In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to easily create reflections for any element in Premiere Pro. This tutorial works with text, logos, images, and video — all you need to do is play around to get your desired result. Best of all, this reflection technique doesn’t require any third-party plugins or edits in After Effects. So, let’s jump into how to create a reflection in Premiere Pro!
Summary
How to Reflect Text
Step 1: Create the Background
For this example, we’ll be using a 2D background, but you can apply this lesson to some of your other video project needs.
- To create a colored background, go to new Item Button > Color Matte. Select whatever color you’d like to work with.
- Now enter the Height and Width.
- We will then apply a couple of effects to this layer. For this, click on Effects and then Ramp.
- Next also apply the Mirror Effect.
- Under Ramp > change the shape to Radial Ramp from Linear Ramp. You might want to adjust the colors at this point, to your liking.
- Next, increase the Ramp Scatter. What this does, is introduces noise into the gradient so you don’t get bad banding when you export.
- Turn the Mirror back on, and bring it to the center of your video. The center of a 1920×1080 video is 960×540.
- Change the Reflection Angle to 90 degrees. At this point, you should start to see a bit of a psych wall look.
- Bring your Reflection Position down.
Step 2: Create a Title
- Now, from your Project Window, click on Title.
- Enter a title of your choice and adjust the font. Tip: You’ll want to make sure the text is near the bottom of the clip.
- Now, drop it on the timeline, and position above your background. Leave a video track open between the title and background.
- Duplicate the title using Alt or Option and drag it down.
- Click on Effects > Basic 3D Effect.
- Tilt it to 180 degrees under Tilt and adjust its position so that it is lined up just underneath.
- Adjust its Opacity, and apply the Blur Effect to it as well.
- Also, apply the Linear Wipe Transition to it. Under Effect Controls, change the Wipe Angle to 0 and increase the Transition and Feather.
- Fine tune until you’re happy with the results.
Bonus: Nest Your Tracks
- Highlight both of the text tracks, click Nest.
- If you apply the 3D effect, both will move as a uniform element once nested.
Try creating your own reflections in Premiere Pro! This is a great effect you can use in a variety of video projects. Apply these fundamental steps to start reflecting text, logos, and more.