How Do I Import from Photoshop to Animate?

To import a Photoshop (PSD) file into Adobe Animate, you use the Import function and choose your PSD file. You will then be prompted with settings to configure how the layers and elements from Photoshop are brought into Animate.

Importing PSD files into Animate allows you to bring layered artwork, illustrations, or designs created in Photoshop directly into your animation project. This is a common workflow for animators who start their visual assets in Photoshop.

Steps to Import a Photoshop File

The process is straightforward and involves selecting your PSD file within Animate:

1. Open your project in Adobe Animate.
2. Go to the File menu.
3. Select Import.
4. Choose either Import to Stage or Import to Library. The reference notes that you can use either option, but specifically mentions importing to the stage.
   • Import to Stage: Places the imported content directly onto the currently active stage area.
   • Import to Library: Adds the imported content (typically as assets like movie clips or graphics) to your Animate Library panel, from where you can drag them onto the stage.
5. Navigate to and select your Photoshop (.psd) file.
6. Click the Open button.

Understanding the Import Settings

After clicking "Open," Animate presents a dialog box with various settings. As the reference points out, "you can see these settings here." These settings are crucial because they determine how Animate interprets your PSD layers. Common options include:

• Import as Bitmap Image: Merges all layers into a single flattened image.
• Keep Layers: Maintains Photoshop layers as separate layers in Animate. This is often preferred for animation purposes.
• Convert Layers to Symbols: Converts Photoshop layers into Animate symbols (Graphics, Movie Clips, etc.), placing instances on the timeline.
• Convert Layers to Keyframes: Imports each Photoshop layer as a separate keyframe on a single Animate layer (useful for simple frame-by-frame or swapping animations).
• Layer Comp Support: If you used layer comps in Photoshop, Animate can import them as separate layers or keyframes.
• Text Handling: Options for importing text layers as editable text or flattened images.

Carefully review these settings based on how you intend to use the Photoshop content in your animation.

Importing to Stage vs. Library

Import Option	Description	Typical Use Case
Import to Stage	Directly places selected content onto the active scene/stage.	Bringing in background elements or main characters ready for immediate placement.
Import to Library	Adds the content as assets (usually symbols) to the Library panel.	Organizing characters, props, or reusable elements for later use across scenes or projects.

Choosing between importing to the Stage or Library depends on whether you need the imported elements immediately visible on your current scene or if you prefer to organize them as reusable assets in your Library first.