How to Change Composition Size in After Effects
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the process of resizing compositions in After Effects. Compositions, or “comps,” initially have fixed dimensions. However, this guide will help you efficiently change these dimensions.
1. Adjusting Composition Size: Using the Composition Settings Window
Begin by ensuring that the specific composition is open. Press Command+K (Mac) or Control+K (Windows) to open the “Composition Settings” window.
You can also navigate to the Composition menu and select “Composition Settings.” For frequent After Effects users, memorizing Cmd/Ctrl+K is recommended.
2. Composition Settings: Gateway to Transformation
In the “Composition Settings” window, the dropdown menu “Preset” offers predefined size and frame rate configurations.
3. Selecting Preset Composition Sizes
For video editing newcomers, the array of size choices might seem daunting. As an optimal default in After Effects, you can choose “HDTV 1080 29.97.”
Alternatively, if a smaller size is needed, “HDV/HDTV 720 29.97” is available. In the former, the resolution is 1920×1080 pixels, and in the latter, it’s 1280×720 pixels.
4. Customizing Composition Dimensions
For a tailored approach, you can opt for custom width and height settings. Adjust the “Width” and “Height” as necessary. You can input values manually or drag the numeric field. When altering aspect ratios, such as switching from horizontal to vertical video, uncheck “Lock Aspect Ratio”.
5. Implementing a New Aspect Ratio
For instance, to achieve a 9:16 aspect ratio for vertical video, uncheck the box and input the corresponding values. The width would be 1080, and the height would be 1920.
6. Finalizing Composition Size Changes
After making the required changes to the composition’s dimensions, confirm by clicking “OK”.
7. Post-Modification Considerations
Warning: If the original composition contained elements, they might need adjustments. While hitting “OK” won’t immediately affect them, the new composition sizes will require modification. For example, if the original composition was 1920×1080 and now it’s 1280×720, layers will need to be scaled. Conversely, when changing sizes, scaling in the opposite direction is necessary.
What is the Maximum After Effects Comp Size?
Adobe After Effects allows a maximum composition size of 30,000 pixels in width or height. This limitation primarily stems from the program’s technical capabilities and practical considerations of working with very large compositions.
However, it’s important to note that working with compositions of such size might demand significant computer hardware resources and can impact performance.
Keep in mind that software specifications and limitations can change with updates, so I recommend referring to official Adobe documentation or resources for the most up-to-date information on composition size limitations in After Effects.
What is the Image Size for After Effects?
In Adobe After Effects, the image size used in a composition can vary widely depending on project requirements. After Effects is quite versatile when it comes to working with images of different sizes and resolutions:
- You can import images of various sizes into a composition, and After Effects will automatically adjust their scale to fit the composition size. The key is to ensure that the resolution of the images matches the intended output;
- For example, if you’re working on a standard high-definition video project (1920×1080 pixels), image resolutions should be at least 1920×1080 pixels to allow for scaling and positioning without quality loss;
- However, if your project targets larger output, such as 4K video (3840×2160 pixels) or higher, using images with higher resolutions is recommended to maintain quality;
- Conversely, if the project is intended for web or small screens, images with such high resolutions might not be necessary. The goal is to strike a balance between image quality and intended size.
Remember that After Effects can handle a wide range of image sizes, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s more about ensuring images have sufficient resolution for the desired outcome. When selecting image sizes for After Effects compositions, always consider the final project format.
Using the Composition Settings Window
Access this window via Command+K (Mac) or Control+K (Windows), or through the Composition menu. This is essential for changing comp sizes.
Preset Composition Sizes
After Effects offers presets like “HDTV 1080 29.97” and “HDV/HDTV 720 29.97”. These presets have standard resolutions of 1920×1080 and 1280×720 pixels, respectively.
Custom Composition Sizes
For custom sizes, manually input new values for width and height. Uncheck “Lock Aspect Ratio” for changes in aspect ratio, such as switching from horizontal to vertical video.
Post-Modification Adjustments
After changing the composition size, you may need to adjust elements within the comp, especially if their scale doesn’t match the new size.
Scaling Composition Script
After Effects includes a script for scaling compositions. Accessible under File > Scripts > Scale Composition, this tool allows you to change the comp width and automatically adjusts other dimensions to maintain aspect ratio. Useful for converting projects to different resolutions like HD to 4K. Note that this script works best for continuously rasterizing layers like shape or text layers, but not for footage that can lose quality when scaled.
Trimming and Saving Compositions
The Composition menu allows you to trim comps to the work area and save still frames. Trimming is useful for adjusting the timeline length while saving frames is ideal for exporting single images from your composition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of adjusting composition sizes in After Effects opens up creative possibilities for video enthusiasts. This tutorial by Josh Short serves as an invaluable guide, breaking down a seemingly complex process into easily digestible steps.
Navigating the Composition Settings window might seem uncharted territory, but using keyboard shortcuts or menu options makes the task straightforward. Familiarizing yourself with preset composition sizes, along with practical recommendations for various scenarios, allows editors to choose sizes that match their vision.
The beauty of this guide lies in its coverage of both preset and custom composition sizes. The clarity with which the aspect ratio adjustment process is explained reflects the author’s commitment to conveying practical wisdom. Unlocking the potential of vertical video by revealing the “Lock Aspect Ratio” window as a key innovation to a common problem is a testament to Josh Short’s innovative approach.