Step 1Build the bounce
- In any comp, create a text layer (any word will do).
- Open its Scale property. At frame 0 set a keyframe at 0%.
- Move 4 frames forward and set 115%.
- Move 3 more frames forward and set 100%.
- Select the keyframes and apply Easy Ease (F9).
That's a 7-frame bounce, short enough to finish before the next word arrives. Caption words are often on screen for well under a second, so keep entrances quick.
For a softer look, add Opacity from 0% to 100% over the first 3 frames, or a Fast Box Blur that goes from 10 to 0.
Step 2Save it as an .ffx
- Select the Scale property (and Opacity or the blur effect if you added them).
- Choose Animation → Save Animation Preset…
- Name it clearly, for example
Emphasis - bounce in.ffx, and save it.
If you work across several After Effects versions, save the preset in the oldest one. A preset saved in a newer version can't be read by an older one.
Step 3Add it to your captions
- Transcribe your clip and pick your caption preset as usual.
- On the Preview tab, find Your Own Animations (.ffx).
- Next to Emphasis words, click + Add .ffx and choose your file.
You can add more than one, and add different ones to Normal words. If you want only your animation without the effects saved in the Captyne preset, switch on Remove the preset's own effects first.
Step 4Generate and test
Click Generate Captions. Every emphasis word now bounces in at the exact moment it appears, on top of the preset's own animation. Scrub a busy section and a slow section to check it reads well in both.
Step 5Tune it
- Too bouncy? Change 115% to 108% on your text layer, save the preset again with the same name, and generate again.
- Words jumping out of line? Your preset probably animates Position. Stick to Scale, Opacity, Rotation and effects for caption entrances.
- File shown crossed out in red? The .ffx was moved or renamed. Add it again from its new location.
Your animations stay on your computer and are never saved into the caption preset, so you can share or sell presets on the Marketplace without giving away your library.
Put your signature on every caption
Your Own Animations is included in every Captyne plan.
See Plans & Pricing →FAQ
Can I use Animation Composer animations instead?
Yes, inside a caption preset. See Use Animation Composer presets in your caption presets.
Do my .ffx animations work with stacked blocks?
Yes. They're applied to each word as it appears, whatever the layout.
Where's the reference?
See Add your own .ffx animation presets, and why your animation library belongs in your captions on the blog.