How to Import Mov and Mp4 files in After Effects

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Introduction

Importing MOV and MP4 files into Adobe After Effects can sometimes result in errors due to unsupported formats. However, there's a straightforward workaround that you can follow to import your video files successfully. This guide provides a step-by-step method, complete with images, to help you through the process. Let’s dive in!

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Open After Effects: When you attempt to import your MOV or MP4 files, you may encounter an error message stating: "After Effects error: could not read from source. Please check the settings and try again." This is a common issue with unsupported formats.

  2. Download Adobe Media Encoder: To resolve this, ensure you have Adobe Media Encoder installed on your system. It's important to obtain the version that matches your version of After Effects. For instance, if you have After Effects 2020, you should use Media Encoder 2020.

  3. Add Your Source File: Open Adobe Media Encoder and click on "ADD Source." This action will bring up a file browser. Drag and drop your MOV or MP4 video file into the window.

  4. Select Output Format: Once your file is added to the queue, look for the format options. Click on the arrow next to the format field, and from the dropdown menu, select "QuickTime." This is the format you'll want to export your video to.

  5. Adjust Export Settings: Click on the title of your video in the encoding queue, which will bring up the export settings. Ensure that you check the boxes for "Export Video" and "Export Audio."

  6. Edit Width and Height: Scroll down to the quality settings. To edit the width and height, click on the chain icon to unlock the dimensions. Set the dimensions to your preferred format (e.g., 1920 x 1080).

  7. Save Your Preset: Name your export settings preset for future reference. Make sure to check the option to save the effect settings, and then click "OK" to start encoding.

  8. Import into After Effects: After the encoding is complete, return to After Effects and import your newly encoded QuickTime file. You should now be able to use and edit it without any issues.

By following these steps, you'll be able to successfully import MOV and MP4 files into Adobe After Effects, allowing you to edit and create your projects with ease.

Keywords

MOV, MP4, After Effects, Adobe Media Encoder, import, unsupported formats, QuickTime, export settings, encoding, video files.

FAQ

Q1: What do I do if I encounter an error while importing MOV or MP4 files in After Effects?
A1: You may receive an error message due to unsupported formats. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to use Adobe Media Encoder for encoding your video files into a compatible format.

Q2: Do I need a specific version of Adobe Media Encoder for compatibility with After Effects?
A2: Yes, it's essential to have the same version of Adobe Media Encoder as your After Effects. If you have After Effects 2020, make sure to use Media Encoder 2020.

Q3: What format should I choose when exporting my video in Adobe Media Encoder?
A3: You should select "QuickTime" as the export format to ensure compatibility with After Effects.

Q4: Can I change the dimensions of my video during the export process?
A4: Yes, you can unlock the width and height settings and adjust them to your desired resolution.

Q5: How do I import my encoded video back into After Effects?
A5: After encoding, simply import the new QuickTime file into After Effects as you would with any other video file.