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kresimirk39695749
Known Participant
June 12, 2025
Answered

Maximum image size in AE

  • June 12, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 586 views

Hi,

 

I'm creating my first ever map of a country in a 'super' high resolution. My goal was to have the height at 50,000 pixels, and width would probably end up as around 70,000 pixels. 

 

I created about 30% of the map, and when I went to test it in AE, I got an error: 

ChatGPT tells that the max size in AE is 30k x 30k pixels. Is this true? Is there any way around this?

 

Thanks,

Correct answer Rick Gerard

You need to make the original map large enough that you never have to scale up the image more than about 120% to get the detail you need. Then, you create a grid over the map that is about two or three times your comp width. Saving each section as a PSD will allow you to isolate layers, but if you need the map, choose any image format that can match your comp's bit depth.

 

If I need to add graphics or text to a pixel-based image (map), I use Illustrator instead of Photoshop. If you embed images in the Illustrator file, follow the never scale more than about 125% rule.  It just takes planning. 

 

I should probably do a tutorial on the workflow. I have not seen a good one on the subject.

1 reply

R
Community Expert
Rick GerardCommunity Expert
Community Expert
June 12, 2025

All you have to do is break the map up into sections. The correct image design workflow for video is to create the artwork at a size that never has to be scaled above 100%, then break the image into smaller sections. I usually pick no more than two or three times the comp width. I once did a large map that covered about 80% of the globe, but it was broken up into sections that overlapped by about 1/8 of the comp width, and I just layered them. The project is easier to manage that way, and it's a lot easier to make small changes. 

 

I do the same for infographics. I even break up long camera tracking shots into multiple layers with multiple cameras and pre-comps. 

 

I hope this helps. There is no reason to deal with such large layers in a visual effects app.. 

K
kresimirk39695749Author
Known Participant
June 12, 2025

Gotcha thanks Rick! Felt like that will be the path, as GPT also suggested it. I need to draw frontlines (Ukraine) and zoom in and out with all (object path) layers being hooked up with each other, while it goes through time and all the front changes. I imagine that shouldn't be an issue?

I was able to whip hook my object path layer that represents the frontline to a single image and then it would all zoom together. But I am worried how that will behave if I have the core map cut up in 4-6 or so pieces.

 

Thanks!

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