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Inspiring
September 21, 2026
Open for Voting

Importing folders

If I have folder that has nested folders, images, footages, audio files.
it would be nice that I can select the folder and after effects handles what’s inside it.
it can skip unsupported files.
the result will be a folder inside the project panel with nested folder and footages with the same names.
of curse, it can be done using scripting, but having it as a native import option I think it is more professional.
I hope to see this small feature in the next update.
These small details what will make after effects better
, Thank you!

    5 replies

    Inspiring
    September 22, 2026

    I mean, it is an easy feature to be added.
    I have many requests that makes huge impact, and easy to be added.
    Nothing of them has been added.
    It is really frustrating seeing after effects progressing very slowly, there are many workflow features that will make life easy.
    But nothing is being added!

    I love after effects and adobe products, and I want it to be imporved!

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    thepixelsmith
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    September 21, 2026

    You can also do this by dragging and dropping a folder into the Project panel. Though I had to hold down Opt, to get this to work.

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    Jerron Smith | www.thepixelsmith.com
    thepixelsmith
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    September 21, 2026

    It does this already.

    On Mac, File > Import File. Select the top level folder and click Open.

    On Windows, File > Import File. Select the top level folder and I think the button says Import Folder.

    But I know this is possible. 

    if your folder has AE or Premiere project files you will be prompted on how to handle them though.

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    Jerron Smith | www.thepixelsmith.com
    Inspiring
    September 22, 2026

    No, it dosen’t exist.

    You can try it by yourself, it will tell you this file type isn’t supported.

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    thepixelsmith
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    September 22, 2026

    I don’t know what error you are encountering, but folder/sub-folder (where it skips files it doesn’t understand) import has been a feature in After Effects (just like in Premiere) for a very long time.

    I literally just tested it in version 26.5.0

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    Jerron Smith | www.thepixelsmith.com