Problem Importing Illustrator Files into After Effects
by jorberg
on
Apr 15, 2007 at 9:54:08 pm
Hello,
I'm having a lot of trouble importing Adobe Illustrator files into Adobe After Effects. I purchased a vector image that is in an .eps format, which is what Illustrator opens. I then devided each element of the image into its own seperate layer. Then, I saved the document. When I open the Illustrator document, I can see all of the layers that I created with their respected objects inside.
However, when I import as a composition in After Effects, none of my layers are showing up. They are simply showing up as one bulk layer. (Layer 1)I tried importing with cropped layers, non cropped layers, footage....nothing seems to work. The funny thing is, none of my layers are even called that!!
When saving the Illustrator file, I saved it as a .EPS and a .AI, and neither worked. I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm really upset because it took me a long time to divide up the image, so I'd really like to not lose all this work :) Does anyone have any suggestions to make this work? I was using this method to divide up the image:
http://www.layersmagazine.com/get-your-adobe-illustrator-files-moving-in-af...
Re: Problem Importing Illustrator Files into After Effects by Steve Roberts on Apr 15, 2007 at 10:34:32 pm
Recently, AI has started saving in sub-layers or something. To make AE see your sub-layers, each of your sub-layers has to be on a separate layer, as in Layer 1, Layer 2, and so on. I believe you need to use "release to layers", or some such thing.
Search the COW for details -- this has been discussed.
Re: Problem Importing Illustrator Files into After Effects by jorberg on Apr 16, 2007 at 12:50:43 pm
I searched through the boards, but didn't really come up with anything. Do you recall who may have started the thread, or what it may have been titled? I tried a few different options, and came up with nothing.
I tried what you said, but it didn't really make a difference. I may not have done it correctly though - I'm a newbie at Illustrator, but I know After Effects pretty well -- so its kinda frustraiting. Thank you for your help though, I really appreciate it!!
Re: Problem Importing Illustrator Files into After Effects by bogiesan on Apr 16, 2007 at 4:08:24 pm
Try saving out of AI in lower common denominators. You can use different AI versions in the dropdown menu for Save As.
Try opening up the Illustrator section of the AE manual. I don't think you've said you've actually done that. Follow the steps very carefully. You may have a newer rev of Illustrator than your AE can see, you may not have the right AICB setup. Try using some of the AI clip art objects or just try making some simple stuff.
Other question: Are you absolutely sure the objects are not in AE? They might be black lines on a black background. Try looking at just the alpha.
bogiesan
This is my standard sigfile so do not take it personally: "For crying out loud, read the freakin' manual."
Re: Problem Importing Illustrator Files into After Effects by david Cabestany on Jul 5, 2008 at 8:06:45 am
i had the same problem, tried layers, sublayers, the make pdf compatible option file checked and unchecked, AICB, PDF, preserving paths and preserving appearance options and nothing worked.
then i read that you need to match your versions, illustrator cs3 with AE cs3, cs2 with 7 and so on. so i saved my .ai file as cs2 and reimported it into AE, it loaded flawlessly (well, it took a little longer, but it's 48 layers with #d effects on 'em!!).
with their dirty trick adobe just gave me a new excuse to upgrade my AE to cs3!!
