Create a Typewriter Text Effect in Descript

Today I'm going to guide you through creating a captivating typewriter text effect in Descript. You'll learn how to add and customize text elements, set up the typewriter effect using the latest animation features, and apply both in and out animations for a polished look. 

Step 1: Set Up a Composition/Project

To get started, open Descript and create a new blank composition. This composition is your canvas where you’ll add the text elements you want to animate. It’s important to note that you don’t need to have video content yet; a simple blank composition will suffice.

Step 2: Add a Text Element

Once your composition is ready, it’s time to add text elements. Navigate to the elements panel on the right side of the screen. Here, you have a variety of text options available, including subtitles, plain text, and titles. For this tutorial, I recommend using the subtitle option, as it provides a clean and clear way to display your text.

Step 3: Customise Your Text

After adding your subtitle, you can customise it to fit your style. Click on the text to activate the scene editor. Here, you can adjust various parameters such as text size, font, and thickness. Feel free to drag and modify these settings until you achieve the desired look for your text.

Step 4: Set Up the Typewriter Effect

Now that your text is in place, let’s implement the typewriter text effect. Double-click on the text and type in the phrase you want to animate. Next, look for the animation option on the toolbar that appears. You’ll see options to add in and out animations, as well as the ability to create custom animations using keyframes.

For the typewriter effect, we only need the in animation. You can choose between a fade or an appear animation; I recommend using the appear option, as it allows each letter to show up instantly, mimicking the typewriter style.

Step 5: Adjust Animation Duration

Next, you’ll want to customize the duration of the animation. This is crucial for achieving the right pace for your typewriter effect. If you want the effect to last longer, you might set it to around five seconds. Conversely, for a quicker effect, you can opt for a shorter duration.

To adjust the duration, simply enter the desired time in the duration field. Don’t worry about the easing settings; for this effect, they won’t play a significant role.

Step 6: Animate by Character

To truly capture the typewriter effect, you need to change the animation setting from word to character. This allows each letter to appear independently, creating the classic typewriter feel. Select the character option, and you’re almost there!

Step 7: Preview Your Typewriter Animation

Before finalizing everything, it’s a good idea to preview your animation to see how it looks in real-time. Click the play button to see the animation in action. If the timing feels off, you can always go back and adjust the duration until you’re satisfied.

Step 8: Add an "Out" Animation

Now that your text animates in beautifully, let’s make it exit just as elegantly. Select your text again and navigate back to the animation options. This time, you’ll want to add an out animation. I suggest using a fade effect for a smooth transition.

Step 9: Adjust the "Out" Animation

Just like with the in animation, you can control the duration of the out animation. Set it to around two seconds for a seamless fade out. Make sure to select the option to fade characters as well, ensuring that each letter fades out individually.

With both the IN and OUT animations set, you can now see the complete effect in action. Play your composition to test the typewriter text effect.

Remember, you can control the timing and transitions for every letter, word, line, or paragraph individually. 

Conclusion

And there you have it! You’ve successfully created a stunning typewriter text effect in Descript. This technique can add a professional flair to your videos and presentations, making your text not just informative but also visually engaging.

If you’re eager to learn more about Descript or wish to have a one-on-one Descript coaching session, feel free to book a call. I’m here to help you with any questions you have and to guide you through the exciting world of Descript.

Thank you for following along, and I look forward to seeing you in the next tutorial!