Accidently deleting source footage

[Lynos]

Hi guys

I accidentally deleted the source footage for my AE composition. All recovery efforts have failed.

My question: If I re-render it from my editing platform and save it under the same name, will AE be able to use that, or will it need the actual original file?

In which case I'm screwed.

[oneinfiniteloop]

You can do that, it can be a different name as well, you just select the layer you want to replace and option drag the new footage from the project window and it will take on that layer's properties, effects, etc.

[Lynos]

Thank you!

Okay, so let me know if I got it straight:

1. I go to my editing program and render out my film again. I can give it any name I want. I'll save it an uncompressed NTSC DV file, just like the original one.

2. I open my composition in AE.

3. Now, I drag the footage from the project window...? Mind you, I made the mistake of putting the entire film (11 minutes) in one huge composition, so my source file is for this entire composition, not one or two or five layers. I have more than a 100...

[oneinfiniteloop]

Select the layer you want to replace in the timeline, with that layer still selected, option click the new footage in the project window and drag and drop anywhere in the timeline. It will then replace the selected item with all the same properties.

Or, you can right click the missing footage in the project window, then select replace footage and it will then update the comp after you select your footage.

Or, you can name it the same and put it in the same place then right click the footage in the project window and select reload footage.