To add an image in After Effects, you need to import it into your project. Here's how:
- Go to File > Import > File. This will open your file explorer.
- Locate and select the image file you want to use. Supported image formats include JPG, PNG, TIFF, PSD (Photoshop), and more.
- Click "Import". The image will now appear in your Project panel.
- Drag the image from the Project panel to your Composition panel or Timeline panel. This will add the image as a layer in your composition.
Importing an Image Sequence:
If you have a series of images that form a sequence (e.g., frame001.jpg, frame002.jpg, etc.), After Effects can import them as a video.
- Go to File > Import > File.
- Select the first image in the sequence.
- Make sure the "Sequence" option is checked at the bottom of the Import dialog box.
- Click "Import". After Effects will import the entire sequence as a single video clip (footage item).
Important Considerations:
- Image Size and Resolution: Make sure your images are appropriately sized for your composition. Large images can slow down performance.
- File Format: Use lossless formats like PNG or TIFF if you need transparency or want to avoid compression artifacts.
- Layer Order: The order of your image layers in the Timeline panel determines which images are visible on top.
- Pre-Composing: For complex projects, consider pre-composing your image layers to keep your timeline organized.
By following these steps, you can easily add and manage images within your After Effects projects.
