horizon Getting Started

INSTALL FONTS

Horizon uses a serif and sans-serif pairing for modern contrast and hierarchy. Install your chosen fonts before opening the project:

We use free Google Fonts.

Download here: https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Poppins

https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Instrument+Serif

https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Google+Sans+Code?query=google

OPEN THE PROJECT

Launch After Effects and open the Horizon 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

• Data Number Formatting – Controls for stats and counters

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, graphs, and UI elements.

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

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.

ANIMATED GRAPHS

Horizon includes five reusable, expression-driven graph types:

• Bar Charts – Compare values across categories

• Pie Chart – Display proportional data

• Donut Chart – Modern take on pie charts

HOW TO USE

1. Open any graph comp (e.g., "Graph_Line")

2. Locate the Data Controller layer

3. Adjust values using slider controls

4. Graph automatically animates to match your data

5. Colors link to your brand palette

CUSTOMIZATION

Each graph includes:

• Value Controls – Set data points

• Label Text – Update axis labels and titles

• Color Assignment – Choose brand colors for data series

• Animation Timing – Control reveal speed and easing

All graphs are fully reusable – duplicate the comp and update values for new data sets.

STATS RIG FEATURES

Professional animated number counters with built-in formatting:

• Prefix control (£, $, €, etc.)

• Suffix control (%, K, M, +, etc.)

• Automatic comma formatting for large numbers

• Adjustable count-up animation duration

• Decimal place control

HOW TO USE

1. Open the "Stats_Counter" comp

2. Adjust the Target Number slider to your value

3. Set Prefix (currency symbols, etc.)

4. Set Suffix (percentages, multipliers, etc.)

5. Adjust Animation Duration as needed

The counter automatically formats and animates to your target value.

PERFECT FOR

• Revenue metrics and KPIs

• Pricing displays

• Percentage statistics

• Growth numbers

• User counts and data points

TECH-FORWARD TEXT ANIMATION

Built-in digital reveal effect with randomized character scrambling before your final text appears.

The data scramble text effect is pre-built into specific text layers throughout the template with optimized timing and character sets.

Simply update the text content and the scramble animation automatically applies.

IDEAL FOR

• Headings and titles

• Section introductions

• Tech-focused brand messaging

• Any text needing a digital/data aesthetic

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.

FONT PAIRING

Horizon uses a serif and sans-serif pairing to create hierarchy and modern contrast. This combination provides:

• Clear visual hierarchy

• Contemporary tech aesthetic

• Excellent readability

• Professional balance

TYPOGRAPHY CONTROLS

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

• H1 – Main headlines

• H2 – Section headers

• Body – Paragraph 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.

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

Padding and logo size can be fine-tuned using comp controllers. Information about logo size, padding, and exclusion zone displays automatically.

REVERSED LOGO & BRAND ICON

Reversed versions can also be swapped via the toolkit. Padding is pixel-based but scales proportionally with logo size, maintaining consistent spacing as logos resize.

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.

DASHBOARD UI ELEMENTS

Horizon includes tech-focused UI components designed for dashboard presentations:

• Metric cards with animated counters

• Data visualization containers

• Graph backgrounds with grid overlays

• Progress bars

• Status indicators

All components adjust for corner roundness and sizing. Text automatically resizes containers to fit content.

WEB UI COMPONENTS

Buttons and interface elements are fully customizable:

• Adjust corner roundness

• Change wording and text

• Containers automatically resize to fit

• Link to brand colors

DEVICE MOCKUPS

DEVICE MOCKUPS WITH COLOR CONTROLS

Photoshop (PSD) files included with advanced color control:

• Light Mode – Bright backgrounds

• Dark Mode – Dark backgrounds

• Mid Mode – Neutral tones

• Custom Brand Background – Match any brand color

HOW IT WORKS

Each mockup includes matte layers that isolate the device from the background. This allows precise color control without affecting the device itself.

The mattes were created from Cinema 4D geometry exports, giving you clean separation for professional color customization.

Simply open the PSD, select your desired mode (Light/Dark/Mid), or use the color controls to match your brand palette.

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

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