pane of the Text Inspector, click the preset pop-up menu and choose an item from the 2D Styles or 3D Styles categories.

    Style Preset pop-up menu in Appearance pane of Text Inspector

    The text style is applied to the text. If you applied a 3D text style, the text is extruded and becomes 3D text (the 3D Text checkbox is selected in the Appearance pane of the Text Inspector). For more information, see 3D text overview.

Apply a preset text style from the HUD

  1. Select text in the Canvas, Layers list, or Timeline.

  2. In the HUD (press F7 if it’s not already open), click the preset pop-up menu (below the Blend Mode pop-up menu) and choose an item from the 2D Styles or 3D Styles categories.

    The text style is applied to the text. If you applied a 3D text style, the text is extruded and becomes 3D text (the 3D Text checkbox is selected in the Appearance pane of the Text Inspector). For more information, see 3D text overview.