How To Create Auto-Resize Text Boxes in After Effects (sourceRectAtTime)

https://youtu.be/BunGpgMtm08

Adobe After Effects CC 2024: How To Create Auto-Resize Text Boxes

**Description:
**This tutorial will show you how to add the sourceRectAtTime Expression to the Size Property of a Shape to create auto-resizing text boxes in Adobe After Effects CC 2024.

**Keyboard Shortcuts:
**
F2: Deselect All Layers
SS: Solo Property

Expression:
sourceRectAtTime()

Final Tutorial Expression:
w= thisComp.layer(index+1).sourceRectAtTime().width;
h= thisComp.layer(index+1).sourceRectAtTime().height; [w,h];

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro: About The Tutorial
00:22 Add Text
00:34 Align Text + Anchor Point
00:44 Create Shape Layer
00:58 Fill & Stroke
01:13 Uncheck ‘Bezier Path’
01:34 Rectangle Size Property
01:51 Solo Property
02:03 Width & Height
02:15 Add Expression
02:29 Add Width Variable
03:04 Add Height Variable
03:29 Add Array
03:59 Add Padding
04:32 Change Layer Name To Index
04:58 Fix: Lock Anchor Point

**Software Used:
**Adobe After Effects CC 2024 (Click To Try or Buy)

How To Use sourceRectAtTime Expression:

1. Create New Composition
2. Add Parametric Shape (uncheck Bezier Path)
3. Add Text Layer Below Shape Layer
4. Twirl open Shape Layer and locate ‘Size’ Property
5. Hold Option/Alt key and click on stopwatch for ‘Size’ Property
6. Add variable
7. w= thisComp.layer(index+1).sourceRectAtTime().width+100;
8. h= thisComp.layer(index+1).sourceRectAtTime().height+100;
9. Add Array: [w,h];
10. Shape should fit around Text with some padding (+100)

How To Add Fix Alignment Issue:

1. Open Effects & Presets Panel
2. Search for ‘Anchor Point’
3. Drag ‘Lock Ancho Point’ on Shape & Text Layer
4. Fixed!