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How Do I Export an Animated Logo from After Effects?

Published in After Effects Export 4 mins read

Exporting your animated logo from After Effects is a straightforward process primarily done through the Render Queue.

Here's how to get your animated logo out of After Effects:

To export your logo animation, go to File > Export > Add to Render Queue.

This action prepares your composition for rendering and opens the Render Queue panel, where you can manage your export settings.

Steps for Exporting Your Animated Logo

  1. Add to Render Queue: With your animated logo composition open or selected, navigate to File > Export > Add to Render Queue. This places your composition into the Render Queue panel.
  2. Access Output Settings: In the Render Queue panel, you will see your composition listed. To customize how your video file is created, click on the Output Module name next to your composition. This will open the Output Module Settings dialog box.
  3. Configure Output Module Settings: This is where you define the file format, quality, and other important options.
    • Format: Choose your desired file format. Common options include:
      • QuickTime (MOV): Versatile, supports various codecs including those with alpha channels (for transparency).
      • H.264 (MP4): Widely compatible, good for web use, but doesn't typically support transparency directly in the video stream (though some newer variations or wrappers might).
      • PNG Sequence or TIFF Sequence: Ideal if you need individual frames, often used for complex animations or when maximum quality/transparency support is required.
      • ProRes: High-quality codec, often used for editing or mastering.
    • Codec: Select a video codec within your chosen format. For transparency (like an overlay logo), you'll need a codec that supports an alpha channel, such as QuickTime with the "Animation" or "ProRes 4444" codec. Ensure the "Channels" setting is set to "RGB + Alpha".
    • Resolution and Frame Rate: Confirm these match your composition settings unless you need to export at a different size or speed.
    • Audio Output: Enable or disable audio rendering depending on whether your logo animation includes sound.
  4. Specify Output Location: Click on the Output To file name next to your composition in the Render Queue panel. This allows you to choose where you want to save the exported file and name it.
  5. Start Rendering: Once all settings are configured, click the Render button at the top right of the Render Queue panel. After Effects will then process your animation and create the final video file(s) in the location you specified.

Key Considerations for Logo Animation Exports

  • Transparency: If your logo needs to appear as an overlay (without a background), you must export using a format and codec that supports an alpha channel (e.g., QuickTime with Animation or ProRes 4444 codec, with Channels set to RGB + Alpha).
  • File Size vs. Quality: Different formats and codecs offer varying balances. H.264 is good for smaller file sizes but might not be suitable for high-quality professional broadcast or transparency. ProRes and Animation codecs offer higher quality but result in larger files.
  • Intended Use: Where will the logo be used? (Website, social media, video editing, broadcast). This will dictate the best format, resolution, and file size.

By following these steps and paying attention to your Output Module settings, you can successfully export your animated logo from After Effects in the desired format and quality.

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