Precision text rotation

John_Bennett · October 21, 2019, 10:08pm

To whom it may concern…

I am currently using version 19.06.15 and I am still puzzled about rotating a piece of text.

I am placing a piece of text that is created in the simple text filter. I need to rotate it 90 degrees (right read) and place it to the side of the video in question. Since there is no rotation function in the simple text filter, I have found the “workaround” of creating a transparent video segment, copying the text in question into that track and rotating it with the rotate and scale filter.

The result is I cannot place my text accurately. Depending on the text box size the font size changes, the text “disappears” within the text box, I cannot move the text to the final location, etc.

What I am trying to accomplish is a vertical running title that does not change my font size (or font, that has happen) and is easily placed. I have several videos that I need to title along the side.

I would like to think I am missing something.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated…
Thank You. Take Care
John T

================================================================
JOHN TRACEY BENNETT
SIU / PSO Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Administrator
FAA Certified sUAS / UAV Operator (active)
Chief Engineering Draftsman
CAD Systems / Archive Systems Coordinator

PLANT & SERVICE OPERATIONS
MAIL CODE 6727
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
210 PHYSICAL PLANT DR
CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS 62901

E: JohnB@PSO.SIU.edu / JohnB@SIU.edu
P: 618/453-6766
F: 618/453-6784
PSO.SIU.EDU

DRM · October 21, 2019, 10:15pm

You should upgrade to the latest version 19.10.20. It was just released yesterday. Here’s the link.

After you apply the Rotate and Scale filter, add the Size and Position filter which will allow you to accurately move the rotated text.

John_Bennett · October 21, 2019, 10:42pm

Thank you for your response…

My mistake, I did not word my email clearly enough…

After I rotate, I tried moving the text using the S&P filter. That is where my text tends to move within the text box “unpredictably” or I cant move the text box itself but within a limited distance. I tried to work it out using the position setting and typing out relative numbers to “sneak” the text “close”. However, the x and y axis is rotated relative to the text, and I hate to admit it, I tend to get lost

Surely it can’t be that hard. This is where I need help.

I wonder why a rotate function was not supplied with the simple text function? You have color, font, font size (which doesn’t quite work for me) and X / Y positioning. Why not rotate.

Thank you again.
John T

DRM · October 21, 2019, 11:59pm

What order do you have the filters in on the filters list?

sauron · October 22, 2019, 12:34am

It would be best if you install the latest version 19.10.20. There have been a lot of enhancements and improvements since the version that you’re using

I’ve found it best to center the text in the middle of the screen, it’s easier to use the rotate and scale and size and position filters on it. Also, using font size makes the text more predictable.

Take a look at the attached project to see how the key frames are used to position and rotate the text.

Titles.mlt (22.1 KB)

For the first clip I used the text filter’s rectangle control to position and move the text.

For the second and third clip I used RS and SP filters to animate the text.

In the third clip I used the RS filter’s X and Y offset to shift the point of rotation. The 2X2 grid is helpful.

Filter order is important. Put text first, Rotate and Scale second, then Size and position.

Elusien · October 22, 2019, 10:40am

I still prefer to use the Text: HTML (HTML Overlay) filter for producing good-looking text effects and typography. Using great-looking Google-fonts, CSS, absolute positioning, translation, rotation, colours, shadows, javascript, etc. it is very adaptable.

See my website (www.elusien.co.uk/shotcut) for some of what can be done and search the web for inspiration e.g. https://cssnewbie.com/10-beautiful-css-text-effects/

samth · October 22, 2019, 11:51am

To append to @Elusien’s reply: If you have no knowledge of HTML, I recommend you Jonray’s tutorial series (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhX5p_umORM). Part 1 and 2 shold be enough for your purpose.
The Text: Simple filter is really just for basic purposes. Once I learned how to use the Text: HTML filter, I prefer it in most cases.

jonray · October 22, 2019, 11:57am

Hi, @John_Bennett, in addition to the excellent help already given, would this short demo be helpful? (I had no time for subtitles or voiceover).

https://streamable.com/0g7kj

Good luck - please let us know how you get on…

PS click on the LINK (not the preview video screen) and you can then select to view the video at full screen size).

John_Bennett · October 22, 2019, 1:16pm

Good Morning! / Good Afternoon!
Good Evening! / Good Night!

I want to thank all of you for your response(s).

I “finally” figured out how to get the display I was looking for. Coming from using AutoCAD (20+ years), placing the text where I wanted was both easier and harder than I expected.

The lesson I took away was that each text element should have its own video track.

For each text element I wanted to turn 90, I created a new video track, leave the text box size alone, rotated first, and then moved. While not 100% “clean” each time I followed this procedure, it got me close enough where I can tweak my template now.

Ultimately it was my error in understanding how to operate ShotCut that was my problem.

As far as upgrading to the most current version of ShotCut – I have made a request to my network administrator for upgrading. Since he recommended to use ShotCut in the first place, I would like to think my upgrade request would be processed soon. However, I am beholding to his schedule. A few new versions may pass before I get upgraded. So for now, I have to work in the framework that this version provides.

I just have to learn to think more as a video editor that a technical draftsman!

As far as the other suggestions, I will explore those after I get this project done!
Again, thank very much for your answers and time!
It is truly appreciated
Take Care
John T

================================================================
JOHN TRACEY BENNETT
SIU / PSO Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Administrator
FAA Certified sUAS / UAV Operator (active)
Chief Engineering Draftsman
CAD Systems / Archive Systems Coordinator

PLANT & SERVICE OPERATIONS
MAIL CODE 6727
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
210 PHYSICAL PLANT DR
CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS 62901

E: JohnB@PSO.SIU.edu / JohnB@SIU.edu
P: 618/453-6766
F: 618/453-6784
PSO.SIU.EDU

system · January 19, 2020, 10:08pm

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