Some tools overlap with native AE 2024+ updates, but still a time‑saver. 3. Explode Shape Layers – Best for shape layer management Developer: Battle Axe

Copies easing curves from one keyframe and pastes them onto another – even across different properties or layers.

Duplicates a comp and all its dependencies (footage, pre‑comps, nested comps) into a completely independent version.

After testing 20+ popular aescripts across commercial projects, here are the and the ones worth every dollar. 1. Overlord – Best for Illustrator to AE workflow Developer: Battle Axe

Animators who rely on precise custom easing. 7. True Comp Duplicator – Best for project management Developer: aescripts + Tom Hicks

Motion v4 (still good, but AE native improvements have reduced its necessity).

Sends vector artwork from Adobe Illustrator to After Effects instantly – shapes stay editable, layers keep their names, and you can even send AE shapes back to AI.

Adds keyframe easing, anchor point tools, color controls, curve adjustment, and dozens of one‑click utilities inside an AE panel.

Lets you stretch, compress, reverse, or offset keyframes across multiple layers simultaneously with a timeline‑based panel.

Motion designers working with Illustrator assets daily. 2. Motion v4 – Best all‑in‑one animation toolkit Developer: Mt. Mograph

Character animators using shape layers instead of Illustrator. 4. Keysmith – Best for keyframe remapping & timing Developer: Plugin Everything

For most motion designers, a $100‑150 investment in 2‑3 of these plugins will save – easily paying for themselves in one project. Review based on After Effects 2024/2025, Windows & macOS.