> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.descript.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Add and Customize Text Layers > Use text layers in Descript to add visual elements like titles, speaker names, and timers. A text layer is on-screen text you add and style yourself, separate from your captions. Give each one its own font, color, background, and layout to match your look. **Need synced captions instead?** If you're trying to display your script as timed subtitles or captions, use a **captions layer** instead of a text layer. Captions are automatically generated from your script and update as you make edits. [Learn how to add captions](/visuals/captions). ## Create text layers From the **Elements** panel in the right-hand sidebar, choose one of the three fully customizable text options: * **Text** – for body text * **Subtitle** – for secondary titles * **Title** – for primary titles Text options shown in Descript's Elements panel You can also highlight part of your script and use the [selection toolbar](/descript-tour/selection-toolbar) to add a text layer. Descript adds a new scene and places a text layer that matches your selection. Adding a text layer using the selection toolbar ## Customize fonts, color, and layout Select a text layer in the scene editor. Use the toolbar or [Properties panel](/descript-tour/properties-panel) to adjust font, size, alignment, colors, borders, background, and position. Layer panel open showing text style controls ## Set text layer type The Type setting controls what content a text layer displays. By default, text layers are set to Freeform, which lets you type whatever you want. Other options will display dynamic information that updates automatically. Dropdown menu showing live text options for a layer **To change a text layer type:** 1. Select the text layer 2. In the hover menu, click the ellipsis button at the far right. The Properties panel will open in the right-hand sidebar. 3. Choose a type: * **Freeform:** Type your own text manually * **Captions:** Displays synced captions from your script * **Speaker:** Displays the active speaker's name * **Composition name:** Displays the composition name * **Marker:** Displays the current or most recent marker * **Timer:** Counts up or down from the beginning, end, or last marker ## Add a background to text Enhance readability or emphasize key messages by adding a background to your text layer. Options include: * **Bounding box:** Resize the text area manually in the scene editor. Toggle between fixed and auto sizing under **Size and position**. * **Border radius:** Soften the corners of the background. * **Background color:** Pick a color for contrast or brand alignment. * **Hug lines:** Wrap the background tightly around each line of text. * **Box:** Display the full text inside a fixed-width background box. Background box behind a multi-line text element ## Add emojis to text * [Create a text layer](#create-text-layers), then paste an emoji (like 🎉, 👍, or 💡) into the text box **Tip:** Emojis follow the same style settings as text. Resize, color, and align them using the Properties panel.