Using Collect Files to Share an After Effects Project

Learn how to properly use the Collect Files function in Adobe After Effects with this helpful video tutorial.

The Collect Files function isn’t the most exciting setting in Adobe After Effects, but it can be invaluable when you need to send a project file to a client or team member.

The Collect Files function creates a duplicate copy of everything that makes up a project and puts it in a new folder — video clips, images, logos, etc. Collect Files also links all of the file assets to a duplicated project file. This organizes everything in one, easy-to-manage folder. This makes it easy to forward the project in its entirety to someone else.

The structure of the After Effects project also plays a big role when you run the Collect Files function. This is because it creates a folder hierarchy named exactly the same as your folder layout in your project. You will want to make sure the folder layout in your project is easy to understand prior to running Collect Files to avoid potential errors.

The Keys to Using the Collect Files function

The following points can help you when you run Collect Files in Adobe After Effects:

• Organize footage and assets into folders in your After Effects project.
• Do not nest multiple folders within each other.
• Use the Remove Unused Footage function prior to running Collect Files.
• After running Collect Files, double check the new project.
• Compress the entire duplicate folder containing the project file and assets before sending to someone else.

Have any tips for using Collect Files in Adobe After Effects? Share in the comments.