Shape scale in pixels doesn't match from AE to PS

[Stefan Cargoski]

Hi forum.

I made a basic shape in AE, and wanted to see the dimensions of the shape, so I see it's 226 x 226 pixels.

But when I print screen at 100%, and paste into PS, the scale of the rectagle is 200 x 200 pixels. What's going on here?

Thank you. 

[Rick Gerard · Accepted solution]

Print Screen will not necessarily give you the dimensions of a graphic because some displays scale the display. You also need to make sure that the Magnification Ratio in the bottom right corner is set to 100% and the resolution is set to full.

The size of a rectangle shape layer can be seen by drawing the rectangle, pressing 'uu' to reveal all modified properties, and looking at the size. You will also have to compensate for the stroke width because the stroke is centered on the edge of the shape. You can also check layer dimensions by looking at the info displayed in the Project Panel when you select any asset. After Effects also has Rulers. The only way to guarantee that you have the actual size of a layer or shape in After Effects by opening that layer in Photoshop is to export or save the frame as a Photoshop file with the resolution set to full by using the Composition/Save Frame As menu.