How to Create a Typewriter Effect in After Effects

After Effects has a built-in typewriter animation preset that makes this effect easy. Here's how to use it, plus how to add a blinking cursor.

Method 1: Typewriter Preset (Fastest)

1. Create a new text layer (Ctrl/Cmd + T)
2. Go to Effects & Presets panel
3. Search for "Typewriter"
4. Drag the preset onto your text layer
5. Adjust the keyframes in the timeline to control speed

The preset automatically creates opacity keyframes for each character. Spread the keyframes apart for slower typing, closer together for faster.

Method 2: Text Animator (More Control)

For more control over the animation, use a Range Selector:

1. Create your text layer
2. Expand the layer → Text → Animate → Opacity
3. Set Opacity to 0%
4. Expand Range Selector 1
5. Keyframe Start from 0% to 100% over your desired duration

This reveals characters one by one. You can also animate Scale, Position, or Blur for different reveal effects.

Adding a Blinking Cursor

The typewriter preset doesn't include a cursor. Here's how to add one:

1. Create a new shape layer with a thin rectangle (your cursor)
2. Parent it to your text layer
3. Add an expression to the cursor's Position to follow the text:
   sourceText = thisComp.layer("YOUR TEXT LAYER").text.sourceText;

4. For blinking, add this to Opacity:
   Math.round(time * 2) % 2 == 0 ? 100 : 0

If you need a quick typing animation with a built-in cursor, TypeFlow handles all of this in seconds without the manual setup.

Exporting for Other Editors

To use your After Effects typing animation in Premiere Pro or other editors:

• With background: Export as H.264 (MP4)
• Transparent: Export as QuickTime with Animation or ProRes 4444 codec
• Check "RGB + Alpha" in output settings for transparency