What It Does
Create Trimmed Adjustment Layer is a set of three scripts that automate the process of creating adjustment and null layers in After Effects. Instead of manually trimming layers to match your composition or selected layers’ timing, these scripts do it instantly. Select layers in your timeline, run the script, and get a new adjustment or null layer that starts and ends exactly where you need it. If no layers are selected, the script trims to the full composition duration.
This is particularly useful when applying effects to specific sections of a comp without affecting the entire timeline. Rather than creating an adjustment layer and manually setting in/out points, the script handles the trimming automatically based on your selection.
Key Features
CreateTrimmedAdjustmentLayer adds a single adjustment layer trimmed to the range of your selected layers. If nothing is selected, it spans the entire comp. This is the core script for quickly applying effects to a specific time range.
CreateSeveralTrimmedAdjustmentLayers generates one adjustment layer for each selected layer, with each new layer trimmed to match its corresponding source layer’s timing. You can customize the naming convention to include the adjusted layer’s name, making it easy to track which adjustment affects which layer in complex compositions.
CreateTrimmedNullLayer works the same way as the adjustment layer script but creates null layers instead. Useful for parenting, expression control, or reference timing without affecting the visual output.
All three scripts come in the download. They work with After Effects versions from CS6 through 2025, covering a wide compatibility range.
Who It’s For
Motion designers and editors who regularly work with adjustment layers will save time on repetitive trimming tasks. The bulk adjustment layer creation is especially helpful for color grading workflows where you need to apply different corrections to multiple clips. The null layer script is valuable for riggers and animators who use nulls for control structures.
Anyone working on projects with multiple layers and precise timing requirements will benefit from the automation. If you find yourself manually trimming adjustment layers multiple times per project, these scripts eliminate that step.
Pricing
This is a pay-what-you-want script with a suggested minimum of $4.99. You choose your price when purchasing. The standard listed price is $9.99, with a regular price of $12.99 for those who prefer not to use the flexible pricing option. This is a one-time purchase with no subscription, and the download includes all three scripts.