Mobile editing is becoming more accessible and powerful, and the application Alight Motion (AM) occupies a leading position among professional tools. Users are often faced with the question of how to transfer ready-made effect settings from one device to another or apply someone else’s project to their own. Usually we are talking about XML files that contain the animation structure, or about text codes for copying.
The import process is not always intuitive for beginners, since the folder structure in Android has its own characteristics. Placing files incorrectly or ignoring dependencies can result in the project not opening and effects remaining as empty squares. In this article we will analyze in detail action algorithm for the correct installation of files and codes.
We will analyze not only the standard methods through the app menu, but also the manual method through the file manager. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes when working with custom fonts and effects, which are often required for complex projects.
Basic data formats for import
Before looking for a place to insert, you need to understand what type of data you are dealing with. There are three main types of information that users call "codes". These are XML filestext strings with parameters and QR codes for sharing projects.
An XML file is an archive or text document containing a description of all layers, key frames and applied effects. This is the most common format for exchanging complex animations ("edits"). Text codes are typically used to quickly communicate settings for a specific effect, such as color correction curves.
It is important to note that Alight Motion has built-in protection against feature piracy, so some third-party effects may not work correctly without a premium subscription. However, the import mechanism itself remains unchanged for all versions of the application.
- 📂 XML files: They require saving in the device memory and subsequent opening through the app interface.
- 📝 Text parameters: Copied to the clipboard and pasted into the settings of a specific effect.
- 📷 QR codes: Scanned by the phone camera to instantly download the project from the cloud or buffer.
How to install XML files through a file manager
The most reliable way to add a finished project is to use a file manager. Android 11 and higher have introduced strict restrictions on access to system folders, so the path may vary slightly depending on the OS version.
First, download the desired project file. Usually it has the extension .xml or .alightproject. After downloading, go to the root directory of your storage. You need to find the folder created by the application itself during the first installation.
Move the downloaded file to the following path: Internal memory → AlightMotion → projects. If the folder projects is missing, create it manually. This is where the app turns when searching for external projects.
⚠️ Attention: On new versions of Android, the system may request permission to access the folder during the first copy. Be sure to click "Allow", otherwise the file will remain invisible to the application.
After moving the file, run Alight Motion. From the home screen, tap the plus icon or import button. Your file should appear in the list of available projects. If it's not there, try restarting the application to refresh the file system cache.
If the file doesn't appear right away, check its size. Too heavy projects with 4K textures can take a long time to be indexed on weak devices.
Import through the built-in application menu
The developers have provided a simpler method that does not require manual wandering through folders. This method is ideal if you received a link to the file or it is already in the "Downloads" folder.
Open the application and on the start screen, find a button with an image of an upward arrow or an inscription Import Project. Clicking on it will open the Android system explorer.
In the navigation window that opens, select the folder where your file is located (most often it is Download). Select the required XML file. The system will automatically copy it to the service directory and open the editor.
During the import process, a window warning about missing resources may appear. It's okay if the author of the project used fonts or stock videos that you don't have. You can skip this step and replace the resources later.
Working with text effect codes
Sometimes users share not an entire project, but settings for a specific effect, for example, complex chromatic aberration or dispersion. This data is sent as a long string of characters.
To use this code, create a new project or open an existing one. Add the layer to which you want to apply the effect, go to the menu Effects and select the desired category, for example, "Color" or "Distortion".
Click on the effect settings gear. At the top of the settings panel there is often a clipboard icon or button Paste Settings. Click it to paste the code you copied earlier.
An alternative option is to use the function Presets (Presets). You can save the customized effect as a preset by giving it a unique name. In the future, it can be applied to any layer in one click through the presets menu.
| Data type | Where to get it | Where to insert | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| XML Project | Telegram, YouTube (description) | Folder AlightMotion/projects | Requires replacement of missing media |
| Effect code | Comments, posts | Settings for a specific effect | Instant application |
| QR code | Screenshots on social networks | Scan button in the application | Require access to camera |
| Fonts (.ttf) | Sites with fonts | AlightMotion/font folder | Requires restarting the application |
Installing custom fonts and resources
A common problem when opening other people's projects is the lack of the necessary fonts. The text is displayed in a standard system font, which spoils the composition. You can fix this by adding files .ttf or .otf to the phone memory.
Download the required font from a reliable source. Go to the file manager and find the application folder. The path will be as follows: Internal memory → AlightMotion → font.
Copy the font file to this directory. After that, completely close the application through the multitasking menu and launch it again. Now, when you select text in the layer settings, your font will appear in the list.
⚠️ Attention: Folder names must be written in English and strictly in lower case (for example,
font, notFont). The Android system is case sensitive in paths.
If the font does not appear, check its integrity. Damaged files may be ignored by the app. Also make sure that the file is not zipped in ZIP - it must first be unpacked.
What to do if there is a font, but the project does not see it?
Sometimes a specific font name is hardwired into the project with an error. Try renaming the font file on your computer so that its name matches what the project expects, or simply apply the font manually to the text layer.
Solving import problems and errors
Even if you follow all the instructions, failures may occur. This is often due to insufficient RAM or an outdated version of the application. If the project crashes when opening, try clearing the application cache in the Android settings.
Another common error is “Media Missing”. This means that the project uses videos or images that are not physically present in the specified path. You will have to manually replace these layers with your media files through the replace clip button.
For heavy projects with many effects, it is recommended to enable Proxy (low resolution preview) mode. This will speed up rendering and prevent the interface from freezing while working with imported codes.
☑️ Diagnosing an import problem
If all else fails, delete the application and reinstall it from the official store Google Play. Third-party modified versions (MOD) often have a modified folder structure, causing standard import paths to not work.
Optimizing work with the project library
Over time, the folder with projects can grow to enormous sizes, which slows down the phone. Regularly audit files and delete unnecessary XML that you have already used or that turned out to be broken.
For convenient storage, create a subfolder structure inside the directory AlightMotion. Although the application itself may not see subfolders in the import menu, this will help you navigate the file manager when manually copying.
Use cloud storage to backup your favorite presets and settings. This will save your collection of effects in case of phone reset or data loss. Regular backup is the key to stable operation of the mobile video editor.
Regularly cleaning the projects folder and updating the application to the latest version ensures that there are no errors when importing complex animations.
Why does the project open, but all the effects are black?
This means that you do not have the effects packages that the author used installed, or your version of the application does not support these processing algorithms. Try updating the application or finding similar standard effects.
Is it possible to transfer projects from iPhone to Android?
Yes, the XML format is universal. However, the file paths are different on iOS and Android. When transferring a file via messenger or cloud, be sure to save it to the correct folder on Android manually.
Where can I find the AlightMotion folder if it doesn’t exist?
The folder is created automatically after the first launch of the application and saving any project. If it is not there, just create a new animation and save it - the directory will appear in the root of the internal memory.
How to paste the code if the insert button is inactive?
Make sure that you copied the entire code, including special characters at the beginning and end. Try pasting the text into notes first, copying from there again, and then try pasting in the application.