# importing assets Think of After Effects as the place where you lay out all your pieces and mix them together to build an animated sequence. While some design objects can be made in After Effects, it is much more common to import your objects from other files and programs. The project bin panel is usually found on the left side of the interface. It is like a built-in file manager for your project files. ## formal import: menus and file pickers Using the pull-down menus, go to **File > Import > File…** or **File > Import > Multiple Files…** which will then open your operating system file manager. You can then select the files you want to import. They will appear in your project bin. ## quicker import: drag & drop Open up both After Effects and your operating system file manager. Choose the files you want to use and simply drag & drop them into the project bin panel of After Effects. ![[drag.png]] Projects can get quite complex rather quickly. Your project bin may fill up with files quite quickly. It is worth taking the time to organize your files into folders. At the bottom of the project bin panel is a folder icon for creating new folders. Pretty simple. --- Learn more… --- tags: #aftereffects #resources home: [[! after effects]]