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Layers Pane Plus

v3.0.1

by dony.

Video Overview

Description

Layers Pane Plus is an advanced extension for Adobe After Effects that provides extended functionality for layer creation and management. Previously distributed as a single script, Layers Pane Plus has evolved into a comprehensive extension that offers a more robust, modern, and integrated After Effects experience.

Installation

  1. Locate the Adobe After Effects CEP Extensions folder:

    2. C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\CEP\extensions
  2. Place the entire extension folder (Layers Pane Plus) in this directory.
  3. Launch After Effects and access the extension via Window > Extensions > Layers Pane Plus.

Main Features

  • Layer Creation & Management
    • Quick creation of various layer types: Text, Solid, Null Object, Shape, Camera, Light, Adjustment
    • Deletion of selected layers with confirmation option
    • Creation of layer sequences based on selection order
    • Splitting of layers at the current time indicator with directional trim options
  • Composition Tools
    • Precompose selected layers using the native After Effects dialog
    • Creation of new compositions using the native After Effects dialog
  • Advanced Features
    • Auto Parent Layers (Compatible with all layer types)
    • Match Layer Duration (Compatible with all layer types)
    • Settings panel for customizing extension behavior
  • Interface & Usability
    • User-friendly interface with icon buttons
    • Dockable panel in the workspace
    • Responsive and resizable UI

Setting Options

  • Auto Parent LayersAutomatically parent selected layers to new layers
  • Match Layer DurationNew layers match the duration of selected layers
  • Auto Delete Split PartsOption to automatically delete split parts
  • Trim DirectionChoose whether to keep the left or right side when splitting with auto delete enabled
  • Show Delete ConfirmationToggle confirmation dialog for layer deletion

Usage

  1. Open Adobe After Effects
  2. Go to Window > Extensions > Layers Pane Plus
  3. Use the buttons to create different types of layers or perform actions
  4. Access the Settings panel to customize extension behavior
  5. For layer sequencing:
    • Select layers in the desired order
    • Click the sequence button
    • The first selected layer will maintain its position, and subsequent layers will be placed one after another
  6. For creating layers with parenting or duration matching:
    • Enable desired options in Settings panel
    • Select target layer(s)
    • Create new layer of any type (Text, Shape, Null, Solid, Light, Camera, or Adjustment)
  7. For splitting layers:
    • Position the time indicator
    • Select specific layers or leave unselected for all layers
    • Click the split button
    • When "Auto Delete Split" is enabled, use the "Trim Direction" radio buttons to choose whether to keep the left or right side of the split
  8. For precomposing:
    • Select layers to precompose
    • Click the precompose button
    • Use the native After Effects dialog

Version History

v3.0.1Current VersionMay 30, 2025
  • Added local loading of the Poppins font from the `fonts/` folder.
  • Moved the "Comp Settings" and "Layer Settings" buttons to the "Edit" tab.
  • Introduced a flyout menu with new options for the panel.
    • Flyout Menu
  • Improved compatibility and minor fixes in the initialization of the contextual menu.
  • New: Added a toggle option for the "Text" button that reveals a text input field. You can now enter custom text for the new text layer; if left empty, a default text layer is created as before.
    • Text Input Field
  • New: Added an "Additional frames" option for the Split button that appears when the "Auto delete split" checkbox is activated. This feature includes increment/decrement buttons and validation to ensure only positive values can be entered.
    • Additional Frames Option
  • Fixed: Added a layer type check for the "Layer Settings" button that displays helpful messages when used with Text or Shape layers, which don't have native settings dialogs in After Effects.
v3.0.025 February 2025
  • Complete conversion to CEP Extension: Now, this script is delivered as a CEP extension with an updated user interface and improved workflow.
  • Overhauled user interface with improved responsiveness.
  • Enhanced performance and extended functionality.
  • Added compatibility for Auto Parent and Match Duration with all layer types: Now Solid, Light, and Camera layers fully support these features.
  • Special handling for Light layers: Light layers now properly affect parented layers without position compensation.
  • Added directional trim options for split function: Choose whether to keep the left or right side when splitting with auto delete enabled.
  • Added visual feedback when copying links with a white check icon.
  • Improved tooltip system with descriptive titles for all interactive elements.
  • Reorganized options into collapsible panels for a cleaner interface.
  • Added responsive design for different screen sizes.
  • Migrated Help and Settings panels from JSX to HTML modals for better integration and user experience.
  • Moved checkbox options from JSX to HTML interface for direct interaction without script reloading.
  • Implemented modern UI components including custom checkboxes and toggle buttons.
  • Added text selection feedback when copying links for improved user experience.
  • This release represents a significant evolution from the previous script-based approach.
v2.1.0
  • Added new button to open native Composition Settings dialog
  • Added new button to open native Layer Properties dialog
  • Added support for Auto Parent and Match Duration with Adjustment layers
  • Improved help panel interface
  • Simplified panel titles for better visualization
  • Added copy and open link buttons in contact panel
  • Optimized contact information presentation
  • Updated documentation and help texts
  • Enhanced overall user experience
v2.0.1
  • Embedded all icons directly into the script file
  • Removed dependency on external asset folder
  • Improved script stability and compatibility
  • Updated version information in UI elements
v2.0
  • Added Settings panel for script customization
  • Implemented Auto Parent Layers feature
  • Added Match Layer Duration functionality
  • Added Light Layer creation
  • Added Auto Delete Split Parts option
  • Added Delete Confirmation dialog option
  • Improved UI responsiveness and layout
  • Enhanced documentation and help system
v1.7
  • Renamed the layer splitting function for better clarity
  • Enhanced the layer splitting function to handle specific or all layers based on selection
  • Added a new button for quickly precomposing selected layers
v1.6.5
  • Restored alert for active composition in the splitAllLayers function
  • Updated layer splitting functionality
  • Fixed command ID for creating new composition
  • Updated help text for the layer splitting button
v1.6.4
  • Adjusted the splitAllLayers function to split layers without individual notifications
  • Updated version text in the user interface
  • Updated help documentation
v1.6.3
  • Added button to split layers
  • Added button to create new composition
  • Improved help documentation
v1.6.2
  • Improved text layer creation
  • Fixed error handling issues in layer naming
  • Improved compatibility with various After Effects versions
v1.6.1
  • Updated layer creation to use native After Effects commands
  • Improved error handling and user feedback
v1.6
  • Improved solid layer creation using native dialog
  • Implemented unique naming system for layers
v1.5
  • Rewritten layer sequencing function
v1.4
  • Updated sequencing function to respect layer in and out points
v1.3
  • Added function to create layer sequences
v1.2
  • Added icons to the user interface
  • Added buttons for deleting layers and help
v1.1
  • Added validations for each button
  • Made panel dockable in the workspace
  • Added ability to adjust window size
v1.0
  • Initial release with basic layer creation functions

Support

If you need help or want to provide feedback, you can contact me here:

donyaep.vercel.app open_in_new

Enjoy this extension and happy creating! :>