To import separate layers into After Effects, you need to select the correct import option when bringing in your Illustrator or Photoshop files.
Importing Layered Files into After Effects
When importing layered files from programs like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, it's crucial to choose the right settings to maintain your layers. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Locate your file: Use File Explorer (or Finder on macOS) to find the Illustrator or Photoshop file you wish to import.
- Import the file: In After Effects, go to File > Import > File. Navigate to your selected file and select it.
- Choose the correct import setting: This is the most critical step. Under the "Import Options" area in the import dialog box, you'll see several options. Choose "Composition - Retain Layer Sizes".
- Click "Import": After selecting this option, click the Import button.
What "Composition - Retain Layer Sizes" Does
- This setting imports your file as a new composition within After Effects.
- Each layer in your original Illustrator or Photoshop document is brought in as a separate layer within the new After Effects composition.
- Layer sizes are maintained, meaning that the original dimensions of each layer are preserved. This is especially important for animation where you want to manipulate individual elements correctly.
- You can now animate and modify each layer independently, without affecting the others.
Alternative Import Options
While "Composition - Retain Layer Sizes" is the primary setting for bringing in separate layers, there are other options, but they don't achieve the same result:
- "Footage": This will treat your entire file as a single flattened image, ignoring the layers, which is not ideal if you are looking for separation.
- "Composition": This would still bring the file in as a composition, but if "retain layer sizes" is unchecked, it might change the layer sizes, making it difficult to manage elements effectively.
Example
For instance, if you have a Photoshop file with separate layers for a background, text, and a graphic, importing the file using the "Composition - Retain Layer Sizes" setting will give you three distinct layers in your After Effects composition. This allows for independent animation of each element.
Why is this important?
- Flexibility: Having separate layers gives you maximum control over your animation.
- Efficiency: Edit, animate, and add effects to layers individually.
- Compositing: Build up complex scenes using many different layers, allowing you to create sophisticated effects.
- Adaptability: If you need to change individual parts of your composition, you won't need to redo everything from scratch.
By using the correct import option, "Composition - Retain Layer Sizes", you ensure that all your layers are separated and can be animated in After Effects, maximizing the potential of your creative work. This information was sourced on 12-Sept-2023.
