Import Multi-Layer Photoshop Files into After Effects

This article outlines the seamless workflow for importing multi-layer Adobe Photoshop (PSD) files into Adobe After Effects. By understanding the proper import settings, layer retention options, and live dynamic updating between both applications, motion designers can animate complex graphic designs while preserving native layer hierarchies, blend modes, and editable attributes.

Preparing the Photoshop File

A successful import begins with proper preparation inside Adobe Photoshop:

  • Color Mode: Ensure the document is set to RGB color mode via Image > Mode > RGB Color. After Effects works natively in RGB; CMYK documents will cause color shifts or import errors.
  • Layer Organization: Clearly name all layers and remove unused or hidden assets.
  • Layer Types: Text, shape, and pixel layers remain distinct in After Effects. However, complex adjustments or clipping masks should be organized carefully, as deeply nested groups can increase composition complexity.

Importing the PSD into After Effects

To bring the multi-layer file into After Effects:

  1. Open After Effects and go to File > Import > File (or press Ctrl+I on Windows, Cmd+I on macOS).
  2. Select the .psd file.
  3. At the bottom of the import window, find the Import As dropdown menu.
  4. Select Composition - Retain Layer Sizes.

Choosing Composition - Retain Layer Sizes ensures that each layer's bounding box and anchor point are centered around the actual pixels of that layer rather than the dimensions of the entire Photoshop canvas. Choosing standard Composition sets every layer's dimensions to the full canvas size, making individual rotation and scaling difficult.

Setting Layer Options

After clicking Import, a dialog box will prompt you for specific layer options:

  • Editable Layer Styles: Retains Photoshop layer styles (such as Drop Shadow, Stroke, or Outer Glow) as editable properties within After Effects. This offers flexibility but can impact playback performance.
  • Merge Layer Styles into Footage: Renders the layer styles directly into the layer bitmaps. This improves rendering speed and ensures identical visual fidelity with the original Photoshop document.

Click OK to complete the import. After Effects will generate a new composition containing the layers arranged in their original visual order, alongside a separate folder containing each individual layer asset.

Working with Live and Converted Assets

Once the composition is created, several integration features enhance the workflow:

  • Convert to Editable Text: Right-click any imported Photoshop text layer in the timeline and select Create > Convert to Editable Text. This converts the layer into native After Effects text, allowing you to animate tracking, baseline shift, and character ranges.
  • Convert to Shape Layer: Right-click vector shape layers from Photoshop and choose Create > Convert to Shape from Vector Layer to animate vector paths, strokes, and fills directly in the timeline.
  • Dynamic Updating: If you edit and save the original .psd file in Photoshop, After Effects automatically refreshes and updates the corresponding layers in your project, provided layer names and dimensions remain consistent.