Thanks ibliss, I'll check that out!

Futz - I've just tried it and it works!

The only problem I had was I didn't know how to get rid of the cursor in the art package - oh, and my 'mouse-writing' is terrible! I'm gonna post a vid of the result in a second... watch this space.

Ok, done it - you should be able to download a 400k wmv file right here!

Mike K

Hey, just a thought - over on the Sundance Media download page there's a veg file which demonstrates the 'typewriter' effect. I guess using the technique above you could capture the output from your word proccesor instead - slightly quicker than keyframing...

Mike, I watched your clip and it seems to be exactly what I want! But, what were your settings??? I've set to output 30 frames/ input 33 msecs...
I tried with CamStudio and it works but I guess I'll have to make some adjustments ; I always get these "flicks" (actually it's delays).
I got rid of the cursor (there's a check box).
Also: did you use PhotoShop to work this out?
I'll check this Sundance option but what I want is a handwritting effect...
A big thanks again!

I was just using the default settings in CamStudio - maybe you have a background app running that was causing the pauses? Possibly you could lower the framerate or disable 'auto adjust framerate' (video options)?

... and the fact I'm using photoshop may be the cause (heavy program) ?
I'll check if I can use another app...

You are not alone, I have been on a similar quest. I'm Looking for something to create titles like the ones in Bewitched, and I think, Disney's Jimmoney Cricket Show. A Magic pen or wand that magically writes the tiles. I've only found two possible methods that look promising. Either using Flash, or the more robust Boris RED Boris RED Example careful, not to drool.

With Flash, the method seemes straight forward. You just do everything backwards. Place your entire tile (prefereably script) where you want it, Now keyframe it, then using the eraser, slowly start erasing the script backwards(right to Left)along the writing path, keyframing at each step. When you've erased the entire title, have Flash tween (smooths out animation) And finally reverse the clip.

Jeffy82@aol.com

I know it's not exactly what you asked for, but it's close. I did a little example some months ago (before 3DLE times).
Take a look, it's only 262 kB.

Spectacular writing

Tor
(Got the title wrong. Edited it now)

Yep, Tor did something more along the line I was thinking. Now if you wanted to get a little more fancy you could use Poser or another 3D graphic application to craft a hand and let it write with a pen maybe. You could easily track the movement and "unmask" the text with the pluginpac 3D fitler. I did a very brief example in my silly little music video I posted on Kelly's site some time back. All you need to do is just write the text, then reveal it one letter at a time using the 3D-filter. Could use the cookie cutter too I guess.

If you have the program, Corel Painter can record brushstrokes into a script.  I've been trying to do the same thing and it's pretty handy for that.  Good luck!