Skip to main content
TweakvideoMatt
Inspiring
Jan 30, 2018 10:20 AM UTC
Answered

After Effects Animation to SVG

We always make animations in AE and export to .mp4.

However, we'd like to learn how to import our AE project in to a software programme and export to .SVG (export to SVG from AE would be nice)

What is the correct work flow for this task? And indeed, what is the correct Adobe package or other?

Animated GIFs and .swf files aren't quite right.

This is just for simple animated logos for the time being. On a transparent layer even. Are SVGs limited to line art?

All help appreciated!

Matt

TweakvideoMatt
TweakvideoMattCorrect answer
Inspiring
Jan 30, 2018 3:46 PM UTC

Thanks for these responses Mylenium and JosephLabrecque - we have tried Bodymovin and snap.SVG and both didn't quite work.

We are also looking at GSAP Greensock...

As animators we'll now ascertain in the beginning what the output/intended use is in the beginning. We have accepted that you can't have a beautiful cartoon converted to code : - (

I think we are trying to produce something that the correct plugin/software is not yet available for. Surely a truly, scalable, responsive animation format should come soon...

12 replies

Participant
Sep 11, 2026 3:13 AM UTC

Great thread on exporting AE animations! If anyone is using Lottie / BodyMovin or SMIL for animated SVGs and running into file size or performance lag on live sites, converting those animations into Animated WebP is a huge game-changer. It preserves the exact frames while dropping the file size significantly.

You can try converting them online here if needed: https://svg-to-ico.org/web-optimization/svg-to-webp

Translate
Participant
Jun 17, 2024 5:36 PM UTC

I think this video useful. Export SVG Animation From After Effects (100% SVG File)
https://youtu.be/NbvLvOfea-0

Translate
Participant
Sep 20, 2018 12:49 PM UTC

Is there any adobe product that can make an animating SVG images ? I have tried with Adobe Animate CC but I could't make it. thanks

Translate
Participating Frequently
Nov 4, 2019 11:37 PM UTC

Maybe give SVGator a go as it doesnt look like anything has been developed by Adobe yet.  It doesn't have a very powerful animation toolset but works really well with Illustrator layers.

https://www.svgator.com

Translate
TweakvideoMatt
TweakvideoMattAuthorCorrect answer
Inspiring
Jan 30, 2018 3:46 PM UTC

Thanks for these responses Mylenium and JosephLabrecque - we have tried Bodymovin and snap.SVG and both didn't quite work.

We are also looking at GSAP Greensock...

As animators we'll now ascertain in the beginning what the output/intended use is in the beginning. We have accepted that you can't have a beautiful cartoon converted to code : - (

I think we are trying to produce something that the correct plugin/software is not yet available for. Surely a truly, scalable, responsive animation format should come soon...

Translate
Kevin J. Monahan Jr.
Legend
Feb 7, 2018 1:50 AM UTC

Sounds like you've discovered the correct answer is that there is no software capable of doing what you wish. Sorry about that, TweakvideoMatt.

Best,

Kevin

Translate
Kevin Monahan - Sr. Community and Engagement Strategist – Adobe Pro Video and Audio
Participating Frequently
Nov 4, 2019 11:33 PM UTC

Snap.svg looks amazing for CC animate.  Could the Adobe guys make a similar lower tech version for AE?  Bodymovin works well out of AE but needs a huge amount of coding in Dreamweaver or web package which puts designers/animators off.  I ended up using SVGator ( a very basic animation software for layered illustrator or svg files) alot!!  https://www.svgator.com It is as simple as animating a .giff in Photoshop.  However the animation toolset is no way comparable with the abilities of After Effects combined with Illustrator so please Adobe team.. AE is already the head of UI/UX animation in London in combination with XD and Illustrator, so lets keep svg animation with Adobe so I don't have to learn another third party software again.....

 

Translate
Joseph Labrecque
Community Expert
Community Expert
Jan 30, 2018 2:22 PM UTC

I moved this question to the After Effects forums.

Translate
TweakvideoMatt
Inspiring
Jan 30, 2018 2:46 PM UTC

Thanks Joseph,

May I ask your opinion on;

What is the best workflow for producing SVG animations?

Are responsive, web based animations best suited to simple, line art styles?

thanks for you help, Matt

Translate
Mylenium
Legend
Jan 30, 2018 3:20 PM UTC

AE doesn't export SVGs. You can try the Bodymovin' script, but that's as good as it gets.:

Bodymovin - aescripts.com

Otherwise such stuff is done in Animate CC.

Mylenium

Translate