Create a composition and select Project Settings from the Project panel menu.
Last updated on
Apr. 15, 2026
Learn the process of importing HDR content and how to export your final compositions while maintaining the HDR quality.
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CICP Metadata, a broadcast industry standard for specifying color spaces, defines the video color space (primaries), transfer function, matrix coefficients, and scaling factor of the image using code points in accordance with the ITU-T H.273 standard.
Note
After Effects now supports CICP metadata in PNG, MOV and ICC profiles if included.
After Effects now allows accurate processing for HDR content on import. It recognizes high dynamic range (HDR) characteristics and ensures the preservation of the imported content's full dynamic range, brightness, and color accuracy.
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Use the Project Settings to adjust the Working Color Space for the project before you import the HDR content.
Use the Project Settings to adjust the Working Color Space for the project before you import the HDR content. -
Under the Color tab, make sure you have selected an HDR-compatible Working Color Space, such as Rec.2100 PQ.
Select Working Color Space to specify the color environment for your project.
Select Working Color Space to specify the color environment for your project. -
Import a file containing CICP metadata such as Quicktime, PNG, or TIFF file with ICC profile.
Some variants of common color spaces specified via CICP may not be identified automatically. If you do not see the expected conversion to the Working Color Space, right-click the footage > Interpret Footage > Main > Color and manually override media space with an appropriate color space. You can pick an HLG or PQ variant, for instance, with an appropriate graphics white point that you know matches your media.
If the specified CICP isn't auto-detected, manually set the media space to the correct color space.
If the specified CICP isn't auto-detected, manually set the media space to the correct color space.
You can export your composition in HDR to ensure the final output has high dynamic range (HDR) characteristics such as contrast, color accuracy, and brightness. This process includes exporting CICP metadata, which allows HDR content to be correctly interpreted by devices, ensuring the reproduction on HDR-capable displays matches the intended HDR content.
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To export with CICP Metadata, add your composition to Render Queue.
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Select PNG Sequence from the Output Module.
Use PNG Sequence as the format for high-quality image sequences, preserving color information and transparency.
Use PNG Sequence as the format for high-quality image sequences, preserving color information and transparency. -
In the Color tab, select a desired output color space or keep it in the working space and select OK.
Select Output Color Space as Rec 2100 PQ to ensure that the colors in your project are accurately converted to high dynamic range (HDR) color space.
Select Output Color Space as Rec 2100 PQ to ensure that the colors in your project are accurately converted to high dynamic range (HDR) color space. -
Select Render to start rendering and export. If the selected color space supports representation as CICP metadata, it will be automatically embedded in the rendered output.
Tip
If you are working with After Effects and Premiere, you can send compositions with HDR and CICP embedded directly to Premiere using Dynamic Link or as a Motion Graphics template.
If you are working in an HDR-compatible color space, you can now export your composition to a PNG sequence with embedded HDR10 metadata. HDR10 metadata defines how your HDR content should be displayed on an HDR-compatible display, such as a TV, to match the mastering display as closely as possible. This option lets you set the color primaries and luminance for the Mastering Display Color Volume, along with the content light level.
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When you’ve finished working on the project and are ready to render and export, navigate to File > Export > Add to Render Queue.
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In the Render Queue panel, select the Output Module settings.
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In the Output Module Settings dialog box, use the Format dropdown menu and select PNG Sequence.
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Select Format Options to launch the PNG Options dialog box.
Launch the PNG Options dialog box so you can customize how your PNG sequence is exported.
Launch the PNG Options dialog box so you can customize how your PNG sequence is exported. -
In the PNG Options dialog box, select the Include HDR10 metadata option.
Select the Include HDR10 metadata option so that HDR-capable displays correctly interpret the enhanced brightness and color.
Select the Include HDR10 metadata option so that HDR-capable displays correctly interpret the enhanced brightness and color. -
Use the options under the Mastering Display Color Volume and Content Light Levels sections to adjust the color volume and luminance levels.
Mastering Display Color Volume
- Color Primaries
- Luminance Min (cd/m^2)
- Luminance Max (cd/m^2)
Content Light Levels
- Maximum (cd/m^2)
- Average (cd/m^2):
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Select OK and proceed to render the project.
