Create Stunning Pixel Screen Effects in Adobe After Effects

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Creating the Pixel Screen Effect
   1. Setting up the Composition
   2. Creating the Pixel Comp
   3. Adding Shape and Text Layers
3. Controlling the Text Animation
4. Adding a 3D Perspective
   1. Creating a Screen Comp
   2. Adding Camera and Light
   3. Adjusting Camera and Light Settings
   4. Applying Depth of Field
5. Adding Extra Effects
   1. Using the Saber Plugin
   2. Applying Overlay and Mosaic Effects
6. Fine-tuning and Customization
7. Rendering the Final Video
8. Conclusion

Creating a Pixel Screen Effect in After Effects

After Effects is a powerful software that allows You to Create stunning visual effects and animations. In this tutorial, we will learn how to recreate the pixel screen effect using After Effects. This effect is commonly seen in sci-fi movies and adds a futuristic touch to any video project. So let's dive in and create our own pixel screen effect step by step.

1. Introduction

Before we get started, let's briefly understand what the pixel screen effect is. The pixel screen effect replicates the appearance of a screen made up of tiny pixels. It gives the illusion of a low-resolution display or a retro computer monitor. This effect is often used to add a nostalgic or futuristic vibe to videos.

2. Creating the Pixel Screen Effect

2.1 Setting up the Composition

We will begin by setting up a new composition with the desired Dimensions. In this case, let's create a composition with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels and a frame rate of 30 frames per Second. Although the frame rate is not crucial for this effect, it is good practice to choose a standard frame rate for compatibility purposes.

2.2 Creating the Pixel Comp

Next, we need to create a small composition to represent the pixel screen. Let's create a new composition with dimensions of 100 by 100 pixels and name it "Pixel Comp." This small composition will serve as the building block for our pixel screen effect.

To create a red square within the Pixel Comp, select the shape tool and set the fill color to red. With the arrow tool selected, hold the Alt key and drag to duplicate the shape. Repeat this process two more times to create three red squares.

Delete the stroke from the first rectangle and set the fill color to Blue for the third rectangle. Once you have these shapes in place, save the project.

2.3 Adding Shape and Text Layers

Drag the Pixel Comp composition onto the main composition timeline. We will use an effect called CC Reptile to expand the small pixel comp and achieve the pixel screen effect.

In the Effects & Presets panel, search for "CC Reptile" and Apply it to the Pixel Comp layer. Adjust the settings of CC Reptile to create a large expansion effect. Set the expansion values to something like 8000 for both width and Height.

To control the size of the pixel screen effect, adjust the Scale of the Pixel Comp layer. Shrink it down to a suitable size using the Transform properties. For example, setting it to 20% of its original size should work well.

Now, let's create the numbers that will count up on the pixel screen. Using the text tool, drag out a text layer on the timeline. Choose a pixel font like "o2 idle gaming" to maintain the retro look. Set the text layer to count up by linking it to a slider control.

To link the text layer to a slider control, open the Effects & Presets panel and search for "Slider Control." Double-click to apply the Slider Control effect to the text layer. Then, hold click on the pickwhip icon and drag it to the slider control. This will enable the slider control to manipulate the text.

Adjust the settings of the slider control to define the range of numbers you want to count up from. Also, set the duration of the animation to around five seconds. To ensure the numbers display as integers, use the "Math.round" function in the Source Text expression.

Position the text layer to your desired location and set the blending mode to overlay to make it blend with the pixel screen. You can duplicate the text layer and adjust its opacity for a stronger effect.

3. Controlling the Text Animation

To create a more immersive pixel screen effect, we can add a 3D perspective to our composition. This will give the appearance of a screen in a three-dimensional space.

3.1 Creating a Screen Comp

To add a 3D perspective, we need to create a composition that encompasses all the layers we have created so far. Let's call this composition the "Screen Comp." Move all the layers including the main composition and the pixel comp inside the Screen Comp.

3.2 Adding Camera and Light

Make the Screen Comp layer 3D by selecting the layer and enabling the 3D switch. This will allow us to work in a three-dimensional space.

Next, let's add a camera and a light source. From the Layer menu, go to New > Camera to create a new camera layer. Choose the "Standard Camera" option. Similarly, create a new light layer by going to New > Light > Spotlight.

3.3 Adjusting Camera and Light Settings

To make the pixel screen effect more dynamic, we can adjust the camera and light settings. Select the camera layer and adjust its position and rotation to your liking. You can also move the light source to enhance the lighting and create interesting shadows.

Experiment with the camera's cone angle and feather settings to achieve the desired focus and depth of field effect.

4. Adding Extra Effects

To further enhance the pixel screen effect, we can add extra effects like the Saber plugin and apply overlay and mosaic effects.

4.1 Using the Saber Plugin

The Saber plugin, offered by Video COPILOT, is a powerful tool for creating dynamic light effects. Apply the Saber plugin to the Screen Comp layer and experiment with different settings to achieve a desired futuristic look. Please note that the Saber plugin requires separate installation and setup.

4.2 Applying Overlay and Mosaic Effects

To add more visual interest to the pixel screen, you can apply overlay and mosaic effects to the text layer. Use blending modes like overlay to make the text layer blend with the background. Apply a mosaic effect to create a pixelated look and ensure the text matches the overall pixel GRID.

5. Fine-tuning and Customization

Now that the basic pixel screen effect is in place, you can fine-tune and customize it according to your preferences. Experiment with different settings, effects, and variations to achieve the desired look and feel. This includes adjusting colors, animation timings, camera angles, and any other visual attributes.

6. Rendering the Final Video

Once you are satisfied with the pixel screen effect, it's time to render the final video. Open the render settings dialog, choose the desired output format, resolution, and quality settings. Make sure to set the output path and file name, then click the Render button to export your video.

7. Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have explored the process of creating a pixel screen effect in After Effects. We've learned how to set up compositions, create pixel components, animate text, add 3D perspective, apply extra effects, and customize the final look. With this knowledge, you can now incorporate the pixel screen effect into your own video projects and add an eye-catching visual style. So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and have fun experimenting with the pixel screen effect in After Effects!

Highlights:

• Learn how to create a pixel screen effect in After Effects
• Set up compositions and create a pixel component
• Animate text to count up on the pixel screen
• Add 3D perspective with camera and light layers
• Apply effects like Saber and overlay/mosaic effects
• Customize and fine-tune the pixel screen effect
• Render the final video with desired settings

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different font for the numbers in the pixel screen effect? A: Yes, you can use any pixelated or blocky font that fits the retro aesthetic.

Q: How can I adjust the appearance of the pixel screen effect? A: You can experiment with different settings, such as colors, blending modes, and effects, to achieve the desired look and feel.

Q: Can I apply the pixel screen effect to a specific part of the video? A: Yes, you can isolate the effect to a specific area by applying it to a masked layer or using track mattes.

Q: Does the pixel screen effect work well with other visual effects? A: Yes, the pixel screen effect can be combined with other effects to create unique and visually appealing results.

Q: Can I use the pixel screen effect in my commercial projects? A: Yes, you can use the effect in your commercial projects as long as you have the necessary licenses for any third-party plugins used.

Q: Are there any alternative methods to create a pixel screen effect? A: While this tutorial focuses on using After Effects, there may be other software or techniques available to achieve a similar effect.