How to Prepare and Import Illustrator files to Adobe After Effects

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore the process of importing files from Adobe Illustrator to Adobe After Effects efficiently. There are two primary methods for doing this, and we will start with the best approach, so you can get the most out of your files.

Method 1: Optimal Import Process

1. Open Adobe Illustrator
   Begin by launching Adobe Illustrator and opening the Illustrator file containing your logo or graphic you want to import. In this example, we’re dealing with a simple logo consisting of one layer with multiple paths and a background image.

2. Release Layers
   Select the single layer containing your paths and click on "Release to Layers (Sequence)." This action separates each path into its own individual layer, along with the background image.

3. Organize Layers
   Now, select all of the newly created layers and drag them outside of the original layer so they become standalone layers. Once done, you can delete the original layer, as it is no longer needed.

4. Save the File
   Press Ctrl + S to save your modified Illustrator file before proceeding to After Effects.

5. Open Adobe After Effects
   Launch Adobe After Effects and create a new composition. You can name it "Importing Files from AI" for clarity and leave the settings at their default values.

6. Import the Illustrator File
   Drag the saved Illustrator file into After Effects. When prompted with the "Import Kind" option, select "Composition" to ensure that all layers are maintained and press OK.

7. Access the Composition
   Double-click the new composition created from the imported file to open it. You will see all layers from the Illustrator file available in After Effects.

8. Convert to Shapes (Optional)
   If you don't need the original Illustrator layers anymore, you can select all layers (using Shift + Click) and then right-click to choose "Create Shapes from Vector Layer." Once the shapes are created, you can delete the original vector layers to simplify your project.

Now, your shapes can be manipulated independently, allowing for more dynamic animations and effects.

Method 2: Alternative Import Process

1. Close the Previous Composition
   Return to your main workspace and remove the last composition to clear the project.

2. Import as Footage
   This time, drag your Illustrator file into After Effects as "Footage." This method will import all paths as a single shape layer, unlike the previous method that kept each path as an individual layer.

3. Creating Shapes
   After importing, right-click on the layer and select "Create Shapes from Vector Layer." The result will be one combined shape containing all paths within groups.

4. Manipulating the Shape
   Although manipulating a single shape layer can be more challenging, it can reduce the clutter of many shapes in your project if that aligns better with your workflow.

In summary, both methods have their advantages. The first method allows for easier manipulation and animation, while the second may be preferable for those who want a cleaner project view.

Keyword

Illustrator, After Effects, Import, Layers, Composition, Shapes, Animation, Graphic Design

FAQ

Q: What is the best method to import files from Illustrator to After Effects?
A: The best method is to import your Illustrator file as a composition, which keeps all the layers separate for easy manipulation.

Q: Can I delete the original layer after releasing layers in Illustrator?
A: Yes, once you have made the individual layers standalone, you can delete the original layer as it is no longer needed.

Q: What does importing as 'Footage' do in After Effects?
A: Importing as 'Footage' merges all paths into a single shape layer, which can make individual path manipulation more complex.

Q: How can I create shapes from vector layers in After Effects?
A: Select the layers you want to convert, right-click, and choose "Create Shapes from Vector Layer" to convert them into editable shape layers.

Q: Why might I choose to import as 'Footage'?
A: Importing as 'Footage' can help reduce the number of layers in your After Effects project, which might suit certain workflows better.