How do I import shapes from Illustrator to After Effects?

To import shapes from Illustrator to After Effects, use either the import function or copy and paste.

Here's a breakdown of the methods, with considerations for each:

Method 1: Importing the Illustrator File

1. In After Effects, go to File > Import > File... (or use the shortcut Command+I on Mac or Ctrl+I on Windows).

2. Locate and select your Illustrator (.ai) file.

3. In the "Import As" dropdown menu, choose one of the following options:

   • Composition - Retain Layer Sizes: This is generally the best option. It imports each layer in your Illustrator file as a separate layer in a new After Effects composition. The layers retain their original dimensions from Illustrator. This is useful for animation and further editing within After Effects.

   • Composition: This option imports each layer as a separate layer, but it automatically sizes the composition to fit all the layers.

   • Footage: This option flattens the Illustrator file into a single layer of footage. This means you lose the ability to edit individual layers. Choose this only if you are certain you don't need to manipulate the elements separately in After Effects.

4. Click "Open".

5. If you chose "Composition," a new composition will be created containing your Illustrator layers. You can find it in the Project panel.

Method 2: Copying and Pasting Shapes

1. In Adobe Illustrator, select the shape or shapes you want to import.

2. Copy the shapes (Edit > Copy, or Command+C on Mac or Ctrl+C on Windows).

3. In After Effects, select the layer you want to paste the shapes onto (or create a new solid layer if you want the shapes on their own layer).

4. Paste the shapes (Edit > Paste, or Command+V on Mac or Ctrl+V on Windows).

   • After Effects will create a new shape layer with your Illustrator shapes converted to editable shape paths.

Key Considerations and Tips:

• Layer Naming: Give your layers descriptive names in Illustrator. This will make it much easier to identify and work with them in After Effects.
• Convert Text to Outlines: Before importing or copying from Illustrator, convert any text layers to outlines (Type > Create Outlines). This avoids font compatibility issues in After Effects.
• Release to Layers (Sequence): If you have complex shapes in Illustrator that you want to animate separately in After Effects, consider using the "Release to Layers (Sequence)" command (right-click on the grouped objects or use the Layers panel options). This will create individual layers for each shape, which you can then import as a composition.
• Parenting: After importing the Illustrator layers as a composition, you can parent layers in After Effects to control their movements relative to each other.

By using either the import function with the correct settings or the copy and paste method, you can easily transfer your vector shapes from Illustrator to After Effects, ready for animation and further manipulation.