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# Creating a Text Matte Key

A matte key allows you to create a text effect in which the text's fill is a background clip. When used with an Axis Timeline FX (or a Sparks effect that takes a matte), it can be used to layer text made of one background on top of another background.
NoteAll static (non-animated) fill colours are set to a transparency of 0%.

To create a text matte key:

NoteIn the following procedure, the front layer is used for the text's fill. The fill is then composited over the background layer with an Axis Timeline FX.

1. Add two layers to the timeline.
2. Click the FX button or right-click on the clip and select Add Effect. The Effects Menu appears.
3. Click the Text button.
4. To enter the Text menu, click the Text in the Effects Pipeline or click the Enter Editor button.
5. In the Text editor, enable the Matte Key button.

   The Alpha Processing Mode box changes to RGBA and the Fill field resets to 0%.

6. Select Context from the Preview Options box to preview the effect.

   The text fill is composited over the background layer. This text layer is then applied to the timeline background layer.