Text in 360 space for DaVinci Resolve - Free plugin (Studio only)

 

This plugin makes adding text in 360 space easy - directly from the edit page..

Due to the use of Fusion LatLongPatcher the plugin will only work in Studio. 

Do not install in Free as it will generate annoying popups!

Click here to download the Text in 360 space plugin

The file TextIn360Space.DRFX will download from Google Drive in a new window.

How to use

Once installed, drag and drop the Text in 360 space effect to the clip in the timeline. With the clip selected go to the "Inspector" and open "Effects" to create and adjust the text.
If there are multiple effects on the clip select and enable Text in 360 space. Text and text position is controlled in the Inspector and is preferably done in the default Preview mode.

When using static 360 footage (i.e. filmed with a tripod) the text can be placed anywhere in the image and can give the impression of being a part of the image as it stays in place relative to the background.

For footage captured with moving camera it is recommended to place the text "on the horizon", i.e. keep the Vertical rotation to 0 (see below). The text will give the impression of floating around compared to the background.

The Controls

The Text in 360 space is controlled from the Effects tab in the Inspector.

Detailed instructions and other plugins takes you to this website in case you need to review this page.

Distance to text The text can be placed at any distance between the center of the sphere and the image plane. The default and maximum value is "5" where the text is placed directly in the image plane. Reducing the distance will separate the text from the background and change the text distortion according to the smaller sphere.

Layout size changes the size of the entire text composition.

Note: There is little difference between changing layout size and font size.

Opacity of the text can be adjusted. The default setting is 80% that makes the text slightly blend with the background.

The opacity can be used to make the text appear and/or disappear by keyframes.

Horizontal rotation will rotate the image sphere left or right in Preview mode while the text remains in the centre of the window.

In Equirectangular mode the text is rotated (moved) sideways.

Vertical rotation, like the horizontal rotation but "up and down". 

All controls, including the text, can be keyframed.

To fit the background the text alignment can be adjusted on 3 axes through the centre of the text. 

Text roll raises one end of the text and lower the other.

Text pitch leans the text backward or forward.

Text yaw moves one end of the text closer to the centre and the other further away.

Preview mode shows a reframed (flat), square and cropped, portion of the sphere in the timeline to help positioning and aligning the text to the background. 

Preview mode should only be used for editing and positioning the text. 

Equirectangular mode is the normal "flat" 360 footage. The text will show distorted when positioned outside of the horizontal 0 value. 

The clip must be in Equirectangular mode for export render.

By me a coffee button opens a page where you can show your appreciation and if you have a professional use of the plugin please fill up my coffee pot!

This plugin uses resource demanding effects so reduced playback performance can be expected even when using Proxy media. Working with a lower than final timeline resolution can also help.

Download and install
1) Download the plugin from Google Drive here.The download will open in a new window and the file can be downloaded to and installed from any location.

2) Double click the downloaded file and select Install. The plugin is automatically copied to the correct directory and the downloaded file is no longer required. 

3) The Text in 360 space is now  available under Fusion effects in the Edit tab. 

It is yours to use...

The plugin can be used and shared freely but it cannot be sold...

Feedback is appreciated: This is a first version and as I rarely edit 360 videos I would appreciate your feedback on issues and ideas for improvement in the comment field below.

If you like the plugin you can encourage me to improve it and to do other developments by buying me a coffee...