What is the difference between “Template” and “Preset” in After Effects?

Both are used in After Effects, but in different ways

The products of After Effects (hereinafter called “AE”) on MotionElements are divided roughly into two categories:

• Template
• Preset

Both are for use in AE, but they are different in their purposes. So, select the one that suits your purpose.

Each of the two is defined as shown below:

Template = Created with all the elements of AE

Preset = Created with a particular element of AE

The principal differences are as follows:

What you can do with AE template (.aep)

It includes all the elements (movies, effects) that the contributor created (.aep)

For instance,

• Materials required for the final product (a file sequence, psd, etc)
• Operations required for the final product (effects, compositions, etc)

are included in a template. To use a template (.aep), you download it, open it with AE, and modify it as needed.

As you only need to change part of the settings of the project that the contributor created, it is rather for a project with time limit. There are many templates that beginners are recommended to use, because a few modifications will let you customise your final artwork. Some templates use non-free third-party plugins or fonts that your computer does not own. In order to know whether or not it uses a plugin, you need to have a look at its details from the product page.

How to Apply

1. Top Menu > File > Make a project
2. Open a file with “.aep”

Additional Tips

The extension is “.aep”.

An example of a structure of a template folder when you download it:

What you can do with AE preset (.ffx)

It is created for a particular element (e.g. VFX).

For instance,

• Motion (keyframes)
• Effects
• Expression

are included in a preset. You can use a preset to a specific spot (layer) you prefer. In AE, presets are stored in “Effects & Preset” panel. After applying them, you can modify their settings.

Additional tips

The extension is .ffx.

An example of a structure of a template folder when you download it:

How to Apply

A preset is not directly imported to AE. You have to put it in a designated folder. Then, it automatically appears when you open an AE project.

Place .ffx in the following folders:

Windows
Program Files/Adobe/After Effects CC/Support Files/Presets

Mac
Applications/Adobe After Effects CC/Presets

When to use them?

An example of when to use a template

If you want to create an opener movie with your own logo, it is recommended to use a template, because you only need to replace a logo. Your job can be finished just by placing your logo into a placeholder.

An example of when to use a preset

If you want to add to a particular text more stylish motion, it is recommended to use a preset which you can apply to each layer. Presets are also suitable to apply additional effect to part of an already-created project. Another advantage is that once you put it under effect, you can use it in another project.