10/4/25

Create a Master Export preset in Adobe After Effects

In this tutorial, you’ll create two pro master-export presets in After Effects that balance quality, compatibility, and workflow speed.

  • Preset 1 — AE Master Export (DNxHR HQX 10‑bit)

    • Composition selected → File → Export → Add to Render Queue (Ctrl + M)

    • Open Output Module → Make Template → New

    • Format: QuickTime

    • Format Options → Video Codec: DNxHR/DNxHD

    • Resolution/Profile: DNxHR HQX 10‑bit

    • Channels: RGB

    • Alpha: None

    • Depth: Trillions of Colors

    • Save as template name: “AE Master Export”

    • Apply in Render Queue from the Output Module dropdown

  • Preset 2 — Cineform Master_with_Alpha (for transparency)

    • Output Module → Make Template → New

    • Format: QuickTime

    • Format Options → Video Codec: GoPro Cineform

    • Quality: 5

    • Channels: RGB + Alpha

    • Depth: Trillions of Colors

    • Save as template name: “Cineform Master_with_Alpha”

    • Apply in Render Queue when you need clean alpha support

Why these choices:

  • DNxHR HQX 10‑bit: High-fidelity, intra-frame master that grades well and stays responsive in editorial.

  • Cineform RGB+A: Reliable alpha handling when DNxHR/DNxHD is finicky with transparency.

Notes and cautions:

  • File sizes will be large, especially Cineform with alpha. Confirm you have enough disk space if rendering many shots.

  • Always click the preset to review settings before rendering to ensure the codec and bit depth are correct for the current comp.

Previous

Preview
Preview
Two ways to save a still out of Adobe After Effects