after effects · HeyBraza shows you
h.264 not showing in after effects render queue
HeyBraza diagnoses whether you need media encoder or the 'show deprecated formats' toggle, and points right at it.
you open the render queue, click output module, and h.264 / mp4 just isn't in the format list. it's not a bug - adobe deprecated direct mp4 rendering. here's how to tell which fix you need and get an mp4 again.
short answer
h.264 was removed from the render queue and lives in media encoder now. if you want it back, tick 'show deprecated formats and codecs in output module settings' under preferences > output and it reappears as 'h.264 (deprecated)'.
or do it yourself
- 1first, the intended path: composition > add to adobe media encoder queue, then choose format 'h.264' inside media encoder - this is where mp4 lives now.
- 2if you really want h.264 back in the render queue, go to after effects > settings (or edit > preferences) > output.
- 3tick 'show deprecated formats and codecs in output module settings'.
- 4back in the render queue, open output module - 'h.264 (deprecated)' now appears in the format dropdown.
- 5if it's still missing, your project's color depth or a stale media encoder install can hide it - restart both apps and re-check media encoder is updated.
steps last checked

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downloadcommon questions
where did h.264 go in after effects?
adobe deprecated direct h.264/mp4 rendering, so it's hidden from the render queue. use media encoder, or re-enable it via preferences > output > show deprecated formats.