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Preparing a still-image file for import into After Effects
- Set the pixel dimensions to the resolution you will use in After Effects. If you plan to scale the image over time, set image dimensions that provide enough detail at the largest size the image has in the project. The maximum resolution you can use in After Effects is 30,000 x 30,000 pixels. For D1 or DV, see Using square-pixel footage for output to D1 or DV NTSC.
- Specify an even-numbered resolution for files imported into compositions that also use even-numbered resolution, and odd numbers for compositions using odd-numbered resolution. See the Adobe Web site for technical papers with more information.
- Crop the parts of the image that you do not want to be visible in After Effects.
- Correct the contrast and color balance for broadcast video, if necessary.
- Create an alpha channel if you want to designate areas as transparent.
- If final output will be broadcast video, avoid using thin lines (such as 1-pixel lines) for images or text because they may appear to flicker. If you must use thin lines, add a slight blur so the line or text displays on both video fields instead of flickering between them.
- Save the file using the correct naming convention. For example, if you plan to import the file to After Effects on a Windows system, save the file using a three-character extension. If you plan to import the file to a Mac OS, use a name of 31 characters or fewer.
- Make sure that the file format is supported on the operating system you plan to use.
Before you import a still image into After Effects, prepare the file as completely as possible. It is usually easier and faster to prepare a file in its original application; this also reduces rendering time in After Effects. Consider doing the following before you import still-image files into After Effects:
For information on preparing and importing interlaced motion video to After Effects, see Preparing motion footage for import.
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