Template Project File Structure
Versions
Make sure that you have the same versions as your teammates!
After Effects: 24.0.0
Premiere Pro: 24.6.4 Illustrator: 27.9
CourseAcronymYear_Identifier_VideoTitle_LastName For example, PFE24_5.4v_Family Engagement in the Classroom
Keep different versions (v1, v2, v3, etc.) for yourself! The file you send to editors should be the same name however.
Work off the external drive provided to you. Keep both local and backup files at all times. Save work frequently. We use the NAS.
place your dependencies in the AE dependencies folder
Naming Conventions
After Effects Files
Setting Up The Remote Server
File Organization
After Effects
Getting Started
The folders in your template project are organized like this:
|
>Comps >Precomps >H264s >Solids >Assets |
You may add extra sub-folders to the Assets folder (for example, animations, audio files).
|
The comps folder is where editors will go to find the completed animations. Keep it clean! |
Timeline Organization
People's preference in organizing their timelines varies, but it should BE EASY TO READ AND WELL ORGANIZED.
Here is an example of a timeline:
Reference H264 at the bottom.
Each scene is its own precomp.
Scene composition durations are equal to that of the video, so that it is easier to trim transitions.
Precomps are labeled with chronological numbers.
You can also label them according to how they're numbered in the script.
When you are ready to send off your .aep to editors, mute and make the reference H264 invisible.
AE Plugins We Use
Overlord
Our most used plugin.
Draw stuff in AI, and send it to Ae as shape layers or images with a click.
Mister Horse's Animation Composer 3
A free plug-in full of presets, tools, amd templates.
It additionally includes:
- Keyframe Wingman
- Anchor Point Mover
- Transition Shifter
Settings
Animation Composer 3
Common Transitions:
- Fade Cubic in & Out 1
- Ease Fade & Position 1
- Ease Fade & Scale 3
Keyframe Wingman
30 --- 30
10-25 frames spaced apart
Ease and Whizz
Gives you more ways to interpolate between values.
Settings
- Quad
- 15 frames apart
- check "curvaceous" if animating a mask
True Comp Duplicator
Creates a complete duplicate of selected comp hierarchies including subcomps with many options.
Illustrator
Non-Destructive Editing
Everything should be easily reversible to its original element.
If you edit destructively, make a copy of the original. You can place it in the margins, or in a separate file altogether.
Don't expand text unless you have a duplicate text copy of it.