What It Does
Grid Builder lets you arrange any layer in your After Effects timeline into a structured grid, then animate it from a single Null. Text, shapes, vectors, footage, PreComps — if it sits in your timeline, you can grid it. Each grid is controlled through a Pseudo Effect on that Null, keeping your timeline organized and all parameters in one place.
Key Features
Four grid modes. The core of the tool is its four layout types: Rectangular (column-based layouts), Radial (circular arrangements), Path (place layers along a template path or one you draw yourself), and Spherical (mathematically distributed layers across a sphere surface). Each mode has its own use cases, from title cards to data visualizations to 3D carousels.
Single Null control. Every grid generates one Null layer that houses all parameters. No cluttered expressions across dozens of layers — everything stays centralized and keyframeable in one spot.
Four orientation modes. Layers can follow the Null’s rotation (Forward), point toward the grid center (Orient to Center), always face the camera regardless of grid rotation (Face Screen), or align to the direction of a path (Orient to Path, in Path mode only).
Per-layer control. Placing layers into a grid doesn’t lock them down. You can still animate, add effects, or modify individual layers without breaking the grid logic. Reordering layers in the extension panel uses drag-and-drop and doesn’t touch the composition’s layer stack.
Smart Target Focusing. A single slider transitions focus between grid items. In Spherical mode, the tool automatically calculates the shortest rotation path between targets, avoiding unnecessary spinning through intermediate layers.
Who It’s For
Grid Builder is well-suited for motion designers working on gallery reveals, product showcases, infographic layouts, or any project where multiple layers need consistent spatial arrangement. The Spherical mode in particular is useful for interactive-style presentations or broadcast graphics that require camera-friendly 3D arrangements.
Pricing
Grid Builder is a one-time purchase at $27.99 (regular price $34.99, currently on sale). A free trial is available from the aescripts product page. Compatible with After Effects 2022 through 2026.