Import of 3D layers from Photoshop:
Import 3D models from Adobe Photoshop CS4 into Adobe After Effects CS4 to composite them with other elements, and more.
Searchable timelines and projects and easier nested comp navigation:
Locate any element in a comp or project with the new QuickSearch. Quickly navigate between nested comps with the new Mini-Flowchart.
Compositions exported as layered projects:
Export compositions as layered, XFL format projects that can be opened and edited in Adobe Flash CS4 Professional software. Many After Effects assets such as text and Adobe Illustrator artwork are preserved as vectors.
Cartoon effect:
Instantly give live footage the look of cell animation. Stylize video by reducing the color palette of a clip and by emphasizing edges.
Integrated workflow for mobile device authoring:
Select devices in Adobe Device Central and automatically set up an After Effects project that targets those devices, with settings that match the targeted devices and the Render Queue setup to output to the proper codecs and resolutions.
Mocha for Adobe After Effects from Imagineer Systems:
Use this powerful 2.5D planar tracking application from Imagineer Systems to track the motion of elements even in challenging shots where elements move offscreen or where there is motion blur or excessive grain.
Numerous interface and workflow tweaks:
Work more efficiently with dozens of user-requested changes, including the new Auto Resolution setting that only renders visible pixels when zooming in and out of a comp view, streamlined memory and multicore processing preferences, and more.
XMP metadata for asset intelligence:
Now retain asset metadata while you work in After Effects. Add new project-, comp-, and layer-level metadata to streamline project tracking, and automate asset auditing and many other tasks.
Independent keyframing of x, y, z values, plus 3D compositing improvements:
Composite in 3D space more easily: Keyframe x, y, and z position values separately, and use the new unified camera, which makes the After Effects camera tool work more like those in 3D modeling applications.
Dynamic Link between Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Soundbooth:
Using Adobe Creative Suite 4 Production Premium software, now link Adobe Premiere Pro sequences to an After Effects composition and After Effects comps to Adobe Soundbooth with Adobe Dynamic Link. | 
