Archetype Getting Started

INSTALL FONTS

We use Archivo, a free Google Font available here:

https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Archivo

Install the font family before opening the project to ensure all typography displays correctly.

OPEN THE PROJECT

Launch After Effects and open the Archetype project file. You'll find organized folders containing all template sections, the master controls comp, and the included Brand Manager script.

MASTER CONTROLS

Navigate to the "01_Controls" comp – this is the heart of the system. Here you'll find:

• Main Color Controller – Manage all brand colors

• Typography Styles – H1, H2, Body text settings

• Global animation timing controls

Important: Do not rename layers or controls. The system depends on these exact names to function correctly.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Our free Brand Manager script is included with every purchase. It provides centralized control over your entire brand system:

BRAND COLORS

Add, edit, or delete colors in one place. Changes update across the entire system automatically, including all animations and UI elements.

The system is designed for five colors. If using fewer, fill unused slots with neutral tones (white, black, gray).

REPLACE FILES

Replace logos and images across the entire system from one interface. Upload transparent PNGs for logos so color fills update correctly.

Depending on your asset sizes, some manual adjustments may be needed.

TEXT FIND & REPLACE

Update brand names or recurring terms throughout the system with our robust find and replace feature. Changes apply globally.

FONT REPLACEMENT

See all fonts currently used in the project. To change fonts:

1. Add your chosen font to a sample text layer

2. Click Refresh in the toolkit

3. Select your font from the dropdown

4. Apply globally

Note: Some text elements are intentionally not linked – this is a design choice for specific visual effects.

COLOR MANAGEMENT

Manage all colors using the Brand Manager script or After Effects' built-in Color Controls. Both methods sync automatically.

Changes update across:

• All guideline sections

• Graph visualizations

• UI components

• Animated elements

Important: Don't rename color controls – the system relies on these names.

COLOR WHEEL & AUTO CONVERSION

Horizon includes an animated color wheel that automatically displays your brand palette with format conversions:

• HEX codes

• RGB values

• CMYK values (reference only)

When you update colors in master controls, all format displays update automatically.

Note: CMYK values use standard RGB-to-CMYK conversion formulas and may differ from ICC-managed print values in Illustrator or InDesign.

TYPOGRAPHY SYSTEM

All typography is based on the free Google Font Archivo, providing a clean, refined aesthetic with excellent readability.

TYPOGRAPHY CONTROLS

All typography styles are managed in the Master Controls comp (01_Controls):

• H1 – Main headlines

• H2 – Section headers

• Body – Paragraph text

• Captions – Supporting text

Adjust sizes and styles here – changes update globally throughout the system.

ALPHABET COMP

The Alphabet comp includes controls for maximum width and maximum height, ensuring consistent layout across different font widths.

This keeps the presentation clean and balanced regardless of your font choice.

If you want to adjust font sizes or styles, do so in the master controls; the changes will update globally.

Some text elements are intentionally not linked – this is a design choice. If you wish to adjust them, edits will need to be made directly on those layers.

LOGO REPLACEMENT

Replace logos using the Brand Manager toolkit. The system automatically:

• Adjusts exclusion zones for different logo ratios

• Maintains proper spacing and padding

• Updates across all sections

Upload transparent PNGs for best results with color fills.

EXCLUSION ZONE

Logos can be replaced using our toolkit.

If your logo has a different ratio, the script will automatically adjust the exclusion zone.

Padding and logo size can be fine-tuned using the comp's controller.

Information about logo size, padding, and exclusion zone is automatically displayed.

REVERSED LOGO & BRAND ICON

Reversed versions can also be swapped via the toolkit.

Padding is pixel-based but scales proportionally with logo size or when parented, maintaining consistent spacing as the logo resizes.

BRAND VALUES

Each brand value and its container are paired on individual layers.

When you update a value's text, the container automatically resizes to fit.

Corner radius can be adjusted via the Slider Control on the container shape.

Selector options allow you to choose between current and previous shape names or brand values.

GRID RIGGING SYSTEM

Create custom grids with automatic calculations:

1. Duplicate any row or column comp

2. Adjust the comp size to your needs

3. Set desired number of columns or rows

4. Define gutter width

The system automatically calculates spacing, column widths, and positioning through expressions.

FLEXIBILITY

Grids adapt to any size composition while maintaining proportions and spacing. Perfect for showcasing grid systems in your brand guidelines.

WEB UI ELEMENTS

Buttons and other UI elements can be adjusted to suit your project.

You can change corner roundness and wording – containers will automatically resize to fit your text content.

CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS

• Adjust corner roundness via slider controls

• Change button text and labels

• Containers automatically resize to content

• Link to brand colors for consistent styling

All UI components are designed to maintain the refined aesthetic throughout your brand guidelines.

MOCKUP IMAGES

Multiple device mockups are included, optimized for professional brand presentations.

Replace screen content using the Brand Manager toolkit or standard After Effects file replacement methods.

HOW TO USE

1. Locate the mockup comp you want to customize

2. Find the screen replacement layer

3. Replace with your brand imagery or content

4. Adjust positioning if needed

The mockups are designed to showcase your brand applications in a professional, refined context.

60-SECOND BRAND FILM

A high-energy brand launch promo video is included with the system.

This 60-second edit showcases your brand identity with dynamic animations and professional motion design.

CUSTOMIZATION

All elements link to your master controls:

• Colors update automatically

• Typography follows your brand styles

• Logos update from brand toolkit

• Timing can be adjusted in the comp

Perfect for social media launches, website headers, or client presentations.

INSTRUCTION LAYERS

Throughout the template, you'll find instruction text included as Guide Layers within comps. These provide context and tips for specific features.

Guide layers will not appear in final renders.

BEST PRACTICES

• Always work from the Master Controls comp for global changes

• Use transparent PNGs for logos

• Don't rename control layers or color controls

• Test renders before final export

• Save versions as you customize