Save AE Project with All Files: Client Delivery Guide

Delivering an After Effects project to a client isn’t just about sending the .AEP file. If the media assets aren’t included, the project will break — missing footage, unlinked audio, and broken compositions can frustrate clients and delay revisions. This guide shows how to save an AE project with all files professionally for smooth client delivery.

After Effects references media rather than embedding it. Sending only the project file can cause:

• “Missing Footage” errors
• Audio, images, or video not loading
• Client confusion and extra support requests
• Delays in final delivery

Professional delivery ensures your client can open, edit, and render the project without issues.

Before collecting files, create a clear folder structure:

/AE Project Folder
├── Project.aep
├── Footage/
├── Audio/
├── Images/
├── Exports/

• Keep all media inside the folder
• Avoid scattered files across desktops, downloads, or external drives

A clean structure prevents missing files and simplifies client navigation.

After Effects provides a built-in tool for bundling all project files:

1. Go to File → Dependencies → Collect Files
2. Choose For All Comps
3. Select Copy to Folder
4. Name the delivery folder
5. Click Collect

This process generates:

• A copy of the .AEP project
• All linked media
• Organized subfolders for footage, audio, and images

Clients can open the project without broken links.

After collecting:

• Open the project
• Check every composition for missing file warnings
• Ensure all media loads correctly
• Replace any unlinked files if necessary

If your project uses templates from marketplaces like Earnedits, confirm that all placeholders and downloaded assets are included.

A short README.txt can help the client:

• Explain folder organization
• How to replace placeholders
• Export/render instructions
• Notes on fonts or plugin requirements

This reduces confusion and minimizes support requests.

Missing fonts or third-party plugins can break the project:

• Fonts: Include them if licensed, or suggest alternatives
• Plugins: Notify the client about any required plugins and provide links

This ensures the client can open the project fully functional.

Keep a backup copy:

• Local storage
• External drive
• Cloud storage

This allows you to resend quickly if the client loses files or requests revisions.

Use reliable platforms for sending large projects:

• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• WeTransfer

Avoid emailing raw folders to prevent file corruption.

❌ Sending only the .AEP file
❌ Using media stored outside the project folder
❌ Ignoring font or plugin dependencies
❌ Skipping verification of the collected project

Following these steps ensures professional, client-ready delivery every time.

Delivering an After Effects project professionally is about organization, completeness, and foresight. Following this workflow ensures your client receives:

✔ A fully functional project
✔ All media files included
✔ Clear folder structure
✔ Minimal troubleshooting

Professional delivery builds trust, reduces revisions, and positions you as a reliable editor — making your work stand out.