After Effects image sequence plays too fast: check footage interpretation

Match the sequence to its original frame rate

Save a project copy first. Reinterpreting a footage item can change its timing wherever it is used, including alignment with audio and animation.

Check how long the sequence should last

Use the source render's frame count and intended rate. For example:

240 frames at 24 fps = 10 seconds
240 frames at 30 fps = 8 seconds

If the folder contains fewer frames than expected, find the missing images before changing the rate. A shorter set of images and a complete set played too fast are different problems.

Use the exact source rate: 23.976 and 24 are not interchangeable. If someone supplied the sequence, ask for its render settings rather than inferring them from the delivery preset.

Change the footage interpretation

1. Select the sequence in the Project panel.
2. Open File > Interpret Footage > Main.
3. Enter the intended rate under Conform To Frame Rate.
4. Check the resulting duration and the first and last expected images.

Adobe's footage interpretation guide explains these controls. Image sequences use the configured import preference; the documented default is 30 fps.

Check the edit after changing the rate

Review the layer's trim points, placement, keyframes, and synchronization with sound. Adobe notes that conforming video timing does not make the same adjustment to accompanying audio.

Keep the composition rate appropriate for the delivery. If the source duration is now correct but the layer still runs at the wrong speed, inspect any time stretching or time remapping already applied to it.

If only playback in the viewer is slow and exported timing is correct, follow After Effects preview troubleshooting. For an unresolved interpretation issue, Adobe support will need the frame count, source rate, interpreted rate, and expected duration.