Jesse Cervantes takes a look at the difference between Collapse Transformation and Continuous Rasterization in After Effects demonstrating with a simple example what the little “sun” like icon in After Effects is doing when it is clicked.

What’s the difference between Collapse Transformation and Continuous Rasterization? How does it affect 3D and Motion Blur for Vector, Illustrator, and EPS files?

When using the Collapse transforms button on a nested composition in After Effects changes the order in which things are done. Essentially the transformations for the nested comp are not performed until after the masks and effects are rendered.

Continually rasterizing a layer in After Effects containing vector graphics maintains the quality of that layer through effects and transformations, re-calculating the layer for each frame.

Check out the tutorial for understanding the differenced between continuous rasterization and collapse transforms in After Effects here.