Multi-Pass EXR Rendering Support in Adobe After Effects

Currently, After Effects supports EXR rendering, but it does not offer a straightforward multi-pass option within the same EXR file. In our workflow, we often require multiple passes—for example, a chroma pass with a background version and a separate black-and-white matte (alpha) pass. Currently, we have to render these separately and provide them individually to clients. If After Effects could support multi-pass EXR rendering—where multiple passes (like beauty, alpha, etc.) are embedded into a single EXR—it would save significant time. Not only would it streamline the delivery process, but it would also reduce the overall render time—especially for 4K work.

Adding this feature would not only enhance efficiency in my own projects, but I’m confident that many other professionals facing similar challenges would benefit as well. I hope the Adobe team can consider this in future updates.

Thank you for your time and consideration.