How to Import and Use Photoshop (PS) & Illustrator (AI) Files in Adobe After Effect

 

How to Import and Use Photoshop (PS) & Illustrator (AI) Files in Adobe After Effects

Adobe After Effects allows seamless integration with Photoshop (PSD) and Illustrator (AI) files, making it easy to animate graphics, logos, and layered designs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to importing and using them effectively.

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1. Import a Photoshop (PSD) File into After Effects

Step 1: Prepare Your Photoshop File

✅ Keep layers organized – Name them properly (e.g., "Text", "Background", "Logo").
✅ Use separate layers for elements you want to animate.
✅ Flatten unused layers to reduce file size.

Step 2: Import into After Effects

1️⃣ Open After Effects.
2️⃣ Go to File → Import → File.
3️⃣ Select your PSD file and click Open.
4️⃣ Choose Import As → Composition - Retain Layer Sizes (this keeps layers separate for animation).
5️⃣ Click OK.

🔹 Your Photoshop layers will now appear in the Project panel inside a folder.

Step 3: Use the PSD Layers in Your Composition

1️⃣ Drag the imported composition to the timeline.
2️⃣ Select any layer and add effects, keyframes, or animations.

🎯 Pro Tip: If you edit the PSD file in Photoshop, After Effects will update it automatically when saved.

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2. Import an Illustrator (AI) File into After Effects

Step 1: Prepare Your Illustrator File

✅ Convert text to outlines (Type → Create Outlines) to avoid font issues.
✅ Keep layers separate for animation.
✅ Save as an AI file (File → Save As → .AI).

Step 2: Import into After Effects

1️⃣ Go to File → Import → File.
2️⃣ Select your AI file and click Open.
3️⃣ Choose Import As → Composition - Retain Layer Sizes.
4️⃣ Click OK.

Step 3: Convert to Editable Shapes

To animate Illustrator layers properly:
1️⃣ Select the imported AI layer in the Timeline.
2️⃣ Right-click → Create → Create Shapes from Vector Layer.
3️⃣ The new shape layer replaces the AI file (delete the original AI layer).

🎯 Pro Tip: Shape layers allow you to add stroke, fill, trim paths, and animations easily.

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Final Thoughts

Using Photoshop and Illustrator files in After Effects lets you create professional animations with ease. Whether you’re working on a logo animation, motion graphics, or visual effects, integrating PSD and AI files saves time and enhances creativity.

Start experimenting with your designs and bring them to life in After Effects! 🚀