After Effects Dynamic Slideshow Template Free: High-Energy Video at Zero Cost

This guide assumes you have already purchased and downloaded a slideshow template and have Adobe After Effects installed.

1. Preparation and Setup

1. Extract the Files: Locate the downloaded .zip file and extract its contents to a convenient location on your computer.

2. Open the Project: Navigate to the extracted folder and double-click the Adobe After Effects project file (usually a file with the extension .aep). This will open the template in After Effects.

3. Review the Structure: In the Project Panel (usually on the top left), look for folders typically labeled:

   • _Footage or _Placeholders

   • _Text or _Titles

   • _Final Comp or _Render

2. Adding Your Media (Photos/Videos)

The core of the template is replacing the placeholder images with your own.

1. Locate Placeholders: Open the _Footage or _Placeholders folder in the Project Panel. You will see compositions named things like Image 01, Photo 02, Media 03, etc.

2. Open a Placeholder: Double-click on the first placeholder composition (e.g., Image 01). This will open it in the Timeline Panel.

3. Import Your Media: Import your image or video by going to File > Import > File… and selecting your desired media.

4. Replace: Drag your imported media file from the Project Panel onto the Timeline, directly above the existing placeholder layer. Hide or delete the original placeholder layer.

5. Adjust Scale and Position: Select your new media layer in the Timeline. Use the Selection Tool (V) to adjust its scale and position in the Composition Panel so it fits the frame nicely.

6. Repeat: Repeat steps 2-5 for every media placeholder in the template.

3. Editing the Text and Titles

1. Locate Text Comps: In the Project Panel, open the _Text or _Titles folder. You will find compositions like Title 01, Text 02, etc.

2. Open a Text Comp: Double-click a text composition to open it.

3. Edit the Text: Select the Type Tool (T) or double-click the text layer in the Timeline to highlight the text. Type in your desired new text.

4. Customize: Use the Character Panel (usually on the right side) to change the font, size, and color of the text to match your style.

5. Repeat: Edit all necessary title and text placeholders.

4. Final Preview and Render

1. Open the Master Comp: In the Project Panel, open the main composition, typically called Final Render, Main Comp, or Render.

2. Preview: Hit the Spacebar or the RAM Preview button to watch your updated slideshow. Check that all media and text are in the correct place.

3. Adjust Timing (Optional): If needed, open the sub-compositions and adjust the timing of your images or text layers.

4. Render the Final Video:

   • With the Final Comp selected, go to Composition > Add to Render Queue.

   • In the Render Queue Panel, click on the Output Module settings to choose your desired format (e.g., H.264 for MP4, or QuickTime).

   • Click on the Output To link to select where you want to save the final video file.

   • Finally, click the Render button to start the export process.