Create a Scatter Text Effect in After Effects with CC Scatterize (Beginner Tutorial)
Want to add dynamic motion to your text in seconds? The CC Scatterize effect in After Effects is a quick and powerful way to make your text explode, fade in, or break apart—all with just a few keyframes.
Whether you’re animating a logo, creating social media titles, or adding cinematic flair to an intro, this simple scatter effect can elevate your motion graphics instantly.
🌀 What is the Scatter Effect in After Effects?
The scatter effect breaks your layer into tiny particles and pushes them apart in 3D space. As the effect progresses, your layer appears to scatter or dissolve—great for reveals, transitions, or glitch-style animation.
After Effects has a built-in effect called CC Scatterize, which makes this super easy to apply without third-party plugins.
🧰 What You’ll Need
Adobe After Effects (any version with CC effects)
A text or graphic layer you want to animate
Optional: Sound design for extra impact
🎬 How to Make the Scatter Effect (Step-by-Step)
1. Create Your Text
Type out anything—like “SCATTER”—with the Text Tool. This works with any font, graphic, or image layer.
2. Pre-Compose the Layer
Right-click your text layer → Pre-Compose
This allows you to reuse and update the content while keeping the effect intact. You can drop in images, videos, or replace the text later.
3. Apply the CC Scatterize Effect
In the Effects & Presets panel, search for CC Scatterize and drag it onto your precomp.
4. Keyframe the Scatter Property
Set Scatter to 100% at the beginning of your timeline
Hit U on your keyboard to reveal keyframes
Move 3–4 seconds forward, then change Scatter to 0%
This animates the scattered pieces coming together to form your text.
5. Ease the Keyframes for Smoothness
Right-click both keyframes → Keyframe Assistant > Easy Ease
Open Graph Editor and adjust the curve handles for a smoother motion
Want it to slowly settle in? Pull the right handle on the first keyframe for that classic "slow roll" feel.
6. Optional: Add a Twist!
You can also animate the Right Twist or Left Twist property within CC Scatterize. This spins the pieces as they come together—perfect for logo reveals or stylized intros.
💡 Pro Tip
Want this effect to work on custom logos, images, or icons? Just pre-compose them first. The scatter effect works on anything precomped, not just text.
🚀 Why Use Scatter Effects?
Quick Visual Impact: Scatter adds depth and movement in seconds
Works on Any Layer: Text, logos, photos, shapes
Customizable Motion: Combine with other effects like glow, blur, or glitch
No Plugins Needed: Native to After Effects via CC tools
🧩 Add Scatter to Your Motion Toolkit
The scatter effect is perfect for:
YouTube intros and outros
Instagram Reels or TikTok motion titles
Cinematic transitions
Lower thirds and type reveals
Logo animations
Want to automate even more of your vertical content? Try pairing scatter animations with the tools available at Filmit.io.
🎥 Watch the Tutorial
Get the full step-by-step breakdown on our YouTube Channel and follow along with the animation in real time.
🔧 Build Faster with Filmit Tools
Looking for tools that speed up layout design, color management, or dynamic transitions?
Check out plugins like GridMaker, Color Master, and Reducer to supercharge your After Effects workflow.