To add audio to After Effects, you need to import the audio file into your project and then drag it onto your composition timeline. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Import Your Audio File:
- Start After Effects and open your project. If you don't have a project open, create a new one (File > New > New Project).
- Import the audio file. There are several ways to do this:
- Drag and Drop: Drag the audio file directly from your computer's file explorer into the Project panel in After Effects.
- File Menu: Go to File > Import > File... and select your audio file.
- Right-Click in Project Panel: Right-click in the Project panel and choose Import > File... and select your audio file.
2. Create or Open a Composition:
- If you don't have a composition, create a new one (Composition > New Composition...) and adjust the settings (duration, size, frame rate) as needed.
- If you already have a composition, double-click it in the Project panel to open it in the Timeline panel.
3. Add the Audio to the Composition Timeline:
- Drag the audio file from the Project panel onto the Timeline panel for your composition. This will create a new audio layer in your timeline.
4. Adjust Audio Settings (Optional):
- Expand the Audio Layer: Click the arrow next to the audio layer's name in the Timeline panel to reveal the audio properties.
- Adjust Volume: Use the Audio Levels property to adjust the volume of the audio. You can keyframe these levels to create volume changes over time.
- Add Audio Effects: Go to Effect > Audio to add effects like reverb, chorus, or equalization to your audio.
Important Considerations:
- Supported Audio Formats: After Effects supports various audio formats, including
.wav,.mp3,.aiff, and.aac. - Troubleshooting Missing Audio: If you're experiencing issues with your audio not playing, make sure:
- The audio layer is enabled (the eye icon is visible).
- The audio is not muted (the speaker icon is not crossed out).
- The audio file is still located in the same directory on your computer (After Effects links to the file, it doesn't embed it).
- Your audio drivers are up to date.
By following these steps, you can easily add audio to your After Effects projects and create compelling visual and auditory experiences.
