Build your own Master Export Template in After Effects

Tutorial Overview

In this tutorial, we look at two approaches to creating a high quality export from Adobe After Effects with the goal of not creating degradation in our footage when it leaves After Effects. We look at creating a Quicktime DNxHD 10bit file and a Quicktime GoPro Cineform file that contains an alpha Channel.

Why create a master preset?

Time and efficiency

I always try to look at parts of my workflow that feel very autonomous and if it ends up being a process where I just need to click these same buttons 12 times in a row regardless of who is doing it. I look for a way to stream line that.

In the context of this tutorial, having a preset set specifically to your standards is going to save you tons of time and removes any human error that can happen when you are changing the default render settings to your desired specs many times in a row.

Standardization

Having a constant standard set with your exports means there is no guess work down the line in your workflow if someone else has to take your exported clips.

For example, a colorist taking your clips is going to see what format and color depth your clip is and make their choices on color with that file. Having all your files the same removes any questioning and guess work of how all the files will react to a color grade.

Lets say you need to send an updated clip to the colorist, preferably you would send the EXACT same file type so nothing changes when the colorist re -applies their work.

If you were to send a 10 Bit DNxHD file to them first then the next render is a Prores LQ export, those files are going to react to color very different from each other and that would force the colorist to adjust for this file type, and cause a less unified look across shots you were to deliver.