Importing a sequence of still-image files

After Effects can import a sequence of still images if they all reside within one folder and use the same numeric or alphabetic filename pattern (such as Sequence1, Sequence2, Sequence3, and so forth). You can import them by using any of the following methods:

• As a sequence file where the layers in the file, if any, are merged.
• As a sequence file (Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator files with layers only) where the same layer in each file, for example, layername 3, is imported and used in the sequence.
• As a composition (Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator files with layers only) where every layer across the group of files is imported as a separate sequence and appears as a separate layer in the Timeline window.

After Effects uses the dimensions and bit depth of the first image in the sequence. It then imports (in numeric or alphabetic order) all still images in the folder that have the same filename pattern and file type as the one you selected. Each image, once imported into the sequence, represents one frame.

Note: When you render a composition that contains a numbered sequence, the output module uses the start frame number as the first frame number. For example, if you start to render on frame 25, the name of the file is 00025. (See Working in the Render Queue window.)


A sequence of still-image files (left) becomes one image sequence when imported into After Effects (right).

To import a sequence of still images as a sequence file:

1. Choose File > Import > File.
2. Locate and select any file in the sequence.
• To import a subset of files in a sequence, select the first file, hold down Shift, and then select the last file you want to include.
3. Choose Footage from the Import As pop-up menu.
4. Select the file format name Sequence option.
5. If you want to import alphabetically, select Force Alphabetical Order.
6. Click Open (Windows) or Import (Mac OS).
7. In the filename dialog box, choose one of the following from the Choose Layer pop-up menu:
• Merged Layers to merge all the layers in each individual file to one layer.
• Layer Name to import only a specific layer from each file in the sequence.
8. Click OK.

To import a sequence of still images as a composition:

1. Choose File > Import File.
2. Locate and select any file in the sequence.
• To import a subset of files in a sequence, select the first file, hold down Shift, and then select the last file you want to include.
3. Choose one of the following from the Import As pop-up menu:
• Composition - Cropped Layers to import the layers with their original dimensions.This option makes it easier to manipulate layers and speeds their rendering time.
• Composition to import layers and have them match the dimensions of the composition. This option is helpful when you need to align layers manually.
4. Select the file format name Sequence option.
5. If you want to import alphabetically, select Force Alphabetical Order.
6. Click Open (Windows) or Import (Mac OS).

To import a folder of still images as a sequence by dragging:

Drag the folder from the desktop to the After Effects Project window. After Effects imports the first sequence that is listed in the folder, based on the filename.

To import a sequence as individual footage files:

Do either of the following:

• Choose File > Import > File to open the Import File dialog box, locate and select the folder, and then click the Import Folder button.
• On the desktop, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) and drag the folder into either the After Effects icon on the desktop or into the Project window. You must release the mouse and then release Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) for this to work properly.

When you import a sequence of still images, they assume the frame rate specified in the Preferences. The default rate is 30 frames per second (fps). You can change the frame rate for the sequence either before or after importing.

To change the default frame rate for a sequence before importing:

1. Choose Edit > Preferences > Import (Windows) or After Effects > Preferences > Import (Mac OS).
2. Under Sequence Footage, type a new default frame rate, and then click OK.

Default frame rate for sequences

To assign a frame rate to a sequence you've already imported:

1. In the Project window, select the sequence of still images.
2. Choose File > Interpret Footage > Main.
3. Select Assume This Frame Rate.
4. Type the frame rate you want, and then click OK.