
How to use a Grid System for Responsive Motion Graphics Development
Roland Kahlenberg April 2, 2024
0 Comments
Problem Description When a Text Layer is edited and additional lines are input, there is a possibility for the new lines to cut off at frame edges. This is a common issue when text is placed at either the top or bottom positions of the Video Frame.
There are also occasions when you want to dictate if the Text Boundary moves up or down when a text edit results in a change in the number of lines.
A download link to an Adobe After Effects Project File is provided here.
Solution In Adobe After Effects, you can dictate whether the Boundary of a Text Layer moves up, down or centered both ways by strategically locking the Anchor Point.
When the Anchor Point's location is locked to the top of the Text Layer, additional text lines will extend the Text Boundary downwards and the top of the Boundary does not move.
When the Anchor Point location is locked to the bottom of the Text Layer, additional lines of text will push the boundary upwards and the bottom of the boundary does not move.
And when the Anchor Point location of a Text Layer is locked to its y-center, additional text lines will move both the top and bottom boundaries in equal measure.
A positive externality of locking a Text Layer's Anchor Point is the ability to switch between Paragraph Alignments without affecting position. This allows for additional creative options for layouts and designs when developing Responsive Motion Graphics Templates.
The Animated GIF below shows these behaviors. The yellow dot is a visual identifier for the Text Layer's Anchor Point.
Animated GIF showing Dynamic Anchor Point and Seamless Switching Between Paragraph Alignments
Using the Grid System We use Expressions (Javascript-based code) in Adobe After Effects to create a Dynamic Anchor Point for our Text Layer. When the Text Layer is in the top grid position, the Anchor Point is placed at the top of the Text Layer. When the Text Layer is at the bottom grid, the Anchor Point changes location, dynamically, and it is now placed at the bottom of the Text Layer.
When the Text Layer is placed in the center grid, a design decision has to be made - you will have to decide how you want the Text Layer's boundary to shift; up, down or centered or even allow for a Drop Menu Selection for the user to choose.
Such a decision should depend on the design or Template Guide and this will depend on the expected lines of text to be input.
One of the fun and challenging exploits with developing Responsive Motion Graphics Solutions/Templates/Toolkits is combining Code, Motion Design, Graphics Design, Videos and occasionally audio to solve not one but multiple design considerations, use-cases at one go without compromise to aesthetics or motion design nuances.
In the realworld, the challenges are more exciting as you work with multiple Text Layers, Graphics, and Video.
More from Roland Kahlenberg
April 1, 2024What is Responsive Motion Graphics, and What's in it For Me?Responsive Motion Design is an innovative fusion of Motion Design, Graphics Design,
January 19, 2024How to use the Text Highlighting Features in the Adaptive Text Tool in Adobe Premiere ProLearn how to quickly add Faux Bold, Faux Italics, Color, Outline, and
Being able to develop Responsive and Adaptive features into your Motion Graphics Templates/Toolkits opens up a world of possibilities that will set you up really well for now and the future.
Not only does Responsive Motion Graphics allow you to create great-looking content but it will help you to transform your Content Supply Chain; set you up for the future, for your career and for your clients who are constantly demanding more, better and faster.
You'll be able to deliver these only by adopting new ways of working, new ways of looking at old problems and with new solutions and a new way to look at problems with the tools and know-how.
BroadcastGEMS adaptive & responsive text tools Gumroad Store
Enjoying the news? Sign up for the Creative COW Newsletter! Sign up for the Creative COW newsletter and get weekly updates on industry news, forum highlights, jobs, inspirational tutorials, tips, burning questions, and more! Receive bulletins from the largest, longest-running community dedicated to supporting professionals working in film, video, and audio.
Enter your email address, and your first and last name below!
-- Sign up: * indicates required
Email Address *
Name
--
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
05/05/2026
Experts from the world of academia, tech, business, politics and media convened for a Thomson Talks at the Cambridge Disinformation Summit in April. It's th...
05/05/2026
Three phones were hardwired for power and transmission to the truck; camera feat...
05/05/2026
The creative studio behind campaigns for the NBA, Fanatics Sportsbook & Casino, ...
05/05/2026
Nielsen has announced results from a co-viewing pilot program covering February&...
05/05/2026
viztrick AiDi, an on-device AI solution developed by Nippon TV, delivered global...
05/05/2026
ARRI has announced Omnibar, a battery-powered, IP65-rated multi-color LED linear...
05/05/2026
Imagine Communications has announced that France T l visions is the first broadc...
05/05/2026
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Bell Media today announced a multiyear agreement to broadcast and stream WNBA games in Canada beginni...
05/05/2026
SVG is proud to announce Warner Bros. Discovery's Techwood Studios in Atlant...
05/05/2026
With no operator required, AutoMic workflow automates talent identification on U...
05/05/2026
A crash in 2015 set the industry back, but this winter proved that drones are he...
05/05/2026
Another year, and more proof that Asia continues to shape some of the world's most exciting new sounds. This year's RADAR artists draw from deep local r...
05/05/2026
The Austin City Limits Music Fest 2026 lineup just dropped, and this year, Spoti...
05/05/2026
New drum machine book campaign incoming
Bjooks have announced that during Superbooth 2026, they will be launching a Kickstarter campaign to fund the product...
05/05/2026
Flagship all-in-one production bundle updated
The latest version of Native Instruments' flagship virtual instrument and plug-in bundle has just been ann...
05/05/2026
Rohde & Schwarz to host RF Testing Innovations Forum 2026, helping design engine...
05/05/2026
L3Harris provides communications, electronic warfare, sensors and mission systems that enable Virginia-class submarine crews to operate with confidence in conte...
05/05/2026
The company grew by 7.6% in net revenue and 16.3% in EBITDA, achieving a 33% inc...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/05/2026
Project Marks First Major Broadcast Deployment of Latest Addition to SNP Lineup
Imagine Communications today announced that France T l visions is the first br...
05/05/2026
Shotoku Broadcast Systems Wins 2026 NAB Show Product of the Year Award
Shotoku Broadcast Systems announced today that its Swoop range of robotic cranes has be...
05/05/2026
DigitalGlue's creative.space Intelligence Wins Future's Best of Show Award, Presented by TV Tech
creative.space Intelligence (CSI), part of the creativ...
05/05/2026
Zixi, a leader in live video delivery and workflow orchestration, will showcase next-generation broadcast workflows at the Media Production and Technology Show ...
05/05/2026
Stingr marks its launch with a new approach to second-screen interactivity
Brie Clayton May 5, 2026
0 Comments
Huge leap forward in revenues and engag...
05/05/2026
Shotoku Broadcast Systems Wins 2026 NAB Show Product of the Year Award
Brie Clayton May 5, 2026
0 Comments
Shotoku Broadcast Systems announced today tha...
05/05/2026
Following a successful NAB Show in Las Vegas, DHD will promote examples from its wide range of broadcast-quality audio production equipment at the May 13th-14th...
05/05/2026
LucidLink today announced its programme for MPTS 2026, where it will exhibit at Stand M59 at Olympia London, 13 to 14 May. The company will showcase its latest ...
05/05/2026
Limecraft today announces the release of Limecraft 2026.3, the third platform update in its 2026 release cycle. Limecraft is an AI-powered production platform t...
05/05/2026
Huge leap forward in revenues and engagement...
05/05/2026
Broadcast Solutions, a leading system integrator and provider of innovative solutions for the broadcast media industry, has taken another significant step in st...
05/05/2026
Operative today announced the appointment of Dang Ly as Chief Product Officer, signaling the company's accelerating commitment to delivering the next genera...
05/05/2026
The Media Talent Manifesto (MTM) today announces the return of the World Skills Caf at IBC2026, positioning the event as a critical industry forum to confront ...
05/05/2026
ARRI unveils Omnibar: compact, modular, battery-powered IP65 LED bars with preci...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/05/2026
Digital Domain Welcomes Award-Nominated VFX Supervisor Jelmer Boskma
Brie Clayton May 4, 2026
0 Comments
Digital Domain, a global leader in visual eff...
05/05/2026
May 5th, 2026 Press Materials Available Here
2026 TRIBECA FESTIVAL UNVEILS EXP...
05/05/2026
Back to All News
Limited Series About The Greatest Soccer Team Of All Time: Net...
05/05/2026
FOX Sports, FOX One and Indeed Launch Nationwide Search for FOX One Chief World...
05/05/2026
GoVertical! Technology Recognized for Ability to Provide Real-Time 9:16 Autocrop...
04/05/2026
just:play pro 2026 and just:live pro 2026 are available to download!
More Details:At NAB 2026, ToolsOnAir showcased just:play pro 2026 and just:live pro 2026, ...
04/05/2026
just:in mac pro 2026 - The Next Level of Professional Recording on macOS
More Details:The headline innovation in just:in mac pro 2026 is the new Auto format si...