Working with higher image resolutions

After Effects supports a maximum image resolution of 30,000 x 30,000 pixels for importing and rendering files. Resolution refers to the dimensions (width and height) of an image measured in pixels. When you work with higher resolutions, you can use a wider variety of formats, such as IMAX frames (4096 x 3002 pixels), full-aperture/silent frames (4096 x 3112 pixels), and other large-format media.

When working with high-resolution images, consider the following:

• All input and output modules in After Effects support increased resolutions except PICT (4,000 x 4,000 pixels), BMP (16,000 x 30,000 pixels), and PXR (30,000 x 16,000 pixels).
• The maximum resolution you can import or export is limited by the amount of physical RAM available to After Effects. When working with large frame sizes, minimize the RAM used by the system or other software running on your computer, but be sure to leave at least 4 MB of unused RAM to handle system software requirements.
• The following formula helps you determine the amount of RAM you need based on the footage: Image Width in Pixels x Image Height in Pixels x 4 Bytes of Memory for 32 bits-per-pixel (bpp) or 8 Bytes of Memory for 64 bpp. For example, a 30,000-x-30,000-pixel image requires 3.5 GB of RAM to import and display each frame. However, a 30,000-x-486-pixel image requires only 60 MB of RAM. Memory requirements for 16-bits-per-channel (bpc) project color depth are approximately double those for 8 bpc.