How Would I Save a Precomp From My Composition to Computer?

[One&Done]

Hello there!

Probably an easy answer, but it is so important that I must be sure.

Main Q: How do I take a precomp, made within a project, and save it outside of AE for save keeping?

Fig. 1: Precomp Outer Layer

Fig. 2: Precomp Inner Layer 

2 Related Side Qs: Also, as I have only worked on one project in AE, is the 'Project Panel' start blank when working on a new project? This is just a display of what is on the computers hard drive/connected device and not an actual storehouse correct? 

Again, probably easy questions, but finally ending a 1/6th of a year long project makes these simple yet extremely important.

Thank you much,

One&Done

 

[One&Done]

Same Question with Project Panel as Timeline Panel..Neither of these are storehouses correct? You cannot simply save a project to save data, but must have each layer file somewhere else on hd right? 

Just can't afford to have any layer files gone for good

Thanks again!

[Warren Heaton · Accepted solution]

The source footage files in your After Effects project link to corresponding files on your storage media in the Finder (macOS) or in Explorer (Windows).  

If you expand the Project tab, you should be able to see the File Path.  You can also right-click a source footage item and choose Reveal in Finder (Mac) / Reveal in Explorer (Win).

I find it helpful to create an organized file structure for each project.

If you've already started importing foorage without organizing ahead of time, use File > Dependencies > Collext Footage to have After Effects gather everything for you.

[One&Done]

Thank You So Much Warren!

I will give this a try!

[Warren Heaton · Accepted solution]

Compositions only exist inside of an After Effects project file.

It sounds like you want to use an After Effects project template file.

You can do a Save As, reduce the project such that it only has the pre-Comp and linked source footage, and then collect the results.  Afterward, change the collected AEP filename extention to AET.  A .aet file is a template project that always opens as an Untitled project.

You can then open the AET directly or import it into another project.