How to Make Text Spin Like a Slot Machine in After Effects
The classic reel slot machine features three reels that spin and stop on symbols and numbers. Whether you are creating a promotional video or want to expand your After Effects knowledge, you can use preset animations to create a text spin that replicates the look of a slot machine. The key to the spin is setting different times for each section of text and having them slowly come to a stop like a real slot machine. This tutorial works with any CS version of After Effects.
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Instructions
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1
Create a new composition for the project. Set the length of the project to how long you want the text to appear on the screen.
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2
Right-click and select "Import" to choose any pre-made media files you want to use to enhance the project. This includes slot machine or casino background templates. To learn the basic animation, you do not need to have these objects.
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Right-click in the "Layers" window and select "New" and "Text." Type the text you want to use for each reel of the slot machine. For example, if you want the text to say "SHOP AT TONY'S," create a text box for each word so each has a separate reel. If you have a simple message like "WIN," place each letter in a new text box so the animation can be separated.
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4
Type "Flip" in the "Effects and Presets" box. Drag and drop the "Flip" effect onto each text animation.
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5
Click on the far left text and expand the animation options until you find the "Offset" settings. Scrub through the video to see how the text flips. Click and copy the last key frame and paste it right next to the key frame you just copied. Copy and paste the first key frame next to that one. Highlight the group and then copy and paste the four key frames until you reach the end of the time line.
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Repeat Step 5 for all the remaining text boxes. Scroll through the project and you will see all of the text flip at the same time. Drag and move all of the red boxes on each layer to set their timing in different positions. This will cause a more realistic slot machine look.
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Click on the "3D" icon to make each layer "3D." Click on a text layer and press "P" to load the position. Click on the "X" rotation adjustments and activate the key frame icon. Set the "Z" position to further back as the text flips around to create the circular motion of the slot machine. Repeat this for all the other text boxes and the animation will be complete.
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