What It Does
Free Compose groups layers within the same composition, similar to how Photoshop handles groups. Select layers, click Make Group, and they collapse into a manageable stack. Unlike pre-composing, grouped layers remain accessible in the original timeline. You can expand or collapse groups, move them as units, and apply effects or masks to the entire group without losing access to individual layers.
Key Features
Group Creation. Select any layers and create a group instantly. The plugin parents layers logically at their average position by default, but you can reposition the anchor point later, even after animating.
Toggle Visibility. Expand groups to see all contained layers, or collapse them to simplify your timeline. Hold alt to show only nested group layers. The plugin remembers the previous visibility and audio state when you toggle.
Non-Destructive Workflow. Unlike pre-composing, grouping with Free Compose doesn’t crop layer content, break expressions, or disrupt parenting relationships. Your existing animation and rigging stays intact.
Group-Level Effects. Add effects to the group layer itself. The plugin maintains proper nesting order for effects across multiple nested groups. Masks work similarly, you can mask an entire group while keeping individual layers editable.
Duplication and Time Control. Duplicate entire groups with one click. Time-stretch a group, and all contained layers stretch proportionally. Set in/out markers for the group to control timing across all layers.
Opacity and Audio Control. A Group Control Layer lets you adjust opacity and audio levels for all grouped layers together, with prior states preserved when toggling.
Who It’s For
Motion designers managing complex timelines with dozens or hundreds of layers. Useful for organizing character rigs, title sequences, or any project where pre-composing would break expression-based systems like DUIK or Joysticks n Sliders.
Pricing
Free Compose costs $29.99 as a one-time purchase. No subscription. Existing customers may qualify for upgrade pricing when logged in.