Illustrator to After Effects [Any workaround to show overflowing layers?]

Question

Hi everyone,I'm trying to figure out how to make an Illustrator layer with content overflowing the artboard visible in After Effects. Unlike Photoshop, it seems content of Illustrator layers outside the workspace(artboard) are excluded when imported into After Effects, even with the "retain layer size" option selected. Unfortunately, this results in a cropped layer upon import.Current workaround: For now, the solution that I come up involves creating a reference layer with a rectangle matching the composition size in After Effects. Then, I manually expand the Illustrator artboard to encompass the entire overflowing layer. While functional, it feels awkward and time-consuming.Seeking a better solution: I'm hoping there's a more efficient and elegant approach to handle this situation. Does anyone have experience or tips on preparing Illustrator files with content exceeding the artboard for seamless import into After Effects?

Rick Gerard · Accepted Answer

Take guidance from the HDV/HDTV 1080 template in Illustrator. There are two overlapping artboards:

The top artboard is used for comp size when importing an Illustrator file as a composition (retaining layer size is the most useful option). I have hidden the transparency grid in the screenshot to make the artboards easier to view. The larger bottom artboard (Artboard 2) prevents any path outside of the top artboard (Artboard 1) from being cropped. Your Illustrator document should be set up to be the same size in points or pixels as the composition you are creating in After Effects.

Raster effects like drop shadow should be set to 72 PPI if you are not going to scale the AI layers above 100%, but you should raise the PPI to 150 for a 200% scale in the comp or positioning twice as close to the camera. Layers with Raster effects like drop shadows, gradients, brushes, 3D effects, and blends cannot be successfully converted to shape layers.

Every element in the Illustrator file that you intend to animate should be on a separate layer. Layers that you intend to convert to shape layers should only contain solid colors, and the strokes cannot be brushes.

That should help you solve your problem.

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