Add Text Overlay to Video Clip?

[garywi01]

Hi, So if I am showing a clip of my kids when they are 4 years old, I want to show a date to the viewers of my video while its playing.  Like, "2009" or something.

Can I overlay text on a clip somehow? 

The only way I am seeing to do this is by using titles, inserting a whole slide with the text I want to display.  Is this the only way?

Thanks!

[Peru Bob]

You can also create a file in Photoshop Elements, save as a psd, png, or tiff, and place it on a track above the main video if you use expert mode in Premiere Elements.

The title or file properties can be keyframed to allow location, opacity or other effects to change over time, such as fading in or out.

[CatHamm06]

What does keyframed mean? Could you please say these things in layman's terms? Otherwise, what's the use of responding?

[Steve Grisetti]

You're responding to a pretty old thread, Cat.

But keyframing is a pretty basic concept in video editing. Understanding it is key to creating lots of special effects and animation.

Have a look at my basic keyframing tutorial to get you started.

Basic Motion Path Keyframing with Premiere Elements - YouTube

[Steve Grisetti]

Adding text (or a date) to an upper video track with your slide below it on the timeline is kind of exactly how titles work, Gary.

[pgauba]

Hi,

The easiest way is to add text using title, just go to Text menu - New Text - Default Text.

This will add a simple text and then you can change the font, color and other properties.

Thanks,

Pankaj Gauba

[williebegoode]

If you just want to add a simple text overlay, I'd use jpg format over a target layer. You can insert text or use psd, png, or tiff files, but the text title can be awkward to work with and psd, png, or tiff add more "weight" to a project. The jpg alternative has the drawback of not having a transparent layer, but they're easy to work with in conjunction with a lot of different graphic programs, including Photoshop Element.