What It Does
TextExploder V3 splits text layers into individual components (characters, words, or lines) while preserving each character’s exact position. Unlike other methods, it creates genuinely clean text layers without hidden characters, expressions, or text animators. You get isolated text elements ready to animate.
The plugin also handles custom splits using Regular Expressions, letting you isolate specific words or define precise split patterns for complex layouts.
Key Features
Per-character text styles. New in V3, you can now split text that uses multiple colors, fonts, or other styles within a single layer. Requires After Effects 24.3 or newer.
Five split modes. Choose characters, words, lines, single custom words, or Regular Expression-based custom patterns. Each creates separate layers with accurate positioning.
3D layer support. Works with 3D layers, bounded/paragraph text, animated positions, and separate dimensions layers. Handles most text configurations.
KBar integration. Set up buttons in KBar to run TextExploder with your preferred settings, skipping the UI for repeated tasks.
Scripting API. Execute TextExploder directly from your own scripts. Useful for automated pipelines or custom workflow tools. Example syntax provided in the documentation.
Who It’s For
Useful for title animations, lyric videos, and any project where you need to animate individual text elements separately. Motion designers working with synced text animations (like Hamilton lyric videos, per user testimonials) have reported significant time savings.
Doesn’t support justified paragraph alignment or text created with the vertical type tool.
Pricing
Pay-what-you-want pricing with a suggested price of $19.99. If you purchased TextExploder V2 after May 1, 2024, the V3 upgrade is free. Purchases before that date qualify for an $8.99 upgrade (floating licenses cost extra). A trial version is available.
Note: A limited version of TextExploder V2 (without KBar/API support or V3 text styles) is bundled with Squash & Stretch Pro.