How to import Ai into AE - in one file, grouped and on separate layers?

Question

Adobe Illustrator

Given: 1 large Ai-file (the entire composition of the scene is assembled) with many layers (combined static objects, environment, characters). Everything is ungrouped and named according to logic.

Task: quickly and most importantly, import this Ai into After Effects (for subsequent animation) in a resolution of 1920 by 1080 (into a composition with the same resolution) in one file so that all illustrations immediately become in the same position as they were originally in Ai- file. In order not to have to scale them additionally, it was possible to position them immediately to begin animation.

The problem is grouping and hierarchy of elements in Ai before import. Among the various static and semi-static objects - there are characters that I will animate at the level of body parts. To do this, the characters must be divided into parts.

1. If in the layer with the character grouped by body parts (right hand, right eyebrow, etc.) - AE accepts such a file as a continuous 1st layer without detail (takes only the upper part of the hierarchy, without nesting).
   
2. If each part of the character's body is placed in this 1st Ai-file on a separate layer, you will get a big mess (after all, there are many other layers from other objects). Then you will have to sit in AE for a long and tedious time and choose which layer and which character, body part belongs to
   
3. If each character is placed on a separate Ai-file and the animated body parts inside are placed on separate layers, then everything works OK in AE, but then you have to scale and position each such character separately, every time.
   

Question: how can I organize grouping and hierarchization within the framework of ONE Ai-file so that there is no mess, everything is accepted by AE and I don’t need to do the above-mentioned unnecessary gestures further in AE?

Answer 1

Try Overlord.
It is by far the best tool for transferring projects from AI to AE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsrfmFCLRGI