How to Export H264 videos from After Effects (mp4)

Introduction

Exporting your animated projects as MP4 files in Adobe After Effects has become considerably more streamlined with the recent updates. Below, we will guide you through the steps to export your animation in the H264 format, which compresses your video efficiently while maintaining good quality.

Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting H264 Videos

Finalizing Your Animation: After you’ve completed your animation in the timeline, you're ready to export.
Adding to Render Queue: Go to the menu bar and select Composition, then click on Add to Render Queue. This opens the Render Queue panel.
Setting Output Module: In the Render Queue panel, look for the Output Module settings. Click on the options there.
Choosing Format: In the Format dropdown menu, select H264. This option enables you to export your video as an MP4 file directly.
Adjusting Bitrate: You can further adjust the settings for better output quality. Opt for a Variable Bit Rate (VBR) of around 14 Mbps, which often provides a good balance between file size and quality. After confirming your settings, click OK.
Selecting Target Folder: Choose a target folder where the exported file will be saved. For convenience, you might want to save it in the same location as your project file. Name your video file appropriately, for instance, straight_from_a.
Rendering the Video: Now, click the Render button. The rendering process will begin, and you’ll see a progress bar. Wait for it to reach 100%, which indicates that the rendering is complete.
Comparing Video Outputs: Once the rendering is complete, you should have your MP4 file ready alongside the traditional MOV file you might previously have exported. You can conduct a quick quality check by comparing the outputs.
Using Adobe Media Encoder/ Premiere Pro (Optional): In earlier versions of After Effects, exporting to MP4 required rendering to MOV first and then using Adobe Media Encoder or Premiere Pro to convert it to H264. The new features added in the October 2023 version allow for a more direct approach.
Updates: To gain access to the H264 rendering feature in After Effects, ensure you are using the latest version by updating through Adobe Creative Cloud.

Conclusion

The ability to export MP4 files directly from Adobe After Effects adds convenience and efficiency to your workflow, reducing the need for additional software for conversion. Mastering these steps will give you a stronger command over your video production process.

Keywords

After Effects
Export
H264
MP4
Render Queue
Output Module
Bit Rate
Adobe Media Encoder

FAQ

Q1: What format do I choose to export as MP4 from After Effects?
A1: You should select H264 from the Format dropdown in the Output Module settings.

Q2: Is it necessary to use Adobe Media Encoder to create an MP4 file from After Effects?
A2: No, with the October 2023 update, you can export directly to MP4 without the need for Adobe Media Encoder.

Q3: What bitrate is recommended for exporting H264 videos?
A3: A Variable Bit Rate (VBR) setting of around 14 Mbps is typically sufficient for good quality.

Q4: How long does rendering an MP4 file take?
A4: The rendering time will vary depending on the length and complexity of your animation, but you can monitor progress in the Render Queue panel.

Q5: Where can I save the exported video file?
A5: You can choose any target folder. It’s often convenient to save it in the same location as your project file.