> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.flowjin.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Complete Guide to Animated Overlays

> Make your videos more engaging by adding entrance and exit animations to text, captions, shapes, and B-roll.

Bring your clips to life by adding animations to visual elements. Control how text, captions, shapes, and B-roll footage appear and disappear for a polished, professional look.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_UHZq7gVnvQ?si=SFse6kPka7lg_WgX" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen />

## How it works

Animations make videos more dynamic and engaging by controlling how elements enter and exit the screen. Smooth transitions keep viewers interested and add professional polish.

## Layers That Support Animations

The following layers can have animations:

* **Text layers**: Titles, lower thirds, and any custom text
* **Captions**: Your video's subtitle captions
* **Shapes**: Rectangles, circles, and other geometric elements
* **Video layers**: B-roll footage added as additional layers
* **Images**: Logos, frames, and other visual assets

Each layer can have both entrance (in) and exit (out) animations.

## Adding Animations to Any Layer

To animate any supported layer:

1. Click on the layer in the timeline
2. Click "Animation" in the menu
3. Select an entrance animation (how it appears)
4. Select an exit animation (how it disappears)

The layer will now animate according to your selections.

## Common Animation Types

**Entrance animations:**

* **Slide**: Element slides in from a direction
* **Fade in**: Element gradually becomes visible
* **Zoom in**: Element grows from small to full size
* **None**: Element appears instantly

**Exit animations:**

* **Fade out**: Element gradually disappears (most common)
* **Slide out**: Element slides off screen
* **Zoom out**: Element shrinks away
* **None**: Element disappears instantly

## Customizing Animation Settings

Each animation type has additional settings:

### Direction

For slide animations, choose which direction:

* Left to right
* Right to left
* Top to bottom
* Bottom to top

### Duration

Control how fast the animation plays:

* Faster: Quick, snappy transitions
* Slower: Smooth, gradual movements

### Timing

Adjust when the animation starts relative to the layer's appearance.

## Animation Examples by Layer Type

**Text layers**: Slide in from left, fade out
**Lower thirds**: Slide in from left, fade out (professional standard)
**Titles**: Slide in from any direction, fade or slide out
**Captions**: Typically minimal animation or none
**Shapes**: Fade in/out to avoid distraction
**B-roll**: Fade in and fade out for smooth transitions
**Logos**: Fade in at start, no exit animation (stays throughout)

## Best Practices

* **Be consistent**: Use similar animations throughout your video
* **Don't overdo it**: Too many elaborate animations can distract
* **Match your brand**: Energetic brands can use more dynamic animations
* **Consider platform**: Fast-paced platforms like TikTok suit quicker animations
* **Preview carefully**: Watch full clips to ensure animations feel natural
* **Fade out is safe**: When unsure, fade out is the most professional exit

## Applying Animations Efficiently

When working with multiple similar layers (like multiple B-roll clips):

1. Set up animation on the first layer
2. Note your settings
3. Apply the same settings to remaining layers
4. For B-roll, you can often apply settings to all clips at once

This maintains consistency and saves time.

## Common Animation Combinations

**Professional interviews:**

* Lower thirds: Slide in (left to right), fade out
* B-roll: Fade in, fade out

**Energetic content:**

* Titles: Slide in with zoom, slide out
* Text: Various slide directions for variety

**Minimal/elegant:**

* Everything: Fade in, fade out
* Subtle and non-distracting

Use animations strategically to enhance your content's message and keep viewers engaged without overwhelming them.