> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.trycontinuum.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Preparing your project

> Structure your After Effects project so every dynamic asset can be swapped without rework.

Follow these steps as you build your After Effects project. Each one makes a specific asset controllable at render time — skip one and that asset can't be swapped without going back into After Effects.

**1. Layer every dynamic asset separately**

Give each dynamic asset its own layer. Anything that should change between renders — a price, a product image, a headline — must be isolated so it can be targeted on its own.

Do not flatten, merge, or pre-compose dynamic assets together. If two prices share a layer, neither can be swapped independently.

**2. Expose dynamic assets in Essential Graphics**

Add every dynamic layer to the **Essential Graphics** panel. This is what lets Continuum control the asset without opening the timeline.

Expose each asset **relative to the composition it belongs to**. When a single project file contains multiple compositions, an asset must be added to the Essential Graphics panel for its own composition — not a different one.

> [!NOTE]
>
> The per-composition scoping only matters when your project file contains more than one composition. With a single composition, add every dynamic asset to that composition's panel.

**3. Make prices live text layers**

Build prices as **text layers**, sitting on top of the design that backs them — never baked into an image.

A live text layer means one design supports unlimited price variations with zero additional assets. Continuum simply changes the text for each render.

> [!TIP]
>
> The same rule applies to any dynamic copy — headlines, offers, disclaimers. Keep it as editable text, not flattened artwork.

**4. Design for the longest variation**

Leave room for the longest possible value a dynamic asset can hold. A price layered on a price-tag design needs enough space for the widest price you might ever render — not just the one on screen while you design.

Your design language has to hold up as text grows and shrinks. If the layout only works for `$9`, it will break on `$1,299.99`.

**5. Apply Continuum animation presets**

Continuum provides animation presets that keep dynamic assets fitting the design as their content changes. Apply a preset to **every** dynamic asset before delivery.

| Dynamic asset type | Preset required |
| - | - |
| Images | Yes |
| Single-line text | Yes |
| Paragraph text (2+ lines) | Yes |

> [!NOTE]
>
> Ask your Continuum contact for the current preset pack before you start applying them.

## Try it

Make a price swappable and test it at its longest:

1. Rename the price text layer to something clear, such as "Price — headline offer".
2. Open **Window → Essential Graphics**, set **Primary** to the price's own composition, and drag the layer's **Source Text** property into the panel.
3. Type the longest value you might ever render, such as `$1,299.99`, into the layer and check the layout still holds. Then set it back.
4. Apply the Continuum animation preset to the layer.

Repeat for each dynamic image and line of copy before you move on to [Delivery & handoff](https://docs.trycontinuum.ai/forge/after-effects/delivery.md).

## What's next

* [Delivery & handoff](https://docs.trycontinuum.ai/forge/after-effects/delivery.md): Provide fonts, wire up asset access, and package the project for handoff.


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