How to Import AI File into After Effects as Separate Layers
Adobe After Effects is a powerful tool for creating motion graphics and visual effects. One common task in After Effects is to import Adobe Illustrator files and animate them. However, when you import an AI file into After Effects, by default, it comes in as a single flattened image, which can limit your ability to animate and manipulate individual elements. Fortunately, there is a way to import the AI file into After Effects as separate layers, allowing for more flexibility and control over your animation.
Step 1: Prepare Your Illustrator File
Before importing your AI file into After Effects, make sure your Illustrator file is properly organized. Each element that you want to animate or manipulate separately should be on its own layer. This means that if you have a logo with text and graphics, each text element and graphic element should be on its own layer in Illustrator.
Step 2: Open After Effects
Once you have your Illustrator file ready, open After Effects on your computer. Create a new composition by clicking on “Composition” in the top menu and selecting “New Composition.”
Step 3: Import the AI File
To import the AI file, go to the “File” menu, hover over “Import,” and then select “File.” Navigate to where your AI file is saved, select it, and click “Open.” This will bring up the import dialog box.
Step 4: Import as Composition
In the import dialog box, you will see an option called “Import As.” By default, it may be set to “Composition – Retain Layer Sizes.” Change this to “Composition – Cropped Layers” and then click “Open.”
Step 5: Adjust Import Settings
After clicking “Open,” you will see another dialog box called “Cropped Import.” Here, you can adjust the import settings to specify how the AI file will be brought into After Effects. For example, you can choose to import the layers as editable shapes, merge paths, etc. Once you have adjusted the settings to your preference, click “OK.”
Step 6: Organize Your Layers
After Effects will then import your AI file as a composition with the layers separated. On the timeline, you will see the layers from your Illustrator file, each on its own layer. You can now animate and manipulate each layer separately, giving you the flexibility to create complex animations.
By following these steps, you can import an AI file into After Effects as separate layers, allowing for more control and flexibility when creating motion graphics and visual effects. This technique is particularly useful for animating logos, infographics, and other complex graphics created in Adobe Illustrator. With the ability to work with individual layers, you can unleash your creativity and create stunning visual effects in After Effects.
