Objective

To learn After Effects production techniques by recreating the above animated GIF. To learn how to import Photoshop layers into After Effects, create a simple animation, and export GIF's using Photoshop.

Discussion

After Effects can easily read and animate Photoshop layers—if the file is imported correctly. In this demo, we will be importing a Photoshop mock-up into Ae and creat an animation by simply turning layers on and off layers in the timeline.

Although Ae can export GIF's, Photoshop does a better job at compressing movies into web approprate file sizes.

When creating a small animated GIF (especially for your portfolio), begin with a layout that is double the final pixel size. Later, the GIF can be resized in Photoshop.

Keyboard shortcuts

Procedure

setting up the project

1. download starter files
2. relocate file to faa000
3. open the file in Ps, examine the layer stack and image size
4. launch Ae
5. new composition "~master," 600x500px, frame rate 29.97, resolution=full, time=0;00;08;00, background color=FAF6F6
6. RMC project panel > import > file: "banner_elements.psd"
   import as: composition - retain layer size
   editable layer styles (next dialog box)
7. note the new composition and folder in the project panel
8. save "shoe_banner.aep"

adding the layer to the timeline

1. select and drop all layers into the timeline
2. rename layers
3. move type and logo to the bottom of layer stack, reposition, align, lock
4. reposition and scale shoes as needed

adding the space pink shape

1. layer > new > shape layer
2. draw rectangle with shape tool
3. rotate and reposition
4. move to bottom of layer stack, lock

animating the shoes

1. move timeline indicator to 0;00;00;20, trim "orange shoe" (opt ])
2. start "purple shoe" at location ([)
3. trim "purple shoe" at 0;00;01;10 (opt ])
4. repeat for tan shoe
5. play animation (spacebar)
6. adjust time as needed
7. trim work area at the end of "tan shoe"
8. save

rendering the animation

1. composition > add to render queue
   output module: lossless
   output to: "shoe_banner," location: faa000 (note extension)
   save
2. render
3. view file in finder, note file size

creating the GIF in Photoshop

1. launch Photoshop, open "shoe_banner.mov"
2. play movie in timeline panel
   1. file > export > save for web
      preset: GIF 128 Dithered
      colors: 256 (note file size)
      image size: 300x250px (note new file size)
      looping options: forever
   2. save "shoe_banner.gif"
   3. open GIF in browser window