Looking at another possibility for creating files in photoshop.
As we work in AfterEffects, we work in layers and we can change the order of them which is very similar to the way that Photoshop works. We can create individual files to import from Photoshop as single layers but we can also build up layered images in Photoshop and maintain those layers when we transfer over to AfterEffects.
Make sure the elements that you want to animate individually have their own layer.
File -> Import -> Select the Photoshop file you wish to import.
If you import as footage, you get the option to merge layers or only import one layer.
Instead, choose to import as a composition.
Import as composition: confirm that it will be imported as a composition.
It will import a composition under the name of your Photoshop file but also the individual layers made in Photoshop.
If you double click the icon next to the composition in the Project area, then all layers will move to the timeline at the bottom.
If you import in this way, the layers that are imported are cropped to the size of the composition.
You can always add or remove layers with other images to regain the size you need.
Only import as a composition if you need to use the layers separately within the file. Don't unnecessarily overcomplicate things.
Difference between 'Import as Composition' and 'Import as Composition - retain layer sizes'
Import as composition...
All layers are the same size even if they were smaller or larger on Photoshop.
They all scale up/down and rotate around the same anchor point even if you are working on them separately.
Alternatively…
Import as composition - retain layer sizes…
Each layer has its own size and anchor point - this is more true to the Photoshop file.
The possibility for animation is different for both options. It depends on how you want the layers to interact with each other and what your aims are for the animation. Choose the option which you think is going to work best for what you want to do.
If we import the balloon image via 'Import as composition - retain layer sizes' the actual dimensions of the clouds layer is retained and it is possible to let this pan so it looks like a constant movement.
Composition -> Composition Settings
When we import as a Photoshop file you need to double check you are working at the correct size and you can set the duration of your animation because you haven't done this yet.
Working in this way means you have to take particular care with looking after the individual files involved in your animation. It works in a similar way to InDesign so that it needs to know where all the original files are located. Make a folder and keep all of the relevant images together. Save the AfterEffects file in the same folder.
If using a memory stick, make sure you transfer the whole folder, not just the AfterEffects file because it then won't have access to the images it needs to animate.
The components will still keep all of its keyframes but the visual component will not be there and will just appear as blocks of solid colour.
If you get the file that is missing, right click on the file in the project area and select 'Replace Footage', locate the file and then the visual content will be restored.
Be organised and keep everything together then this won't happen in the first place.
File -> Dependancies -> Collect Files…
This function will gather everything together into one place and it will contain everything that your project needs.
Layer Switches and Options on AfterEffects
Master switches are the top row and the layer switches are below.
Shy Switch (face poking over wall) - allows you to simplify a complex number of layers. If you want to simplify it so you only see the part that you are working on. Apply the shy switch to the layers you want to be shy and click the same icon in the master switches to activate this.
Continuously Rasterize - only applicable with illustrator artwork. AfterEffects will treat illustrator files as if they were photoshop so when you scale up, you lose the quality of the edges. To take advantage of them being vectors, use this switch to retain the edge quality.
Quality Switch (diagonal line icon) - When doing a RAM preview, lowering the resolution can allow you to view more of your timeline in one go. This switch does a similar thing but on a layer by layer basis. It allows you to temporarily lower the quality of some layers while keeping others at full quality. It doesn't affect the overall outcome of the animation.
Fx -
Frame Blending (video film) - only available when working with video layers which are not relevant to this brief.
Motion Blur - it will simulate the motion blur of a camera lens when performing any transformations. It makes the transformations look more realistic. Only really visible in quick movements and will only work if the same icon is activated in the master switches. This function will increase the RAM preview times so the master switch is useful to turn this on and off while working. Just make sure it is turned on at the time of exporting.
Adjustment Layer (black and white circle) - these work in exactly the same way as adjustment layers in Photoshop. Possibilities available when working with effects include brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, etc.
Effects and Presets menu (just below preview panel).
Some of these effects are very specific to video but others are similar to Photoshop. Either choose from the list of use the 'Find' field at the top to search to save time. Drag and drop this adjustment onto the layer you want to apply it to.
Effect controls will then appear in the project panel.
Example of adjusting brightness...
You can come back at any time and make changes to an effect on any layer. You can also select it on the list and press backspace to get rid of it. You can also use keyframes to change these properties over time. Any effect can be animated.
An effects menu will also appear in the same place as the transformations so you can edit them here too.
Changing the overall look of the whole composition…
The easiest way to do this is to use adjustment layers.
Layer -> New -> Solid -> Make Comp Size
The colour it is filled with does not matter.
Place this layer at the top of the list of layers so it covers everything.
Click the adjustment layer switch and the layer will become transparent.
Select an effect from the menu and drag it onto the adjustment layer.
Altering the hue...
Altering the saturation...
An adjustment layer will only affect the layers that are below it in the list.
An adjustment later can also have more than one property, for example Hue/Saturation and Brightness/Contrast.
3D Layer - turns your layer into a 3D layer, this is not relevant for the current brief.
Toggle Switches / Modes will give you more options.
Mode - lets you alter the blending mode.
Track Matte - using the transparency of one layer to make shapes from another.
This process requires two layers, one directly on top of the other.
Click the Track Matte and select an option.
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| Alpha Matte |
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| Alpha Inverted Matte |
You can still animate the layers separately.
These are most of the options you can set for individual layers.
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