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Watch the tutorial
Step 1: Create the word layer
Add a background, like a color matte, to your timeline. Then use the Type Tool to create one text layer that says HOUR (or Day, Minute, or whatever your counter counts) and position it wherever you want in the frame. Click the gray space in the timeline to deselect everything. This matters, because otherwise your next text would be added to the same layer.
Step 2: Create the number layer
Now make another text layer with your starting number, for example 9. Resize and reposition it next to the HOUR text. Keeping the number on its own layer is what lets you animate it separately.
Step 3: Stack all the numbers in a column
This part is simple. Double click the number text and place the cursor at the end of it. Press Enter to create a new line and type the next number, like 10. Press Enter again, type the next one and repeat until you have all the numbers you want. In the end you should have a long column of numbers going down.
Step 4: Draw a box over one number
Make sure the number layer is selected, then choose the Rectangle Tool in the toolbar. Double check that the layer is still selected, then drag out a rectangle over the first number. Make the box big enough for the widest numbers you have, including the two digit ones, so none of them are cut off later.
Step 5: Use the shape as a mask
Open Effect Controls and make sure the number text layer is the one that is open (not the shape layer). Expand the Shape tab, go to Appearance and tick Mask with Shape. Now only one number is visible, inside the box. Use the Selection Tool to adjust the mask: you can make it bigger or smaller.
Step 6: Keyframe the Position
Collapse the Shape tab and expand the Text tab instead. Scroll all the way down to Transform. Make sure you are at the start of the clip, and click the stopwatch next to Position to create a keyframe. Move forward to the point where you want the number to switch and change the Position value so that the next number is visible in the box.
Step 7: Hold each number, then roll to the next
Move forward a bit again and click the Add/Remove Keyframe icon next to Position to create a pause keyframe with the same value. This holds the number still for a moment. Then move forward again and change the Position so the next number is visible. Repeat this with every number. At the end, move forward a bit and change the Position so the last number is visible.
Tips
- Space the keyframes evenly. Copy and paste a set of keyframes so every number holds and rolls with the same timing.
- Match the text style. Use the same font and outline on the word and the number so they look like one title.
- Want a different counter? See our guide to the number counting animation.
FAQ
How do I make numbers scroll in Premiere Pro?
Stack the numbers in one text layer, mask it with a shape and keyframe the layer's Position.
How do I mask text with a shape in Premiere Pro?
Draw a shape with the layer selected, then tick Mask with Shape in the Shape settings under Appearance.
Why are my numbers cut off?
The mask box is too small. Make it large enough for the widest number, including two digit numbers.
Want a ready made counter? Try the Number Counter Template.
