How to Add a Text Overlay

This guide shows you how to add text overlays to your broadcast for titles, labels, captions, or any on-screen text.

Quick Steps

Click Add New Layer in the Layers panel
Select Text from the menu
Type your text
Style and position as needed

Detailed Steps

Step 1: Add a Text Layer

In the Layers panel (left side), click Add New Layer
Select Text from the available layer types

A text layer appears on the scene, selected, with the layer toolbar above it

A new text layer on the scene reading Double click here to edit text, with the layer toolbar highlighted above it

Step 2: Enter Your Text

Double-click the text layer on the scene
The text becomes editable
Type your message
Click outside to finish editing

Step 3: Style Your Text

Font Settings:

Option	Description
Font Family	Choose typeface (Arial, Roboto, etc.)
Font Size	Size in pixels (common: 24-72px)
Font Weight	Bold, Regular, Light
Font Style	Italic, Normal
Color	Text color

Background:

Add background color behind text
Set opacity for semi-transparent
Rounded corners option

Alignment:

Left, Center, Right
Top, Middle, Bottom

Step 4: Position the Text

Drag the text layer to position
Or set exact X, Y coordinates in properties
Common positions:
- Title: Top center
- Lower third: Bottom left/center
- Watermark: Corner

Step 5: Layer Order

Bring text to front so it’s visible over video
Right-click > Bring to Front
Or drag to top of Layers panel

Text Overlay Examples

Title/Headline

Font: Bold, 64px
Position: Top center
Background: None or semi-transparent
Use: Show topic, segment name

Lower Third Name

Font: Regular, 36px
Position: Bottom left
Background: Branded color
Use: Identify speakers

Call to Action

Font: Bold, 48px
Position: Center or bottom
Background: Bright color
Use: Subscribe, visit website

Watermark

Font: Light, 24px
Position: Bottom right
Opacity: 50%
Use: Branding, social handles

Editing Existing Text

Double-click the text layer
Text becomes editable
Make changes
Click outside to confirm

Or:

Select the text layer
Open properties panel
Edit text in the text field

Rich Text Features

Some text layers support:

Multiple colors in one text block
Mixed fonts/sizes
Inline styling

To use:

Select specific text (highlight)
Apply formatting to selection
Different parts can have different styles

Text Animation

If supported:

Select text layer
Find Animation settings
Options may include:
- Fade in/out
- Slide in
- Typewriter effect
- Pop in

Dynamic Text

For text that updates automatically:

Timer countdown
Current time
Viewer count
Custom data sources

Check if templates support dynamic text fields.

Best Practices

Readability

Use high contrast colors
Don’t use too-small fonts
Sans-serif fonts are clearer on video
Test at actual streaming resolution

Positioning

Avoid covering faces
Stay within “safe zones” (not too close to edges)
Keep important text in center 80% of screen

Branding

Use consistent fonts across scenes
Match brand colors
Create text templates for reuse

Less is More

Keep text concise
Don’t overcrowd with text
Give viewers time to read

Troubleshooting

Text not showing?

Check layer visibility (eye icon)
Bring layer to front
Verify position is on-screen
Check opacity isn’t 0

Text looks blurry?

Increase font size
Use vector fonts if available
Check scene resolution

Can’t edit text?

Double-click to enter edit mode
Check if layer is locked
Try editing from properties panel

Text cut off?

Make text layer larger
Reduce font size
Check crop settings on layer

Font not available?

Use web-safe fonts
Upload custom fonts if supported
Fallback fonts apply automatically

Creating Text Templates

To reuse text styles:

Create and style your text
Save as template or preset
Duplicate for similar text
Just change the text content

Using AI to Create Text

With the AI assistant:

"Add text saying 'Welcome to the Show' in the top center"
"Create a title that says 'Episode 5' in white on red background"