Aescripts Fix Free Fix Free Plugins -
Aescripts is the premium marketplace for After Effects tools, but they host a generous "Free" section. These are not just trials; they are fully functional tools made by developers to solve specific annoyances or add niche features. Important Note: While the plugins are free, many require you to install aescripts + aeplugins manager (their desktop app) or manually input a license key (usually provided as FREE or a generic code on the download page).
The Ultimate Guide to Free Aescripts Plugins Category 1: Workflow & UI Sanity (Must-Haves) These fix fundamental annoyances in After Effects. 1. Kbar v3 (by Kbar Interactive) What it does: Creates a customizable floating toolbar of buttons that trigger scripts, expressions, or menus. Why you need it: Instead of digging through menus for "New Adjustment Layer" or "Split Layer," you click a color-coded button. How to use:
Install → Window → Extensions → Kbar. Right-click a button to assign an action (e.g., Layer > New > Solid ). Save your preset. Pro tip: Download pre-made Kbar sets from the developer’s website.
2. rd: Comp Setter (by rd Visuals) What it does: Batch changes settings for multiple compositions (frame rate, duration, resolution). Why you need it: Changing 20 precomps from 30fps to 25fps manually takes 10 minutes. This takes 2 seconds. How to use: aescripts free free plugins
Select comps in Project Panel. Run script (File > Scripts). Check what to change (e.g., "Width: 1920"). Hit "Apply."
3. True Comp Duplicator (by Battleaxe) What it does: Duplicates a comp AND every single precomp inside it uniquely. Why you need it: After Effects’ native "Duplicate" still references the original precomps. If you change one, all change. This creates a completely independent clone. How to use:
Right-click a comp → "True Comp Duplicator." Choose a suffix (e.g., "_v2"). It rebuilds the entire hierarchy. Aescripts is the premium marketplace for After Effects
4. Layer Spreader (by Workbench) What it does: Evenly spaces selected layers across time or space. Why you need it: Animating a line of text or a row of logos? This distributes their start times or positions perfectly. How to use:
Select 5 layers. Run script → Choose "Spread in Time" → Enter 10 frames → They sequence perfectly.
Category 2: Keyframe & Animation Assistants These help you animate faster without writing expressions. 5. Ease Copy (by Ukramedia) What it does: Copies only the easing curve (graph editor shape) from one keyframe to another, ignoring value. Why you need it: Native copy/paste pastes values AND easing. This lets you apply a "slow in/slow out" curve to a different position. How to use: The Ultimate Guide to Free Aescripts Plugins Category
Select source keyframe → Run script → "Copy Ease." Select target keyframe → Run script → "Paste Ease."
6. pt_ShiftLayers (by Paul Tuersley) What it does: Shifts layers or keyframes by exact time amounts with ripple options. Why you need it: It has a "gap" mode that maintains the spacing between layers. How to use:

