How to Do Rolling Credits in Premiere Pro: A Comprehensive Guide to Elevating Your Video Projects

Rolling credits are an essential part of any video project, whether it’s a short film, a documentary, or even a corporate video. They provide a professional touch and give credit to the people who contributed to the project. Adobe Premiere Pro, one of the most popular video editing software, offers a straightforward way to create rolling credits. In this article, we’ll explore multiple methods to achieve this, along with some creative tips to make your credits stand out.
Method 1: Using the Legacy Title Tool
Step 1: Create a New Title
- Open Premiere Pro and load your project.
- Go to the “File” menu and select “New” > “Legacy Title.”
- Choose the “Rolling Title” option and click “OK.”
Step 2: Add Your Text
- In the Title Designer window, click on the text tool and type in your credits.
- You can format the text using the options available in the Title Properties panel.
Step 3: Adjust the Rolling Speed
- Drag the title from the Project panel to your timeline.
- Adjust the duration of the title clip to control the speed of the rolling credits.
Step 4: Fine-Tune the Animation
- Open the Effect Controls panel.
- Use the “Position” keyframes to fine-tune the start and end points of the rolling credits.
Method 2: Using the Essential Graphics Panel
Step 1: Create a New Text Layer
- Go to the “Window” menu and select “Essential Graphics.”
- Click on the “New Layer” button and choose “Text.”
Step 2: Add Your Credits
- Type in your credits in the text box.
- Use the formatting options in the Essential Graphics panel to style your text.
Step 3: Animate the Text
- Select the text layer in the timeline.
- Go to the Effect Controls panel and use the “Position” keyframes to create a rolling effect.
Step 4: Adjust the Timing
- Adjust the duration of the text layer in the timeline to control the speed of the rolling credits.
- You can also add easing to the keyframes for a smoother animation.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party Plugin
Step 1: Install the Plugin
- Download and install a third-party plugin like “Title Studio” or “Boris FX.”
- Restart Premiere Pro to activate the plugin.
Step 2: Create a New Title
- Go to the “File” menu and select “New” > “Title.”
- Choose the plugin from the list of available title tools.
Step 3: Add Your Credits
- Use the plugin’s interface to add and format your credits.
- Most plugins offer advanced animation options, so take advantage of these features.
Step 4: Animate and Adjust
- Drag the title from the Project panel to your timeline.
- Use the plugin’s controls to adjust the rolling speed and animation.
Creative Tips for Rolling Credits
1. Use Backgrounds and Overlays
- Add a background image or video to make your credits more visually appealing.
- Use overlays like light leaks or film grain to give your credits a cinematic feel.
2. Incorporate Motion Graphics
- Use motion graphics templates (MOGRTs) to add dynamic elements to your credits.
- You can find free and paid MOGRTs online or create your own in After Effects.
3. Sync with Music
- Time your rolling credits to match the beat of your background music.
- Use keyframes to synchronize the text movement with the audio.
4. Experiment with Fonts and Colors
- Choose fonts that match the tone of your project.
- Use contrasting colors to make the text stand out against the background.
5. Add Transitions
- Use transitions like fades or wipes to introduce and exit your rolling credits.
- This adds a polished look to your video.
Related Q&A
Q1: Can I import rolling credits from After Effects to Premiere Pro?
A1: Yes, you can create rolling credits in After Effects and import them into Premiere Pro as a motion graphics template (MOGRT).
Q2: How do I make my rolling credits loop?
A2: To make your rolling credits loop, duplicate the title clip in the timeline and place it end-to-end. Adjust the timing to ensure a seamless loop.
Q3: What is the best font size for rolling credits?
A3: The best font size depends on the resolution of your video. For 1080p, a font size between 24-36pt is generally recommended.
Q4: Can I add images or logos to my rolling credits?
A4: Yes, you can add images or logos by importing them into the Title Designer or Essential Graphics panel and positioning them alongside your text.
Q5: How do I export my video with rolling credits?
A5: Once your rolling credits are complete, go to the “File” menu and select “Export” > “Media.” Choose your desired settings and click “Export” to save your video.