Select File > Export > Add to Render Queue to add your composition to the Render Queue.
Last updated on
Apr 8, 2026
Use the Output Module Settings to encode H.264 directly inside Adobe After Effects.
Learn to export an H.264 (.mp4) file directly from After Effects.
Native H.264 encoding allows you to use Adobe Media Encoder UI and backend encoding system from within After Effects.
You can customize the H.264 settings such as resolution, frame rate and color. You can also use Adobe Media encoder via Dynamic Link for greater control over specific settings.
H.264 export also supports both hardware and software encoding modes.
Select the H.264 exporter and related settings
Troubleshoot settings mismatch warnings
After Effects displays a warning dialog box when there is a mismatch between the render or output settings and supported H.264 specifications.
The dialog box describes the issue and the adjustment that will be applied. Select OK to accept the changes, or return Output Module > Format Option > H.264 Options to make further adjustments.
Note
Settings mismatch warning icon also appears in the Output Module Settings dialog box when there is a configuration mismatch. Select the warning icon to view more details and the suggested adjustments.
H.264 Output Module Presets
After Effects includes three preset output modules for you to choose from based on the desired bitrate. These presets automatically set the Profile and Level according to the output resolution of the composition. Select the appropriate bitrate preset from 5, 15, or 40 Mbps depending on the resolution and the desired render quality.
You can adjust default output settings in the Output Module Templates editor by selecting Edit > Templates > Output Module.
Note
If you install a fresh copy of After Effects or clear your Output Module preferences, the H.264 – Match Render Settings – 15 Mbps preset is set as the default for both Movie Default and Save Current Preview Default output module templates.
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