What It Does
Control Groups treats layer organization like a real-time strategy game. Assign layers or timeline positions to numbered groups (1-10), then recall them with a single keystroke. No hunting through the timeline, no redoing selections. The plugin stores up to 100 groups across 10 “Spaces” (pages), all controlled from the keyboard.
Double-tap a group’s shortcut to jump directly to those layers, even if they’re in a different composition. Set bookmarks at specific timeline positions and cycle through them sequentially. The system includes a custom undo/redo stack that can optionally navigate back to the exact composition and time where each action occurred.
Key Features
Layer and location groups. A group can contain selected layers or timeline bookmarks (called “locations”). Switch between layer mode and location mode with a toggle. Layer groups let you re-select specific layers instantly. Location groups save timeline positions in any comp for quick navigation.
Modifier-based editing. Hold Cmd/Ctrl while pressing a group’s key to overwrite it with your current selection. Cmd+Shift adds to the group, Alt removes from it, Cmd+Alt adds while removing those items from other groups. All modifiers are customizable.
Stream Deck integration. The plugin includes a Stream Deck extension with real-time sync. Buttons display each group’s custom icon, color, and slot number. When you select a group in After Effects, the corresponding button highlights on the hardware. Supports Classic, Mini, XL, and Plus models.
Sequential cycling. Repeatedly press a group’s shortcut to step through its contents one at a time. Works for both layers (selecting them individually) and locations (moving through saved timeline positions).
Custom icons and names. Right-click any group to choose from 60+ icons or rename the slot. Rename Spaces through the Spaces menu. Icons and names appear in the panel, notifications, and on Stream Deck buttons.
Sort Mode. Displays groups in fixed numerical order (slots 1-10), with empty slots shown as placeholders. Prevents drag-and-drop rearrangement. Disable it for a more compact panel where only active groups appear.
Sound effects. Two included soundboards (“Kalimba Bottle” and “Halous”) provide audio feedback for selections, modifiers, and actions. Adjust volume or disable specific sounds. Helps build muscle memory.
Floating notifications. Animated alerts appear near your cursor, at the mouse position, or at a fixed screen location. Configure which actions trigger notifications and whether to use the global system, panel-only alerts, or neither.
Persistent storage. Groups save directly into the After Effects project file. Settings (shortcuts, audio preferences, UI state) store locally. Undo history persists across sessions and can navigate back to the composition and timeline frame where changes occurred.
Who It’s For
Motion designers working with complex compositions, multiple nested comps, or projects where the same layers need repeated selection. Animators who jump between reference points in the timeline. Anyone who feels slowed down by After Effects’ default layer selection and navigation. The plugin rewards keyboard-driven workflows and scales with project complexity.
Pricing
$39.99 for a single-user license. A floating server license is available for studios. Free trial offered. No subscription, one-time purchase.