TIDY LAYERS - Layer Groups for After Effects

Layer Groups is a powerful organization tool for Adobe After Effects that brings Photoshop-style layer folder functionality to your compositions.

This script creates a pseudo-folder system using controller layers, comments, and shy layer behavior, allowing you to group, collapse, and manage layers efficiently without affecting rendering or composition structure.

✨ Key Features

• 📂 Group – Create organized layer groups with custom names
• 📉 Fold – Collapse/expand groups to declutter your timeline
• 🎯 Focus – Solo a single group to work without distractions
• ➕ Add to Group – Easily add layers to existing groups
• ❌ Ungroup – Remove layers from groups or delete entire groups

Groups are managed using controller layers (marked with the [GRP] prefix) and membership tags stored in layer comments.

All visibility management uses After Effects’ native shy layer system, ensuring full compatibility with your existing workflow.

🧩 Installation

✅ Method 1: Dockable Panel (Recommended)

1. 💾 Save the script as LayerGroups.jsx
2. 📁 Copy it to your After Effects ScriptUI Panels folder:

• 🪟 Windows:
• C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe After Effects [version]\Support Files\Scripts\ScriptUI Panels\
• 🍏 Mac:
• /Applications/Adobe After Effects [version]/Scripts/ScriptUI Panels/

1. 🔁 Restart After Effects
2. 🪟 Open the panel via Window > LayerGroups.jsx
3. 📌 Dock the panel anywhere in your workspace

🧷 Method 2: Standalone Script

1. 💾 Save the script as LayerGroups.jsx anywhere on your computer
2. 🧭 In After Effects, go to File > Scripts > Run Script File...
3. 📂 Select the LayerGroups.jsx file
4. 🪟 A floating panel window will appear (not dockable, but works immediately)

🛠️ Usage

• 📂 Create a Group
• Select one or more layers, click “Group”, and enter a name.
• 📉 Fold / Unfold
• Select a group controller and click “Fold” to collapse or expand.
• 🎯 Focus
• Select a group controller and click “Focus” to show only that group.
• ➕ Add to Group
• Select a group controller + other layers, then click “Add to Group”.
• ❌ Ungroup
• Select group members or controller and click “Ungroup” to remove from the group.

Group controllers are identified by the [GRP] prefix in their name and remain always visible in your timeline.