Exporting AE Comps from One AE file to Another

Part A – Export a folder that will make a fresh “source” AE file with the comp, plus all assets

1. Open the AE file that has the comp you want.
2. Select the comp you want to export.
3. Go to File > Dependencies > Collect Files.
4. Under Collect Source Files, select the option For Selected Comps.
5. Check Reduce Project.
6. Click the Collect button, then choose a folder to export to. This will make your “source” AE file/package.

Part B – Import the new “source” AE file to your destination AE file

1. Open the AE file you’re importing stuff to.
2. Go to File > Import > File.
3. Select the AE file you made in Part A.

Important note! : Once you’ve completed Part B, AE will only have linked to, not copied, the assets from the source comp. It’s so annoying. To keep all your files in one place, the best thing to do is just repeat Part A for your destination AE file, then scrap the original destination AE and use this new destination AE folder as your main AE package.