> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hlddocs.lookingglassfactory.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hlddocs.lookingglassfactory.com/content-pipelines/creating-with-video-editors/adobe-after-effects.md).

# Adobe After Effects

## Requirements

* Adobe After Effects 2025

### Downloads

You can download the latest Adobe After Effects Project from our github repository here:

{% embed url="<https://github.com/Looking-Glass/HLD-Templates/blob/main/Adobe/Alcove.aep>" %}

Our After Effects template provides automated masking, safe areas, shadows, and reflections. All the effects will update automatically once you've replaced the main composition.

{% hint style="info" %}
In our experience, Adobe Premiere Pro's `UltraKey` effect can provide a cleaner chromakey than After Effect's built-in options. You may find a better workflow first importing content to Premiere, using `UltraKey` and then pulling it back into After Effects.
{% endhint %}

### Compositions and Layers

The After Effects template is based off of three key components.

* **Animation** - this will contain your content, and also be used for the shadow and reflection components.
* **Add Shadow** - builds off of the main composition and adds a shadow effect.
* **Add Reflection** - builds off the main composition and adds a reflection effect.
* Background - a background element you can use to tint the HLD's background color.
* **Alcove -** a preview of the HLD's 3D volume. <mark style="color:orange;">**This should be turned off before exporting content.**</mark>

<figure><img src="/files/G3oGDV6kxUnhcjq8DSeP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

All of the preset values created for our Motion Graphics Template in Premiere are also available in our After Effects template in the `Essential Graphics` panel. This can be an easy way to adjust content values on the fly without going too deep into the stack.

The effect controls are as follows:

* **Alcove Preview** - A toggle for the alcove, **this should be disabled before exporting.**
* **Transform Controls -** Controls for adjusting the transform of the main content.
* **Reflection** - Adjustments that can control the position, opacity, and strength of the reflection effect.
* **Shadow** - Adjustments that can control the position, opacity, and strength of the shadow effect.
* **Background** - Controls for a tintable background layer that can apply color to the holographic element of the HLD.

<figure><img src="/files/c9iOfQCNhVrT1i8EbZYP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Previewing and exporting for HLD playback

Once you’ve exported your video, we recommend opening it in [**HLD Author**](/apps-and-tools/hld-author.md).

HLD Author lets you:

* Adjust framing, rotation, chroma key, and shadows
* Preview your content on a simulated Hololuminescent Display
* Export the correct MP4 for the included [HLD Demo Media Player](/managing-content/using-the-demo-media-player.md), BrightSign, or standard portrait-video playback

HLD Author can also create animated or depth-treated output from still images and render supported 3D media. It is the easiest way to confirm framing, depth, and orientation before deployment.