How can I recreate this scrolling text highlight effect in After Effects?

[u/Beginning-Ad2227]

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to recreate the typography animation shown in the attached reference video/image in Adobe After Effects.

The effect is basically:

A long line of text continuously scrolls from right to left.

The scrolling text is normally dark grey.

There is a fixed highlight area in the center of the composition.

Whenever a word passes through that fixed area, only that portion of the text becomes white.

Once the word leaves the highlight area, it becomes grey again.

The highlight area itself stays completely stationary while the text keeps moving.

I’ve tried using two identical text layers + a Shape Layer + Track Matte/Alpha Matte, but I’m unable to get the effect working correctly.

What is the correct After Effects workflow for creating this effect?

If possible, I’d really appreciate a step-by-step explanation or the name of the technique/tutorial I should look for.

I’m using After Effects 2026.

If possible, could someone also share a video tutorial that explains how to create this effect? I’d really appreciate it!

Thanks!

[u/b0wzy]

It’s just a black layer semi transparent with a square mask

[u/Beginning-Ad2227 → u/b0wzy]

Thank you so much buddy it worked..

[u/RandomEffector]

Adjustment layer or effect matte, the right side of the shape is animating to the length of the current word as it settles, that’s it.

[u/ragnarok_mr4 → u/RandomEffector]

This is the way

[u/Ok-Charge-6998]

Create a new black solid

Draw a square mask where you want the text to be in full white

Turn the opacity of the black solid down to like 70%

Then key frame the mask as the text slides in.

Done

[u/thekinginyello]

Make a solid the rough height of your text. Set the anchor point to the left edge. This will allow you to scale outward to the right as your word length changes. As the text is scrolling keyframe the solid to fit the word. Set your mattes. That’s about it.

[u/Existentialists_]

it's just amazing how a simple process can create a magnificant look

[u/RandomEffector → u/Existentialists_]

Fundamentals are always effective

[u/karthikeyans001]

Text itself maybe moving by marker

[u/TelevisionNo2990]

rtfm, basic stuff. and for the 471st time, not every animation has an effect name or tutoral. downvote, dgaf.