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Preparing layered Adobe Photoshop files


    Importing layers into After Effects makes it possible to prearrange a composition in Adobe Photoshop using layers, and preserve those layers in After Effects so that they are ready for animation. Preserving layers is also useful if you want to use a single Adobe Photoshop file as a source for both print and dynamic media.

    Before you import a layered Adobe Photoshop file, prepare it thoroughly to reduce preview and rendering time. Avoid problems importing and updating Adobe Photoshop layers by naming them properly. Before you import them into After Effects, do the following:

    • Organize and name layers. If you change a layer name or delete a layer in an Adobe Photoshop file after you have imported it into After Effects, After Effects is unable to find the original layer name, and the Project window lists that layer as Missing.
    • Make sure that each layer has a unique name, because After Effects manages layers by their names. Duplicate layer names can cause problems when you update footage.
    • If you want to import a composited version of a layered Photoshop file along with a layered version, select the Include Composited Image With Layered Files option in the Photoshop Saving Files Preferences dialog box.