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Selecting 16-bpc color depth (PB only)


    After Effects can work in 16-bit-per-channel mode, making a larger range of colors available. When you work with high-resolution images that use a narrow range of colors, such as when you're creating subtle gradients for film effects or HDTV output, transitions between colors are smoother with less visible banding, and more detail is preserved.

    You can choose whether to work in 8-bit-per-channel or 16-bit-per-channel color mode for each project. Directly import 16-bit images, including those from Photoshop, and composite and color-correct footage in 16-bit mode. Take advantage of 16-bit color when performing most After Effects tasks, including layer adjustment, frame blending, 3D, and Cineon file import. The Info palette displays 16-bit color values with exact precision.

    Many effects support 16 bits per channel. If an effect supports only 8 bits, and your project is set to 16 bits, After Effects displays a warning icon (Many effects support 16 bits per channel. If an effect supports only 8 bits, and your project is set to 16 bits, After Effects displays a warning icon) next to the effect name in the Effect Controls palette. Using an 8-bit effect in a 16-bit project will result in a loss of detail for the effect's layer.

    When rendering to output module depths of Trillions of Colors, set the project to 16-bit color depth to take advantage of the output file's extra color precision. To optimize performance, rough out a composition in 8-bit color mode, and then finalize and output 16-bit files for maximum quality.

To specify color depth:

  1. Open the project and choose File > Project Settings.
  2. For Depth, choose 8 bits per channel or 16 bits per channel, and then click OK.
  3. Tip iconHold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) and click the color depth indicator at the bottom of the project window to toggle between 8- and 16-bits per channel color.