To show layers from an Illustrator file in After Effects, you need to import the Illustrator file correctly. Here's how:
Importing the Illustrator File into After Effects with Layers:
- Launch After Effects.
- Go to File > Import > File...
- Select your Illustrator (.ai) file.
- Crucially, in the "Import Kind" dropdown menu at the bottom of the import dialog box, choose "Composition - Retain Layer Sizes" or "Composition." The "Composition - Retain Layer Sizes" option is often preferred as it ensures layer sizes are retained from Illustrator. Choosing "Footage" will flatten the layers.
Why is "Composition" or "Composition - Retain Layer Sizes" Important?
-
Composition: Imports the Illustrator file as a composition, treating each layer in Illustrator as a separate layer in After Effects. This allows you to animate and manipulate each layer independently.
-
Footage: This will flatten your entire Illustrator file into a single layer, losing all the individual layers. Avoid this option if you need to animate or edit individual elements.
Troubleshooting If Layers are Still Not Showing:
-
Check Illustrator File Structure: Make sure your Illustrator file is properly layered. Each element you want to animate separately in After Effects should be on its own layer in Illustrator.
-
Hidden Layers in Illustrator: Ensure that none of the layers you want to import are hidden in Illustrator. Hidden layers will not be visible in After Effects after import.
-
Release to Layers (Sequence): If you have multiple objects on a single layer in Illustrator that you want to import as individual layers, use the "Release to Layers (Sequence)" command in Illustrator. Select the layer, and then choose this option from the Layers panel menu (usually found under the small menu icon in the upper right corner of the panel). Then, re-save the Illustrator file and import it into After Effects as a composition.
-
Layer Styles/Effects: Some complex Illustrator effects might not translate perfectly to After Effects. You may need to recreate certain effects within After Effects using its own effects and tools. Consider rasterizing layers in Illustrator before importing if you find certain effects are causing issues. (Rasterizing converts the vector layer to a pixel-based image. Be aware that this will prevent you from scaling the layer infinitely without loss of quality.)
By following these steps, you should successfully import your Illustrator file into After Effects with all layers intact, ready for animation and further editing.
