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Adam_Miller
Adam_Miller
Inspiring
Jan 4, 2020 5:31 PM UTC
Answered

Open multiple projects at once?

I know this is a dumb question, but I am new to AE and can't figure it out. How do I open a project file without it closing the project that is currently open? Basically, I want to open a .aep file and have it show up as a new "tab" next to the composition that is currently open. 

 

Thanks!

    Mike_Abbott
    Mike_AbbottCorrect answer
    Legend
    Jan 5, 2020 12:28 AM UTC

    You can only have one project open at a time in After Effects.

    The way you've phrased your question suggests that you may not be clear on the difference between an AE project file (project.aep) and a composition. It's the Composition(s) that you see as tabs in the timeline. One project may have one, or multiple compositions in it. If you're uncertain about this I'd strongly suggest you review a few basic tutorials at: https://helpx.adobe.com/after-effects/tutorials.html

     

    However, you can import one project into an exisiting project. Simply by using the 'File > Import' menu option, or by double clicking in the project panel. This will import the project in it's own folder, with all the related compositions and assets. You can then double click one, or more, of the imported compositions to open them as tabs in the Timeline.

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    9 replies

    AnimeRT
    AnimeRT
    Known Participant
    Dec 14, 2022 10:15 PM UTC

    Like other said, you can not have 2 instances of Ae running at the same time. However, you can open a project and import other project files in. Just drag and drop the projects you want into your projects panel and you will be able to nav it like normal.

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    matbonnier
    Participant
    Dec 14, 2022 9:06 PM UTC

    You can use AEAE, a very usefull app. It only works for mac, though. http://www.andrewandoru.com/labs/aeae/

     

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    Community Expert
    Rick GerardCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    Feb 21, 2021 11:12 PM UTC

    You can import as many AEP files as you like and After Effects will add folders to the Project Panel that contain the assets and the comps in that project. You can open as many compositions as you like in After Effects and they will show up as tabs in the timeline panel. The Composition Panel will not have tabs by default but you can create a New Viewer, lock the view, then drag the composition panels into a tabbed stack, but I don't see the point. The comp Panel will automatically switch to the comp that is selected in the timeline.

     

    You should spend some time in the Learn workspace to become acquainted with the UI and you should also spend a fair amount of time with the User Guide. Just poking around in the UI or searching YouTube for tutorials is an extremely inefficient way to learn how to use After Effects efficiently. You should also be very careful about the tutorials you choose. Most of the "I can't figure this out" problems I help people solve come from poorly explained tutorials with poor workflows prepared by enthusiasts with good intentions but pretty crummy recipes for the projects.

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      james_5606
      Participant
      Jun 19, 2025 1:28 PM UTC

      It would be really helpful if someone could put a link to the tutorial that explains this basic issue 🙂

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      Lionidas-Meisenberg
      Participant
      Feb 21, 2021 9:35 PM UTC

      Maybe this workaraound for Windows will help:

      • make a shortcut (on desktop/taskbar)
      • rightclick > properties (on taskbar use shift/rightclick)
      • in the line "target" add after the closing quotation <SPACE>-m so it looks like ...AfterFX.exe" -m

      Now every time you use the shortcut a multiple instance of AfterEffects will open. Then you can open a project in each instance.. 

      Sorry - my english isn't the best - hope you understand

       

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        adgabrie
        Participant
        May 14, 2021 6:42 PM UTC

        This is the actual correct answer and this is how nuke operates.  Perfect for when I have to have multiple projects open at once.

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          Mike_Abbott
          Mike_AbbottCorrect answer
          Legend
          Jan 5, 2020 12:28 AM UTC

          You can only have one project open at a time in After Effects.

          The way you've phrased your question suggests that you may not be clear on the difference between an AE project file (project.aep) and a composition. It's the Composition(s) that you see as tabs in the timeline. One project may have one, or multiple compositions in it. If you're uncertain about this I'd strongly suggest you review a few basic tutorials at: https://helpx.adobe.com/after-effects/tutorials.html

           

          However, you can import one project into an exisiting project. Simply by using the 'File > Import' menu option, or by double clicking in the project panel. This will import the project in it's own folder, with all the related compositions and assets. You can then double click one, or more, of the imported compositions to open them as tabs in the Timeline.

          Translate
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