What It Does
Easy Clones builds clone systems for 2D artwork in After Effects. Select a layer, run the script, and you get multiple copies that share transform properties while remaining individually controllable. Although designed for bitmap layers, vector layers, shape layers, and precomps, it also supports 3D layers.
The system creates a Clone Control Layer that holds position, scale, rotation, and opacity keyframes. Each clone references this control layer but can be modified independently through controllers in the Easy Clones effect panel.
Key Features
Line and grid spacing. Arrange clones in rows, columns, or grids with adjustable gaps between duplicates.
Delay controls. Apply staggered timing to clone layer transformations without adjusting individual keyframes. Useful for sequential reveals or cascading animations.
Loopable wiggles. Add procedural motion that loops cleanly, avoiding sudden jumps when the composition repeats.
Randomness with seeds. Randomize position, scale, rotation, opacity, and color across clones. Animate the seed value to create glitch effects or generative variations.
Consistent stroke widths. Maintain uniform stroke appearance across clones regardless of scale transforms.
Delay expressions. Apply delay timing to any property beyond the built-in transform controls. Works with trim paths, stroke width, shape path, or custom properties, expanding what can be part of the clone system.
Version 2.1 introduced a performance overhaul and added scale limiting controls.
Who It’s For
Motion designers working with 2D artwork who need to duplicate and vary elements efficiently. Common uses include environmental effects (dust particles, floating debris), trail effects without the Echo effect’s overhead, traffic animations, pattern-based motion graphics, and character animation elements like swarms or crowds.
The delay expression feature lets you add cloning behavior to non-standard properties, making it adaptable to specific workflow needs beyond simple transform cloning.
Pricing
Easy Clones uses pay-what-you-want pricing. You decide what to pay, though a $15.00 suggested price is listed on the product page.
A limited trial version is available that only unlocks Delay, X position, and Y position features. Systems created in the trial must be rebuilt after purchasing to access the full feature set.