To export your project from After Effects into the AVI format, you will utilize the Render Queue, where you can specify the output settings, including the file format.
## Adding Your Composition to the Render Queue
The first step is to add the composition you wish to export to the Render Queue. According to the provided information:
* You can go to the menu: **File > Export > Add to Render Queue**.
* Alternatively, navigate through the menu: **Composition > Add to Render Queue**.
* A common shortcut key for this action is **CTRL + M** (or **CMD + M** on macOS).
Once added, you will see the Render panel appear, usually at the bottom of your After Effects window. This panel contains various settings, including **Render Settings** and **Output Module**.
## Configuring the Output Module for AVI
The **Output Module** settings are where you define the file format, video and audio codecs, and other export specifications. To set your export to AVI:
1. **Locate the Output Module:** In the Render Queue panel, find the line corresponding to your composition. Click on the text next to "Output Module" (it might initially say "Lossless" or a different preset name). This will open the Output Module Settings dialog box.
2. **Select the Format:** In the Output Module Settings window, find the "Format" dropdown menu, typically at the top. Click this menu and select "**AVI**".
3. **Customize Format Options (Optional but Recommended):** Clicking the "**Format Options...**" button next to the Format dropdown allows you to configure the video and audio codecs used within the AVI container.
* **Video Codec:** This is crucial for determining file size and quality. Common options for AVI include:
* None (Uncompressed): Results in very large files but maximum quality.
* DV NTSC/PAL: Suitable for standard definition broadcast or DV workflows.
* H.264 (though often better suited for MP4, it can exist in AVI): Offers good compression.
* Animation (QuickTime codec, but accessible in AVI): Good for content with large areas of solid color or motion graphics.
* Third-party codecs installed on your system.
* **Audio Output:** Ensure "Audio Output" is checked if you need sound. You can configure the codec, sample rate, and bit depth here.
4. **Set Output Location:** Click the text next to "**Output To**" to specify where After Effects will save the exported AVI file and name it.
5. **Close Settings:** Click "OK" in the Output Module Settings dialog box to save your format and codec choices.
## Rendering Your AVI File
With the composition added to the Render Queue and the Output Module configured for the AVI format, you are ready to export.
1. **Review Settings:** Double-check the Render Settings (e.g., resolution, frame rate) and Output Module settings.
2. **Start Render:** Click the "**Render**" button in the Render Queue panel (usually at the top right of the panel).
After Effects will now process your composition and export it as an AVI file to the location you specified. The time required will depend on the complexity of your project, the duration, and the chosen codec.
By following these steps, utilizing the Render Queue and configuring the Output Module, you can successfully export your After Effects composition in the AVI format.
