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 ...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
06/09/2026
June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
15/07/2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a big deal for DAZN, which has distribution rights in three markets: Italy, Spain, and Japan. Each requires a different editorial app...
15/07/2026
As sports-media organizations manage rapidly growing content libraries and incre...
15/07/2026
HBS director of digital Johannes Franken talks SVG Europe through the operation built to serve FIFA World Cup 2026 rights holders remotely from Stratford, east ...
15/07/2026
IBC has unveiled the conference program for IBC2026, with this year's event ...
15/07/2026
Software-defined wideband RF platform supports 96-kHz monitoring, streamlined fr...
15/07/2026
New AI-powered module enables broadcasters and content owners to extract dialogu...
15/07/2026
Weeklong gathering at EBU headquarters will test new IPMX capabilities and expand certified product ecosystem...
15/07/2026
Force Tech has announced the appointment of Bryan Adams, CTS, as Vice President of Integration. Adams will oversee AV and broadcast integration project delivery...
15/07/2026
USA Sports has announced an exclusive English-language agreement with the Bundes...
15/07/2026
ITV Sport's FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage has been produced from one of the m...
15/07/2026
Program will provide professional camera kits, training, and technical support to participating local newsrooms...
15/07/2026
San Francisco church becomes first U.S. deployment of the 2 M/E production switcher...
15/07/2026
Former ESPN and NFL Network executive to advise startup league on media, distribution, technology, and fan engagement...
15/07/2026
The Houston-based RSN is the live-game home of the Astros and Rockets...
15/07/2026
Launched alongside new FreqSoft installer
Designed to bridge the gap between hardware and software, Freqport's FreqInOut FO1 unit provides a simple way ...
15/07/2026
Save up to 55% on software until 23 July 2026
Expressive E have just launched their Summer Offer sale, with discounts of up to 55% now applied across their ...
15/07/2026
Real-time stem-separation tool updated
zplane have recently released a new and improved version of their real-time stem-separation plug-in which they say ma...
15/07/2026
A new benchmark in bass enhancement
Described as a new benchmark in bass enhancement , Baby Audio's latest release has been designed to augment the lo...
15/07/2026
DMC Production's AR 1 and AR 2 units reverse the conventional OB workflow, keeping all production-critical processing at the venue while operators work remo...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
GigaCloud, a leading Ukrainian cloud service provider, and Cubbit, the first geo-distributed cloud storage enabler, today announced a new Business Alliance Part...
15/07/2026
SMPTE, the global society for media professionals, technologists, and engineers, has announced the launch of the SMPTE 110th Anniversary Campaign, a fundraising...
15/07/2026
Studio Technologies, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio, video, and fiber-optic solutions, unveils the new StudioComm Model 762 Stereo Level Control, ...
15/07/2026
COW Jobs: Producer, Virtual Events - Hybrid, Full Time, Salaried
Brie Clayton July 15, 2026
0 Comments
Producer, Virtual Events (Hybrid | Full-time | ...
15/07/2026
Brazilian media organization builds nationwide CDN with Broadpeak's high-performance software for low-latency streaming and new content distribution service...
15/07/2026
DHD announces a new utility designed to increase the efficiency of its audio mixing systems during initial installation and subsequent configuration.
Anyone w...
15/07/2026
BCNEXXT Brings Next-Generation Vipe to IBC2026, Breaking the 1:1 Channel-to-Server Ratio New innovations liberate broadcasters from legacy playout infrastructur...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
Wednesday 15 July 2026
Screeners and press pack now available: Gomorrah: The Or...
15/07/2026
Trinity's Treasures features Ruth Negga, Eleanor McEvoy, and David Norris, a...
15/07/2026
Join geographer Dr Susan Hegarty, Engineer Tim Joyce and Architect Orla Murphy a...
15/07/2026
Home to leading manufacturers, robotics pioneers, infrastructure builders and gaming, of course, Japan is one of the world's centers of AI - building across...
14/07/2026
South end zone videoboard, cloud-based control system will be ready for 2026 football season...
14/07/2026
Redesigned website, enhanced mobile app unify content, ticketing, and personalized fan engagement...
14/07/2026
Agreement spans sponsorship sales, digital monetization, radio production, and new practice facility naming rights...
14/07/2026
Independent league adds 14 regional sports network affiliates, growing distribut...
14/07/2026
New strategy aims to unify competitions, content, fan engagement, and commercial...
14/07/2026
ESPN and Disney+ become exclusive home of PFL events in key international MMA market...
14/07/2026
Gill will oversee engineering, technology, and sports operations across the company's 64 local television stations...
14/07/2026
Submitted by North American Broadcasters Association (NABA)
As broadcasters con...
14/07/2026
Modernized mobile unit combines HOME Apps, mc 56 console, and IP infrastructure ...
14/07/2026
Every match of the 32-team tournament will air across ION and Scripps Sports platforms in English and Spanish...
14/07/2026
FloHockey to stream every game of the annual international tournament under four...
How to use a Grid System for Responsive Motion Graphics Development 
