You can import frames into After Effects as image sequences.
Importing Image Sequences
- Locate your image sequence: Find the folder containing the individual frames of your image sequence. The frames should be numbered sequentially, for example, "frame_0001.jpg," "frame_0002.jpg," and so on.
- Open After Effects: Launch After Effects and create a new composition or open an existing one.
- Import the sequence: Go to File > Import > File or drag and drop the first frame of your sequence into the After Effects window.
- Choose "Import as Footage": In the import dialog box, select "Import as Footage" and click "OK."
- Adjust settings: In the "Import Footage" window, you can adjust settings like the frame rate and duration of your imported sequence.
- Place in composition: The imported image sequence will appear as a layer in your composition. You can then position, scale, and animate it as needed.
Example
Imagine you have a series of 24 images named "frame_0001.jpg" to "frame_0024.jpg" in a folder named "my_animation." You would follow the steps above to import these images into After Effects, creating a 24-frame animation.
Tips
- Ensure consistent naming: Make sure your image frames are named sequentially and consistently for proper import.
- Use the correct file format: After Effects supports various image formats, including JPEG, PNG, and TIFF.
- Check the frame rate: Match the frame rate of your image sequence to the frame rate of your composition for seamless integration.