If you've landed on this page, you apparently know what a whiteboard animation is; however, you must be wondering why the hype, or perhaps how you can create your own. Well, if that's the case, this article has got you covered!
Now the question is: are you certain you want to use a whiteboard animation video for your business? I can't say I blame you! After all, they are one of the hugely popular types of explainer videos. And if done the right way, a well-made whiteboard video can be a fantastic marketing tool.
Creating whiteboard animation can be fun! Besides, many brands are using whiteboard videos thanks to the crazy retention rates that are much higher than any other video format.
Want to dip your toes in the enchanting world of whiteboard animation videos?
Well, fortunately, with After Effects, you can create astonishing “whiteboard animation” in only a few clicks. How? Let's find out!
Why Whiteboard Animation?
Are you looking for a fun way to let your story unfurl in an engaging and appealing way? Well, then, whiteboard animation videos may be an excellent choice.
As an intriguing way to share your message, whiteboard animations just stand out for being simplistic yet welcoming and efficient. Besides, here are a few benefits that prove how whiteboard animation videos can be a powerful promotional tool for your brand.
They’re memorable, with a retention rate of over 15%.
They’re versatile and fun.
They’re easy to create, with tools like After Effects that do all the hard work for you in only a fraction of time.
Combined with sound, movement, and visuals, these hand-drawn animations keep viewers interested to learn what will happen next.
The first step is to select what you want to promote through a whiteboard animated video, whether a product or a cause. Once you have identified what you want to convey to your audience/consumer, you need to create some graphics or storyboards. In this process, you need to be particular about what graphics you choose to convey the message in the best way possible.
Once you have finalized your video storyboard, you need to import the graphic files into After Effects by creating a new composition according to your needs.
You can import the graphic files by double-clicking on the project panel by browsing them in the pop-up window.
Once you import the graphic file, you need to drag the files into the timeline.
You now need to go in the effects panel and then search for write on and apply it to the graphic layer by selecting the graphic layer.
Once you have applied the effect on the graphic layer, you need to go to the effects control panel and make keyframes according to how you want the effect.
Now change the settings of the write-on effect in the effects control panel. Change the brush color to red instead of white.
Change the brush size to 50-150, according to your needs.
Adjust the brush opacity accordingly.
Now by going to the first frame of the timeline, you need to make a keyframe on the brush position in the effects control panel under the write-on.
You can adjust the position by values or by clicking on the anchor button in front of the brush position settings.
Now in the timeline, go ahead five frames and create the next keyframe, as shown in the image below.
You need to apply a new keyframe after every five frames in a zig-zag pattern till it covers the graphic, as shown in the picture below.
Once you have covered your graphic and created all the keyframes, you need to apply a hand over the graphic so that it looks like a hand is drawing the graphic.
Once you drag the hand graphic in the timeline, you need to press P by selecting the hand graphic layer that will open its position setting, as shown in the picture below.
Now you need to select the graphic layer and press U to let you see all the keyframes applied to any layer. In this case, the brush position keys will appear.
You have to click on the brush position setting in the timeline under the graphic layer, and it will, by default, select all the keyframes applied. You need to copy the keyframes by pressing Ctrl + C.
Now you again have to select the position properties of the hand layer and then press Ctrl + V to apply all the copied keyframes here.
Now the hand graphic will be in sync with the graphic layer appearing; if you need to make adjustments, feel free to do it according to your needs.
Wrapping Up
There you go, folks! That was all about creating Whiteboard animation in After Effects.
Remember, attention to detail is what sets a top-quality video and an average whiteboard animation apart. So, take the time to create each layer of your animation the best way possible, and you’ll definitely see it in the results in the end product, and so will your audience.
And if you’re not completely happy with the results, be open to experimentation, and who knows, you might end up creating something different. The possibilities are limitless, and you have countless tools at your fingertips. All you have to do is put your best foot forward!
So what are you waiting for? Get ready to add an amazing twist to your story with a stunning whiteboard animation video.
To craft a whiteboard animation in After Effects, you'll want to start by importing your chosen graphics and setting up your composition. Then, arrange your elements on the timeline, ensuring they're in the right sequence. Next, apply the ‘Stroke' effect to your graphics layer, adjust its settings to resemble a hand-drawn effect, and animate it using keyframes. This way, it'll simulate the drawing process as the animation progresses.
Yes, Adobe offers whiteboard animation capabilities through After Effects, which is a powerful motion graphics and visual effects software. With the right techniques and tools, you can create compelling whiteboard animations directly in After Effects, customizing each element to suit your project's needs.
The automatic whiteboard in After Effects typically refers to scripts or plugins that streamline the whiteboard animation process. These tools often come with pre-programmed features that help in achieving a realistic hand-drawn effect without manually creating every frame. They're particularly useful for saving time and achieving a polished look in whiteboard animations.
To animate on a whiteboard, you can employ various methods depending on your resources. Traditionally, an artist would draw directly on a physical whiteboard while being recorded. In a digital setting, you can utilize specialized software or plugins that mimic the hand-drawn effect. This enables you to create animations where elements appear to be drawn onto the screen, providing an engaging and informative visual experience.
Pawan Sajwan is a Motion Graphics Artist who specializes in motion graphics, animation, visual effects, 3D modeling, and video editing. His expertise brings creative visual storytelling to life, offering insights into cutting-edge techniques and software applications. Pawan's passion for motion graphics drives his exploration of new trends and innovative approaches in the field.
Subscribe to webdew Bulletin
Join our growing community at webdew and receive exclusive monthly updates directly from us!
