How to Create an Envelope Animation in After Effects

Bring your design to life with a stunning envelope animation! In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll guide you through creating a digital wedding invitation envelope in Adobe After Effects—perfect for motion graphics intros, explainer videos, UI/UX mockups, and more.

Why Use Envelope Animations?

Envelope animations add a professional, playful touch to your digital projects. They can be used for:

• UI/UX mockups (e.g., email or notification scenes)
  
• Explainer videos or intros
  
• Digital invitations and promos
  

Getting Started

What you’ll need:

• Adobe After Effects (any recent version)
  
• Basic familiarity with shape layers
  
• Your colors and any image assets you want to include (optional: invitation card graphic, flower design, etc.)
  

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Setting Up Your Composition

• Open After Effects and create a new composition (30fps is ideal).
  
• Add a solid background and lock the layer for easier workflow.
  
• Import and lock your reference envelope image if you’re using one.
  

2. Drawing the Envelope Layers

1. Back of Envelope:
   
   • Select the rectangle tool.
     
   • Draw the back shape, keeping it on its own layer. Rename it “Back”.
     
2. Inner Envelope Parts:
   
   • Make sure no layer is selected. Use the pen tool to trace curved sections for the inner portions.
     
   • Repeat as needed, separating each part onto its own layer (“Front One”, “Front Two”).
     
3. Envelope Cover (Flap):
   
   • With the pen tool, shape the main flap.
     
   • Ensure it also sits on its own layer, named “Cover”.
     

3. Coloring the Layers

Pick color themes that match your project. Apply unique shades for each layer:

• Back: Primary theme color
  
• Front: Lighter tone
  
• Front Two: Darker shade
  
• Cover: Contrasting or matching color
  

Split the cover later for opening/closing animation (details below).

4. Use Null Objects for Animation Control

• Create a null layer called “Envelope Control”.
  
• Parent all envelope layers to this control.
  This keeps everything grouped for coordinated animations (move, scale, rotate, etc.).
  

5. Animating the Envelope

Closing Animation for Flap:

• Select the cover layer and open its “Path” property.
  
• Set keyframes:
  
  • At the open state, add a keyframe.
    
  • Move forward in your timeline (about 1sec) and add another keyframe for the closed position.
    
• For a seamless close, split the layer halfway and rename it “Cover Two” (the top flap).
  
• Apply a new color to the top layer for realism.
  

6. Adding Drop Shadows

• Add Drop Shadow (Layer Style) on “Front Two” and “Cover Two”.
  
• Adjust angle, size (e.g., 90°, 20px), and opacity (around 50%) for depth.
  

7. Insert the Invitation Card

• Import your invitation card image or graphic.
  
• Place and scale it between the correct envelope layers (so it looks “inside” the envelope when closed).
  
• Animate its position so it slides into the envelope right before closing.
  

8. Layer Management

• Arrange your layers:
  
  • Back and first cover at the back.
    
  • Invitation card in the middle.
    
  • Second cover (flap) at the top.
    

This ensures the card appears tucked inside when the envelope closes.

9. Decorative Elements

• Add a touch of flair with shapes or floral designs.
  
• Use track mattes and parenting to “mask” designs to specific sections.
  
• Set blend mode to Screen and reduce opacity for subtlety.
  

10. Final Animation Touches

• For a smooth effect, select all your keyframes and apply Easy Ease (shortcut: F9).
  
• Create a second null layer called “Move All” if you wish to animate the entire envelope after the card is tucked in.
  

Tips for Your Projects

• Experiment with different colors for wedding, business, or themed invitations.
  
• Use this envelope for email notification scenes, digital invites, or animated logos.
  
• Save time by grouping layers and using nulls for easy edits.
  

Watch the Full Tutorial

For a complete walkthrough with visuals, check out the full tutorial on my YouTube channel.

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Downloadable project file here