How Do I Move Text Layers in After Effects?

Moving text layers in After Effects is a fundamental task. You can easily reposition your text using various methods, whether visually dragging it, entering specific coordinates, or utilizing alignment tools.

Quick Methods for Moving Text Layers

Here are the most common ways to move a text layer:

• Using the Selection Tool: This is the most intuitive method. Select the text layer in the Composition panel or the Timeline panel, then click and drag the text box directly in the Composition panel to move it visually. Hold Shift while dragging to constrain movement horizontally or vertically.
• Using the Position Property: For precise numerical control, you can adjust the Position property of the layer.
  • Go to the Timeline panel.
  • Select the layer.
  • Click the triangle (arrow) next to the layer name to expand its properties.
  • Click the triangle next to Transform to expand transform properties.
  • Adjust the Position values (X for horizontal, Y for vertical) to move the layer.

Using Rulers, Guides, and Grids for Placement

For structured layout and alignment, After Effects offers rulers, guides, and grids.

• Enable Rulers, Guides, or Grids: Go to View > Show Rulers, View > Show Guides, or View > Show Grid.
• Create Guides: Click and drag from the horizontal ruler to pull down a horizontal guide, or from the vertical ruler to pull out a vertical guide.
• Snap to Guides/Grid: Ensure View > Snap to Guides and/or View > Snap to Grid is enabled.
• Move Layer: Use the Selection Tool (V) to drag your text layer. As you drag near guides or grid lines, the layer's anchor point or bounding box edges will "snap" to them, aiding precise alignment.

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Note from Reference: The provided reference also mentions using rulers, guides, and grids and suggests going to Layer > Transform > Fit to Comp Width. While you do select the layer in the Timeline panel, the Fit to Comp Width command is actually used to scale a layer to fit the width of your composition, not specifically to move it using guides or grids. Using guides and grids for positioning relies on dragging the layer with snap enabled.

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Summary of Movement Methods

Here's a quick recap of common ways to move text layers:

Method	Control Type	Precision	How to Use
Selection Tool (V)	Visual Drag	Moderate	Select layer, drag in Composition panel. Hold Shift for constrained movement.
Position Property	Numerical	High	Select layer, expand Transform > Position in Timeline, enter values.
Guides/Grids (with Snap)	Visual Snap	High	Enable Guides/Grids/Snap, drag layer with Selection Tool.

By using these methods, you can effectively position your text layers exactly where you need them within your After Effects compositions.