Lower Thirds

What is a lower third?

A lower third (L3) is a combination of text and graphical elements placed in the lower area of a video to give the audience more information. It doesn’t necessarily have to occupy the “lower third” of the screen, but that's where it gets its name.

We use L3s that meet Boise State Brand Standards to identify the speaker’s name and title. Titles are kept as generic as possible to avoid having to update. Proper credentials for titles can typically be found in email signatures but contact the speaker for accurate title information.

When To Use

L3s are only added to course videos that we film and edit to identify speakers shown for the first time in a course. L3s should not be included in every video as this creates more work when updates are needed.

Typical use cases include:

• Instructor Bio

• Course Intro

• Guest Lecture

What To Use

L3_RS_Extreme NEW is the motion graphic template (mogrt) that we currently use on course videos that we film and edit. It can be accessed from the eCampus Video (shared) Library from within Premiere Pro.

How To Use

1. Using Premiere Pro, within the ‘Libraries’ panel, open ‘eCampus Video (shared)’

2. Click and drag the ‘L3_RS_Extreme NEW’ file onto your timeline

3. Open the ‘Essential Graphics’ panel, make sure the L3 graphic is selected in the timeline

4. Edit the speaker's name (Name Text) and title (Subtext)

5. Adjust sliders for blue and orange box lengths as needed

6. Adjust the timing of L3 to start just after the speaker says their name

7. Done

Title Safe Area

With varying devices and screen sizes, it's important to ensure L3s can be seen. A good way to do that is to follow the title safe area. Despite entry or exit animation, ensure that the text and other important aspects of a lower third fall in the title safe area. See How To Use Title Safe In Premiere.