Part 2: Importing Photoshop Files into After Effects (Correct Settings)
*From Static Design to Motion Ready!* 🚀
In Part 2 of our series, we move from Photoshop into **Adobe After Effects**. Designing is only half the battle; knowing how to import your assets while keeping them editable and organized is what separates the pros from the beginners.
I’ll walk you through the exact import settings I use to ensure every layer, text element, and artboard from our Part 1 design remains perfectly positioned and ready to animate.
*What we’re covering in this lesson:*
*The "Golden Rule" of Importing:* Why you must choose *Composition – Retain Layer Sizes*.
*Fixing Color Issues:* Ensuring your PSD is in *RGB mode* so After Effects recognizes your layers.
*Composition Setup:* Setting the right frame rate and duration for a 10-second social media ad.
*Timeline Organization:* Navigating the imported composition and identifying your "Main Frames."
*Parenting Basics:* Using Null Objects to control multiple layers at once (essential for that burger movement!).
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*Timestamps:*
*00:00* – Recapping Part 1 & Opening After Effects
*01:15* – Importing the PSD: Composition vs. Footage
*03:30* – Retaining Layer Sizes (The most important step!)
*05:10* – Troubleshooting: Why are my layers missing? (CMYK vs RGB)
*07:45* – Organizing the Timeline for Animation
*10:20* – Setting Up the Null Object for the "Burger Bounce"
*12:45* – Pre-Compositing for a cleaner workflow
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*Project Files & Links:*
*Missed Part 1?* Watch it here: [ • Part 1: Designing Motion Graphics Assets i... ]
*Software:* Adobe After Effects 2024
*Plugins used:* None (Native AE only!)
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*Join the Conversation:*
Did your layers import correctly? If you're seeing a "flattened" image instead of your layers, let me know in the comments and I'll help you troubleshoot!
*Subscribe* for Part 3, where we finally start keyframing and adding the *Green Screen Vapor* effect! 🍔💨
#AfterEffectsTutorial #MotionGraphics #AdobePhotoshop #VideoEditing #GraphicDesignWorkflow #CreativeCloud