Skip to main content
D
Danny5C47
Participant
September 29, 2025

Importing bug with latest After Effects/Illustrator

  • September 29, 2025
  • 5 replies
  • 291 views

Since updating apps last week, any Illustrator files imported to After Effects include duplicates of each layer that are blank 1x1px. As they also duplicate the layer names, this leads to layers "disappearing" later when reopening/editing files as they've re-linked layers to these "blank" layers.

    5 replies

    Kevin-Monahan
    Community Manager
    Kevin-MonahanCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    November 21, 2025

    Hi,

    I merged your discussion with another one showing the same issue. Sorry for the problem.

     

    Thanks,
    Kevin

     

    Kevin Monahan - Sr. Community & Engagement Strategist – Pro Video and Audio
    M
    matt_3607
    Participant
    October 20, 2025

    I'm importing with "Import As:" set to "Composition - Retain Layer Sizes"

    M
    MariartDesign
    Participant
    November 20, 2025

    When importing Illsutrator files into After Effects as compositions (retaining layer sizes), all layers are duplicated and the first of each one has no content.

    I'd like to know if anyone else has this issue with the latest update of AE (V 25.6.0 (Build 101)).

    M
    matt_3607
    Participant
    October 20, 2025

    I'm experiencing the same issue. Running AE 25.5.0 and Illustrator 29.8.2 on a PC. Deleting the second artboard gets rid of the issue but is not a workable solution in my case. I'm updating an AE file that has 100+ layers and I need to relink to the new illustrator file. Deleting the second artboard gets rid of the duplicate layers, but shifts the position of all the relinked layers.

      D
      Danny5C47Author
      Participant
      October 7, 2025

      I am using Illustrator 29.8.1 and AE 25.5.0 (Build 4)

      It only happens with recently saved/updated files.

      I've found it happens when I have 2 artboards in the Illustrator file; I use the Film & Video preset templates. Deleting the second larger artboard stops AE reading theses second "empty" layers. This will not be a permanent workaround though as I often need my artwork to exede the main artboard bounds.

        JohnColombo17100380
        Community Manager
        JohnColombo17100380Community Manager
        Community Manager
        September 30, 2025

        Hi @Danny5C47,

        Thank you for reporting this issue. What versions of After Effects and Illustrator are you currently using? Is the layer duplication happening only with recently-saved files, or with all Illustrator files?

        If possible, sharing an affected Illustrator files and screen recording of your import steps would be helpful, since there are a few different options when importing Illustrator files that could be contributing to the bug.

        Thanks again for reporting and for any additional information,

        - John, After Effects Engineering Team 

        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
        Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices