Adobe Stock in After Effects – Effective Use of the New Features

The latest update for After Effects CC 2015 has opened new dimensions in the use of Adobe Stock. The integration of Adobe Stock libraries now allows you direct access to a variety of graphics and videos directly within After Effects. These changes revolutionize your workflow and significantly simplify the handling of stock materials. Let’s break down the innovations and features together so you can make the most out of this integration.

Key Insights

1. Adobe Stock is now integrated directly into After Effects.
2. The new library functionality allows for easy drag-and-drop of files.
3. A progress window shows the status of downloads in real-time.
4. Simple licensing and the exchange of placeholders for images and videos.
5. Access to all sorts of media: images, graphics, videos, and audio tracks.

Step-by-step Guide

To make the most of the new Adobe Stock features in After Effects, follow these steps:

1. Activating the Adobe Stock Libraries

Start After Effects CC 2015 and navigate to "Libraries". Here you will discover the new functionality of Adobe Stock. To activate the libraries, click on "Libraries" under the "Window" menu. This gives you quick access to all available stock materials.

2. Searching Adobe Stock

If you want to browse Adobe Stock for specific content, you should enter directly into the search field of the libraries. For example, you can type "Animals" to display a list of relevant stock images. The search results appear immediately and allow for direct selection.

3. Using a Stock Image

If you have found the right image, such as a chameleon, click on it. Note: The image may appear as unlicensed. In this case, you can license the image by right-clicking once you’re ready to use it. Simply drag and drop the image into your project or the composition you’re working on.

4. Replacing Placeholders

Take on the challenge of how to replace an unlicensed image in your project. When you have licensed an image, it is not automatically replaced in your project. To update this image, hold down the Alt key and drag the new image over the old image in your timeline. This effectively replaces the image.

5. Accessing Stock Videos

A new and exciting feature is the stock videos. You can now directly search for videos, such as "Car". The videos are now unlocked, allowing you to preview them directly in your window. You can view different clips and select the right video for your project.

6. Preview and Download

Once you have selected a video for your project, simply click on "Save Preview". The video will then be added to your library, but note that it is not yet downloaded. Only by dragging the video into your project will the download be initiated, and you can view the progress in the progress window.

7. Working with Downloaded Videos

Once you have successfully downloaded a video, it will appear in your composition. You can drag the video and place it where you need it. Be aware that the placeholder element will be displayed until the download is fully completed. The progress window shows you the remaining time until the download is complete.

8. Using Audio Tracks

An excellent feature is the ability to listen to audio tracks. If you want a video with audio, you can select this directly in the preview window to ensure that the audio track is suitable for your project. This allows for seamless integration of audio and video.

9. Workflow Optimization

The integration of Adobe Stock into After Effects significantly simplifies the entire workflow. You can now easily manage images and videos without switching between different machines. This seamless integration creates a clear advantage, especially if you frequently use stock materials.

Summary – Adobe Stock Integrations in After Effects CC 2015.1

The integration of Adobe Stock into After Effects CC 2015.1 greatly simplifies working with stock materials. You have direct access to a variety of resources, can easily integrate them into your projects, and manage them fully. Progress can always be tracked. Use these new features to work more effectively and fully express your creativity.