How to Use a Slideshow Template in After Effects

If you’ve downloaded a slideshow template and want to customize it into your own cinematic video, this step-by-step guide will show you how. After Effects templates let you create professional animations quickly without starting from scratch.

🎬 Step 1: Open After Effects and Import the Template

• Launch Adobe After Effects.
• Go to File → Open Project.
• Locate and open the .aep file that came with your template.
• If any media is missing, click Replace Footage → File to relink assets.

💡 Tip: Keep the original folder structure to avoid missing footage issues.

🖼️ Step 2: Replace Photos and Videos

• In the Project panel, find folders like Photos or Placeholders.
• Double-click a placeholder composition to open it.
• Drag your own photo or video into the comp and place it above the existing media.
• Adjust the Scale and Position in the Transform controls.

✍️ Step 3: Edit the Text

• Select a text layer inside the composition.
• Press T to reveal opacity or U to see keyframes if needed.
• Type your own titles or messages directly in the Composition panel.
• Customize font, color, size, or animation styles.

🎧 Step 4: Add Music or Sound Effects

• Import your background music by going to File → Import → File.
• Drag the audio file into your main composition timeline.
• Adjust volume using the Audio Levels property or keyframes.
• Try syncing transitions to the beat for a cinematic feel.

🎞️ Step 5: Preview and Adjust

• Press Spacebar or 0 on the numpad to preview your animation.
• Adjust keyframes or timing for better flow.
• Use the Graph Editor for smoother motion.

📤 Step 6: Export Your Video

• Go to Composition → Add to Render Queue or Add to Adobe Media Encoder Queue.
• Choose Format: H.264 for MP4 output.
• Click Render or start the Media Encoder queue.

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How to Use a MOGRT File in After Effects

MOGRT (Motion Graphics Template) files are originally designed to be exported from After Effects for use in Premiere Pro. However, you can edit and customize MOGRT projects directly inside After Effects if you have the source .aep file.

📁 Step 1: Open the Source Project

• Open the original After Effects project used to create the MOGRT file.
• If you received only the .mogrt file, you’ll need the original .aep to edit it.

🎞️ Step 2: Locate the Editable Compositions

• In the Project panel, find compositions for text, colors, and animation controls.
• Double-click to open and make your changes.

⚙️ Step 3: Customize the Design

• Modify text layers, logo placeholders, and control layers as needed.
• Adjust animation speed, color schemes, or timing with keyframes.

💾 Step 4: Export or Recreate the MOGRT

• Go to File → Export → Motion Graphics Template if you want to save it as a new MOGRT.
• Or render your final video directly using the Render Queue or Media Encoder.

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#AfterEffects #MOGRT #SlideshowTemplate