Basics >

# Using Text

When you want to add credits to a cut loaded to the timeline, you can automatically key text files containing an alpha channel over shots in the timeline. To do so, use a text plate EDL that describes how the text files are arranged in the timeline.

To use a text plate with a cut, the text plate file must use a .cutplate extension, as well as have the same filename as the .cut file you are using. For example, a text plate for movie.cut would be named movie.cutplate. Store the cut plate for the text files in the Library directory—where the loaded cut file is stored. Store the text files in the same scene's Library\plate directory.

NoteIf using the Linux version of Lustre, the above filename will use forward slashes.

The following is an example of a text plate EDL.

(a) TCBase (frame rate)(b) Record in timecode(c) TCStart (timecode offset)(d) Record out timecode(e) Text file name(f) Record in timecode and start of fade-in(g) Fade-in end timecode(h) Fade-out start timecode(i) Record out timecode and end of fade-out

The text plate EDL contains the following timecode information.

TCBase
  Set the frame rate. You can set the frame rate to any rate, such as 24, 25, or 30 fps.
TCStart
  Offset the timecode to slip the entire timeline. For example, 00:00:05:00 would slip the text plate 5 seconds earlier in the timeline.
MaxColor
  Set the colour intensity from 0-1023, where 0 is black and 1023 is white. If this value does not appear in the EDL, the value defaults to 800.
Timecode
  List the record timecode for each referenced text file. Set the record in timecode and record out timecode, as well as durations for fade-ins and fade-outs.

Use the Text Plate menu to turn text plates on or off.

(a) On/Off button(b) Text file name(c) Record in timecode and start of fade-in(d) Fade-in end timecode(e) Fade-out start timecode(f) Record out timecode and end of fade-out

To turn a text plate on:

1. Load the cut file with the text plate to the timeline. See Managing Cuts.
2. In the Image menu, click Text Plate.

   The Text Plate menu appears.

3. In the timeline, go to the timecode where the text plate appears.
4. Set the On/Off button to On.

   The Text plate is keyed over the shot in the Player. When the text plate is on, you can render the cut with the text plate.

To turn a text plate off:

1. In the Image menu, click Text Plate.

   The Text Plate menu appears.

2. In the timeline, go to the timecode where the text plate appears.
3. Set the On/Off button to Off.

   The text plate is turned off and no longer appears in the Player.

   NoteThe On/Off button applies to all text plates in the timeline.