How to Layer Text Behind Objects in Adobe Premiere Pro

by Katelynn Mitchell
Read time: 2 min
1959
Posted 21 July 2023
Summary

There is one technique in Adobe Premiere Pro that can significantly elevate your visuals is layering text behind objects. By seamlessly blending text with your footage, you can create captivating and professional-looking videos.

Layering text behind objects is an effective way to add depth and visual interest to your videos. Placing text behind moving or stationary objects creates a sense of interaction and integration between the text and the footage. This technique adds a professional touch to your compositions, making them more engaging and visually appealing. Let's delve into the steps required to achieve this effect in Premiere Pro.

Laptop screen showing Adobe Premiere Pro

Now, let’s explore this opportunity for your videos.

Step One: Importing and positioning the object footage on the timeline

Before we begin layering text, we need to import our object footage into Premiere Pro. This is the easiest step:

Launch Premiere Pro and create a new project.

Import your footage by clicking on the "File" menu, selecting "Import," and then choosing the appropriate files from your computer.
Once imported, drag and drop the footage onto the timeline to create a new video track.

Next, position the object footage on the timeline according to your desired composition. You can trim or extend the clip as needed by clicking and dragging the edges of the footage on the timeline.

Step Two: Creating a new text layer and adjusting its position on the timeline

To create a new text layer and adjust its position on the timeline, you have to click on the "Graphics" workspace to switch to the essential tools for working with text.

From the "Essential Graphics" panel, click on the "New Layer" button to create a new text layer. A text box will appear on the Program Monitor. Enter your desired text and adjust the font, size, color, and other formatting options as desired.

To reposition the text layer, click and drag it to the desired location on the Program Monitor or directly on the timeline.

Girls near a laptop discussing the process of working in Adobe Premiere Pro

Step Three: Applying a track matte effect to the text layer for seamless blending with the object

We will apply a track matte effect to seamlessly blend the text with the object footage. 

To do that, first ensure that the text layer is positioned above the object footage layer on the timeline. Then, right-click on the text layer and select "Set Matte" from the dropdown menu.

In the "Set Matte" window, change the "Matte" dropdown menu to the object footage layer. This tells Premiere Pro to use the object footage as a matte for the text layer. Now you can adjust the opacity, blending modes, and other effects on the text layer as needed to fine-tune the overall look.

Mastering the technique of layering text behind objects in Adobe Premiere Pro can greatly enhance your video compositions. By following these steps, you can create visually captivating videos with seamless integration of text and footage. Experiment with different fonts, colors, and effects to achieve the desired visual impact and make your videos stand out. With practice and creativity, you'll be able to take your video editing skills to new heights.

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