3D Text Rotation Animation

Version: Fireworks 4
Level: Medium-Advanced
Objectives: To learn to create and animate text that rotates around an object using masking
Tools & Techniques: Text on path, animating symbols, text animation, masking, copy to frames, frames, optimizing, gif animation

Preview the final image
Source PNG: Download

Step 1: Creating the Text

Type out some text that will be used for the text ring that rotates around the sphere.

Step 2: Attaching the Text to the Path

1. Using the Ellipse Tool, create a circle on your document.
2. Don't worry about setting stroke/fill, either one will work. Actually, you don't need to have either. The path will still be there.
3. Select both the text and the circle by clicking Command-A/Control-A to Select All.
4. Go up to Text > Attach to Path

Step 3: Spacing the text evenly around the path

Make any adjustments to the text as needed by using the following options:

1. Adjust the Font Size
2. Adjust Kerning
3. Adjust Horizontal Scale