Outlining text or object

Apr 11, 2023

Reginald Gite
By Reginald Gite

I'm looking to learn how to outline text or an image. For example, let's say I have six different images being displayed and the narration is referencing those images individually in sequence. I would like to be able to outline or draw a rectangle around the specific image being referenced. Prior to moving to the next image, the current outline one will simply fade out.

Now, I know I can have a Rectangle with a border and no fill fade in over that object, and I have used that before. However, I would like to be able to simulate the rectangle being drawn around the image or object. I feel confident this can be done but I do not know how. I would be grateful if someone could explain to me how to do this and are willing to share with a tutorial or example.

5 Replies
Joe L. Thompson
1 year ago04/11/23 at 7:04 pm (UTC)

One way to achieve this effect is by using animations in a video editing software. Here are the steps to do it in Adobe Premiere Pro:

  1. Import your images into your project and add them to your timeline in the desired order.
  2. Create a new transparent video layer on top of your images by clicking on the New Item button and selecting Transparent Video.
  3. Using the Rectangle tool, draw a shape around the first image you want to outline.
  4. In the Effects Controls panel, add a Stroke effect to the shape layer. Adjust the settings to your liking, such as the stroke width and color.
  5. In the Timeline panel, move the playhead to the point where you want the outline to start.
  6. Add a keyframe for the Stroke effect's End parameter.
  7. Move the playhead to the point where you want the outline to finish and adjust the End parameter to 100%.
  8. To make the outline fade out, move the playhead to the point where you want the outline to disappear and adjust the Opacity parameter to 0%.

Repeat these steps for each image you want to outline. By adjusting the timing of each animation, you can make it appear as if the rectangle is being drawn around the image.

Sarah Hodge
1 year ago04/11/23 at 7:28 pm (UTC)

Hi Reginald! 👋 Great question! Not sure if this is exactly what you're looking to do, but thought I'd share just in case. You can use your transparent rectangle shape that has a border and simply add the wheel animation to it with the spoke effect.

I also like to also change the animation duration to 2 seconds or longer (depending) to slow it down. This gives the appearance that a rectangle (or other shape, like a circle) is being drawn. Hope that helps!

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