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Practical Checklist

Default project settings and export reminders to reference before starting any After Effects project.

Project Setup

  • Set dimensions to match final output (1920×1080, 4K, etc.)
  • Confirm frame rate matches footage (24, 30, 60fps)
  • Set shutter angle for motion blur (180° standard)
  • Organize project with folders: Footage, Comps, Audio, Assets

Before Animating

  • Pre-compose complex layer groups
  • Label layers with descriptive names
  • Color-code layers by type
  • Set up null objects for master controls

Performance

  • Enable GPU acceleration (Preferences > Previews)
  • Lower preview resolution for complex comps
  • Purge memory periodically (Edit > Purge > All Memory)
  • Use proxies for high-resolution footage

Export

  • Check codec: H.264 for web, ProRes for broadcast
  • Verify audio sample rate (48kHz standard)
  • Use Collect Files before archiving
  • Render test frames before full export