Flashing Text Animation in After Effects

Introduction – Create a Looping Flash Effect with Glow

Flashing text is a powerful way to highlight titles or messages in a dynamic way. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make text flash repeatedly using glow effects and a simple expression in After Effects. This method is great for attention-grabbing lower thirds, intros, or stylized edits.

Step 1: Create Your Text

Start by opening your After Effects project. Select the Type Tool (Ctrl/Cmd + T) and create your text. In the Properties panel, set the Fill color to None and the Stroke color to White, with a stroke width of around 3.8px. This gives your text an outlined look, ready for a glow effect.

Step 2: Add a Glow Effect

Go to the Effects & Presets panel and drag the Glow effect onto your text layer. In the Effect Controls panel, set the Glow Radius to 56, and adjust the Glow Colors by setting Color B to Yellow. Then duplicate the glow effect on the same layer to intensify the effect and create a brighter, richer glow. Step 3: Duplicate the Text Layer

Select the text layer and press “Ctrl/Cmd + D” to duplicate it. On the new (top) layer, go to the Character panel, set the Fill to White and Stroke to None. Then go to the Effect Controls panel and delete the second Glow effect so the glow appears slightly different from the original layer.

 

Step 4: Animate Opacity for Flashing

With the duplicated (white fill) layer selected, press “T” to reveal the Opacity property. Set the Opacity to 100% at the first frame, then move forward a few frames (around 3–5 frames) and set it to 0%. Alt/Option + Click the stopwatch next to Opacity to add an expression, and type:

loopOut()

This will create a looping flash where the layer turns on and off repeatedly. Step 5: Preview Your Animation

Press the Spacebar to preview the animation. You should see your text glowing and flashing in a loop. Adjust the timing or opacity values if you want a faster or slower flash effect. You can also experiment with glow settings for different styles.Conclusion

Now you know how to make text flash in After Effects using a combination of stroke text, glow effects, and opacity animation. This simple yet effective technique can add energy and focus to any part of your video. Try changing colors or timing for different moods and effects!