Writing Effect

[Stregga]

I am trying to make a wedding video dvd, and I was wondering if I can create the effect of someone writing the title on the opening screen. Is this possible using PE3? If so, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Stregga

[Paul LS]

Robert came up with a good signature effect that you could adapt:
viewtopic.php?p=3131#p3131

[Kerrie]

I saw Robert's signature effect awhile back and really liked it! I see he uses the SnagIt software with PS and PE to get the effect. Has anyone created a signature effect with just PS and PE? I would love to add this "personal touch" to my slideshows. Anyone else working with SnagIt that finds it a "must have" software?

Thanks! Kerrie

[Steve Grisetti]

Kerrie, my next Steve's Tips article will deal with the Gradient Wipe, an effect that can be used to create the handwriting effect.

If you can wait a few weeks, it will show you step by step how.

[Kerrie]

Great Steve! I will wait patiently for it!! Thanks! Kerrie

[Stregga]

Thank you all for the suggestions, I will look at Roberts signature effect. I will also be looking out for your tutorial Steve!!!

[Stregga]

I looked at Roberts Signature effect, and it is exactly what I am looking for. However, I have to agree with Kerrie, unless there is a real need for the Snag it software I would preferr to just use PS & PE. If for nothing else than to have one less thing I have to play around with.

I will be waiting for your gradient wipe article Steve.

[Chris B]

Robert's signature looks great - but a little time consuming. As a "fudge" I have used the "Gradient Wipe" with the default pattern. Since most cursive fonts are italicised this is "OK" for a signature. It's not great - but it does take considerably less time. However your mileage may vary.

Chris.

[Stregga]

Chris,

Could you share how you accomplished this by using the gradient wipe? The more detail the better, I am kind of new to this. I am really interested in how you did it.

[Chris B]

Like I said - this is a fudge and not what Robert has done at all. Also - I only have PE2 - I presume it's the same in PE3.

However - Simply create a title in PE with a nice "handwritten" font then apply the "gradient Wipe" transition to the start of the title in the timeline. When you apply the gradient wipe a window pops up asking which image you want to use. The default one is a graduation from top left to bottom right. Choose a smoothness at about 25 and select it. You'll probably need to extend the transition duration (say to 3 seconds) using the properties panel.

The overall effect is of a signature gradually appearing - but it's a bit more "lumpy" than a simple diagonal wipe.

I'd post a video but my PE is currently rendering a DVD.

[Stregga]

Thanks Chris. I'm at work now but I will give this a try when I get home tonight.

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

Have a look here. Althogh not specifically PrEl it is very easy to adapt the process:

http://www.wrigleyvideo.com/videotutori ... riting.htm

[GerryB]

Stregga,
Have you looked at http://www.blufftitler.us/, in the demo package you can download there is a nice collection of sketch writing options.
Good luck,
Gerry

[Stregga]

Hi John and Gerry, thanks for the two additional options to look at. I will be sure to check these out tonight and see what they offer. I appreciate all the suggestions, please keep them coming.

Chris, I tried the gradient wipe. It is a nice effect and one that I will most likley use in the future. However it's not quite as defined as Rob's version using PS and Snagit which is more the effect I was looking for. Thanks for this nice option though, now that you've shown me how to do it I will surley find other video's to use it on.

[Doreen L.]

You may want to check this out.

http://www.proshowenthusiasts.com/viewtopic.php?t=4527

It's a neat little program. I've played around with it a little and it could be what you're looking for.