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how to export video with transparent background in after effects

HeyBraza points at the output module 'channels' dropdown and makes sure you switch it to rgb + alpha - the step that actually keeps it transparent.

exporting an animation that's supposed to sit over other footage and getting a black or white background instead is a classic after effects trap. mp4 can't hold transparency at all, and the alpha channel is off by default. here's the exact codec and the one checkbox people miss.

or do it yourself

  1. 1select your comp and choose composition > add to render queue (transparency needs the render queue, not h.264/mp4).
  2. 2click the 'output module' link (next to 'lossless') to open its settings.
  3. 3set format to 'quicktime', then click 'format options' and choose the 'apple prores 4444' codec (it supports alpha).
  4. 4in the same output module, change the 'channels' dropdown from 'rgb' to 'rgb + alpha' - this is the step everyone forgets.
  5. 5set output to, render, then re-import the file and drop it on a new comp to confirm the checkerboard transparency shows.

let HeyBraza do this with you

HeyBraza is a tiny on-screen guide that points at the right buttons and talks you through it, on windows and mac.

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common questions

why does my exported video still have a black background?

you exported as mp4/h.264 (no alpha support) or left channels on 'rgb'. use quicktime + prores 4444 and set channels to 'rgb + alpha'.

can i export a transparent mp4?

no - mp4/h.264 has no alpha channel. use prores 4444, a png sequence, or a quicktime with rgb+alpha instead.

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