What It Does
Groups and Toggles solves a specific problem: accessing individual layers inside pre-comps without breaking your procedural workflow. When you pre-compose layers in After Effects, you normally lose direct access to those layers. This script lets you tag layers into up to six groups and six toggles per pre-comp, then extract or switch between them with single clicks.
This becomes useful when you need to isolate specific layers for masking, create alpha or luma mattes from nested content, work around 3D limitations in VFX plugins, or build multiple variations of a Motion Graphics Template in one file.
Key Features
Group extraction. Tag layers in a pre-comp to one of six groups, then extract that group as a separate layer in your parent comp. The script automatically includes locked layers and mattes in groups, and you can add entire groups, overwrite them, or append selected layers to existing groups.
Toggles for variations. Create up to six toggles per pre-comp to switch between different layer states. Useful for embedding multiple versions of a MOGRT where users can change the look of specific layers via a single control. Adjustment layers work in toggles, so you can apply effects to specific layers or groups instead of the entire comp.
Layer ordering control. Break pre-comps into sections to achieve advanced layer stacking. For example, if you have two character pre-comps and need an object to appear between a character’s arm and leg, you can extract groups to position layers precisely.
Matte embedding. Embed mattes directly in MOGRTs so the same file can function as both the main comp and its matte, eliminating the need for separate matte files.
RGB soloing and VFX workarounds. Isolate RGB channels from pre-comps, create alpha/luma mattes, or bypass 3D limitations in plugins like Supercomp by accessing pre-composed layers directly.
The script excludes cameras, lights, nulls, and guide layers from groups. Toggles exclude the same except they allow adjustment layers. For detailed instructions, Ctrl + Click the Extract button inside the script.
Who It’s For
Motion designers working with complex MOGRTs, compositors who need fine control over nested layer stacks, and anyone who regularly hits the limits of After Effects’ standard pre-composing workflow. If you’ve ever wished you could pull a single layer out of a pre-comp without duplicating or restructuring your entire project, this script exists for that exact reason.
Pricing
$19.99 for a single-user license. Floating server licenses available at a different price point. One-time purchase, no subscription. A free trial is available to test compatibility before buying.