In the traditional sense, layout refers to the relationship between the position of images and text. However, in video production, the text appears within the moving images, so how should we arrange the text in videos?

The principles of text layout in videos are similar to those in graphic design, which include size, position, font, and color. Let's quickly review some basic principles of graphic design, which will be helpful for us.

The principle of proximity means that related elements should be placed close together.

The principle of contrast means that there should be differences in size, detail, and importance.

The principle of alignment means that everything should be properly aligned.

In terms of text layout in videos, the most common application is titles. For example, travel videos often have titles that emphasize the aesthetic design and style. Generally, titles are centered, but they can also be placed in other positions depending on the composition of the image.

Different types of video content require different fonts. For example, for aerial shots, sans-serif fonts with smaller sizes are recommended, while handwritten fonts are suitable for artistic and fresh videos. If a video has both main and sub-titles, it is important to emphasize the contrast by using different sizes, thicknesses, or fonts. In addition to small-sized titles, larger fonts can also be used to highlight and emphasize important content.

Dynamic effects such as tracking and masking can also make text more engaging. Handwriting animations are also commonly used. To create a handwritten subtitle animation, it is recommended to make the main text appear in sync with the rhythm of the music and video.

Another application of text in videos is to participate in storytelling. Text can be used to emphasize content or add visual impact by using larger fonts or flashy styles. By using masking and hollowing out the text, text can appear more dynamic. Generally, the text that needs to be highlighted should be placed in the corners of the screen or appear as an entity within the video.

Lastly, text can also be used for narration or lyrics. In this case, the placement of the text should be based on the composition of the image and the aspect ratio of the video. The text should also be slightly enlarged to appear more relaxed and visually appealing. Traditional Chinese typography can also be used to add a Chinese flavor, with yellow being a recommended color. Besides serving as information, text can also be used for scene transitions. These are just some tips for text layout and different text scenarios in video production. By observing and learning from graphic design works, our aesthetic levels can be improved.