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Rendering frames as a sequence of still images


    Movies are the type of output most useful for easy previewing. However, a sequence of still images from a composition can be used for movie-making and desktop presentations. You can use a sequence of stills in the following ways:

    • Transfer frames to film using a film recorder.
    • Create still images for high-end video systems.
    • Create still images and use them in a presentation.
    • Select images for publishing or creating storyboards.
    • Export source images for a graphics program in which the images can be edited or retouched and imported back into After Effects as footage items.

To export a range of frames as a sequence of stills:

  1. Choose Composition > Make Movie.
  2. Type a filename.
  3. Note: When rendering frames on a Mac OS system for use on a Windows system, the filename must be in this format: filename[###].tga. As each frame is rendered and a filename created for it, After Effects replaces the [###] portion of the name with a number indicating the order of the frame in the sequence.

  4. In the Render Queue window, click the underlined Output Module template name.
  5. Choose one of the sequence formats from the Format pop-up menu. Specify the rest of the settings you want and click OK.
  6. In the Render Queue window, click Render.