You can hide the current axis. For example, enter the Axis Editor with a black source and add 3D text. Then hide the black source so that the only element used in the soft effect is the 3D text.

To hide a node:

1. Select an element on the timeline.
2. Apply a soft Axis and enter the Axis Editor.
3. Click New Text.
4. Type a text string and click Enter.
5. Click Create.
6. Select the image by clicking its border.
7. Click Hide Node.

   
   

   The image is hidden, and only the 3D text remains.