How to Export After Effects to MP4

Introduction

Exporting your After Effects project to MP4 is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a smooth exportation:

1. Complete Your Project: Before exporting, make sure your project is completed and ready for rendering.

2. Access the Export Menu:

   • Move your cursor to the top toolbar in After Effects.
   • Click on File in the dropdown menu.
   • Navigate to Export and select Add to Render Queue.

3. Choose Save Location:

   • This action will take you to the render queue section.
   • You will notice a blue text that says "Not Yet Specified." Click on this text.
   • Choose a location on your computer where you would like to save the exported file and confirm your selection.

4. Configure Output Module:

   • Look for the output module section, where you'll find another blue text that denotes the format and settings for the export.
   • By default, After Effects sets the format to H.264, which is suitable for MP4 export.
   • If satisfied with this format, you may leave it as is. To adjust the settings, click on the blue text.

5. Adjust Export Settings:

   • This will open a menu allowing you to modify format and other settings.
   • In the format dropdown menu, you may find various other export options, but sticking with H.264 is ideal for MP4.
   • After confirming your settings, click OK to return to the render queue.

6. Select Presets:

   • You can choose built-in presets by clicking on the small arrow next to the output module.
   • Here you will find various options, including a lossless preset. Be cautious as selecting a different preset might change the file extension (e.g., the lossless preset will export as an AVI file).

7. Start Rendering:

   • After ensuring your settings are correct, click the Render button to begin the export process.
   • The time taken for rendering will depend on the complexity of your project and your computer's performance.

8. Completion:

   • Once rendering is complete, your video will be saved as an MP4 file in the specified location.

This guide should help you successfully export your After Effects project to MP4 with ease.

Keyword

• After Effects
• Export
• MP4
• Render Queue
• Output Module
• H.264
• File Location
• Presets
• Rendering Process

FAQ

Q1: Can I export videos in formats other than MP4 using After Effects?
A1: Yes, After Effects provides various export formats. However, if you're specifically looking for MP4, H.264 is the recommended format.

Q2: How long does it take to render a video in After Effects?
A2: The rendering time can vary based on the complexity of the project and your computer's performance.

Q3: What if I want higher quality than MP4?
A3: If you need a higher quality output, you can explore lossless presets, but keep in mind that these may result in larger file sizes and different formats like AVI.

Q4: Can I change the export location after adding to the render queue?
A4: Yes, you can change the export location by clicking on the blue text in the render queue that denotes file saving location.

Q5: Is there a quick way to access common export settings?
A5: Yes, you can find and select built-in presets by clicking the small arrow next to the output module in the render queue for commonly used export settings.