Text style-[masking]  (see sample here)

1.Open a new file.In the first keyframe of layer 1 write any text eg.HELLO.Give any font color and size of your choice.Now select the text with the arrow tool and break it apart by going to Modify-Break apart(Ctr+B).Go to frame 50 nd press F5 to insert a frame.Lock layer 1.
2.Create a new layer above the first layer and name it mask.Now select the brush tool.From the brush options choose preferably a round brush.The thickness will depend on your text size(you will know as we proceed).While in the first keyframe of the mask layer, make a dab(using the brush tool)over any part of the first letter of your text as shown in this picture.

3.Then insert a keyframe( in the mask layer) by pressing F6 and then make one more brush dab, just touching the previous dab as in this picture.

4.Repeat step 3 till you have completely covered the first letter of your text.Remember to insert a keyframe after every dab you make.

5.Similarly, continuing in the mask layer itself,cover all other letters of your text by repeating step 3.Do not create separate layers to cover each letter of the text.If the mask layer extends to more than 50 frames insert more frames in layer1 to match the number of frames in mask layer.When all letters are thus covered right-click mask layer in the layers palette & select mask from the options displayed.
                                                
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