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potataChipz
potataChipz
Participating Frequently
November 27, 2018
Answered

Massive transparent file size

  • November 27, 2018
  • 4 replies
  • 8925 views

I'm not sure if this can be a lower file size, but when I try and render with transparency, it works, but is like 600mb for a 8 second file, and this is really affecting me and my clients, as now it is taking me at least an hour longer than it should take uploading the video!

I use Quicktime with Animation, but sometimes I use AVI with Lossless Lagarith Video Codec,

Thanks!

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Dave_LaRonde

    Yup.  Transparency means big file sizes.  Better get used to 'em!  If you've got a lot of transparent area, the Animation codec file sizes can be comparatively small.

    4 replies

    Roland Kahlenberg
    Roland Kahlenberg
    Legend
    November 28, 2018

    Modern, high-quality CODECs apply either very little or no compression to the Alpha Channel. This off course results in larger-than expected file sizes. However the huge file size can be reduced with a simple ZIP-type compression. So, ZIP your renders before sending them over to your client.

    Very Advanced After Effects Training | Adaptive & Responsive Toolkits | Intelligent Design Assets (IDAs) | MoGraph Design System DEV
      ScooterD76
      ScooterD76
      Legend
      November 28, 2018

      back in the day we would render out two sequences, one being the alpha channel on its own, to be composited later. this method would save on file size a little bit.

      potataChipz
      potataChipzAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      November 27, 2018

      Thanks both of you! I think from now on, most of the time I will do it like a green screen type of thing xD

      R
      Community Expert
      Rick GerardCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      November 27, 2018

      Welcome to the world of video production. Large file sizes are normal with visually lossless formats. You can get a little smaller files if you use Cineware (GoPro) compression.

      Also, when you render an alpha channel you get one more channel of information in the file so it is going to be about 1/3 bigger than rendering to the same format without an alpha channel.  There are several size calculators on the internet. Here's a fairly decent one. It's missing a few formats but it will at least give you an idea. Video File Size Calculator (by format)

        potataChipz
        potataChipzAuthor
        Participating Frequently
        November 27, 2018

        In my quicktime format options there is no gopro cinewave, I only have cineform which is a massive file.

        Dave_LaRonde
        Dave_LaRondeCorrect answer
        Inspiring
        November 27, 2018

        Yup.  Transparency means big file sizes.  Better get used to 'em!  If you've got a lot of transparent area, the Animation codec file sizes can be comparatively small.

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