Kinetic Typography in After Effects: Motion Graphics Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This concise, hands-on course is designed to take you from beginner to confident kinetic typography animator in under 6 hours. Through project-based modules, you'll learn core techniques in After Effects, including keyframing, easing, text animators, path-based motion, and audio synchronization. Each module builds practical skills for creating dynamic, professional-quality text animations ideal for social media, promotions, and web content.
Module 1: Introduction to Kinetic Typography & Workflow
Estimated time: 0.5 hours
- Overview of kinetic typography principles
- Project planning and structure
- After Effects interface essentials
- Setting up a new project and importing assets
Module 2: Basic Text Animation & Keyframing
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Working with text layers in After Effects
- Understanding animators vs. effects
- Animating position, scale, and opacity with keyframes
- Creating in/out fades and movement animations
Module 3: Easing & Motion Curves
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Applying Easy Ease for natural motion
- Using the Graph Editor to refine animation
- Creating custom velocity curves
- Implementing speed ramps for dynamic pacing
Module 4: Text Animator Properties
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Using range selectors for precise control
- Applying animator properties (tracking, rotation, skew, blur)
- Creating staggered entrance and exit animations
- Grouping multiple animators for complex effects
Module 5: Path & Shape-Based Text Animation
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Animating text along mask paths
- Using text on a path techniques
- Animating motion along custom shapes
- Revealing text with trim paths
Module 6: Audio-Driven & Expression Techniques
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Converting audio to keyframes
- Synchronizing text motion with sound
- Applying basic expressions (wiggle, time remapping)
- Adding subtle motion effects for professional polish
Module 7: Styling, Effects & 3D Text
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Styling text with character and paragraph settings
- Applying layer effects (glow, drop shadow)
- Creating basic 3D extrusion for depth
- Enhancing visuals with lighting and materials
Module 8: Rendering & Output Optimization
Estimated time: 0.5 hours
- Using Render Queue and Media Encoder
- Selecting appropriate codecs for delivery
- Optimizing bitrate settings for web and social media
- Exporting H.264 video for platforms like Instagram
Prerequisites
- Basic familiarity with Adobe After Effects interface
- Understanding of fundamental design concepts
- Access to Adobe After Effects software
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Animate text with professional timing and pacing
- Create dynamic, audio-synced motion graphics
- Design stylized text animations for social media
- Produce polished kinetic typography for promotional videos
- Export optimized video content for multiple platforms