How to Use Templates in After Effects

After Effects templates are project files created by professionals that can be edited to suit your requirements. Template projects are usually downloaded as compressed ZIP files and can be opened and edited just like any other After Effects project file. Templates are often built with drop-zones that enable you to add your content without having to alter the rest of the project. Once you have made your required adjustments, you can export your file as a video.

1. Open your Web browser and navigate to an After Effects templates website such as Videohive, Pond5 or Motion Array (links in Resources). Search through the list of available choices until your find the template you would like to use. Watch preview videos to get an idea as to what the template looks like in action. Purchase and download the file to your computer.

2. Find the downloaded ZIP file on your computer and right-click on it. If using a Mac, choose the "Open" option and the file should unzip automatically. If using Windows, choose the "Extract All" option. Click the "Browse" button and select a destination for your extracted files to copy to. Click "Extract" to copy the files to your computer.

3. Open the extracted folder and find the After Effects Project file, which will have the extension "AEP." Double-click the file to open it in After Effects.

4. Click on an item in the Timeline panel to select it. Click the "Text" tool in the Toolbar and click on any existing text to edit it. Drag and drop clips from your library into drop-zones to insert them into the project.

5. Open the "Composition" menu and choose the "Add To Render Queue" option. Navigate to the Render Queue panel and click the triangle next to the "Output To" menu. Enter a name and destination for your project and click the "Save" button. Click the triangle next to the "Output Module" menu and select the format and quality of your rendered video. Click the "OK" button to save your settings. Click the "Render" button to start rendering.