What It Does
Hyle is an automation script that uses a text-based syntax to perform repetitive tasks in After Effects. Instead of manually creating layers, applying effects, or setting keyframes, you write commands in Hyle’s readable syntax and the script generates the result. The tool was previously sold through aescripts but is now open source and freely available.
Key Features
Text-based automation. Write commands in Hyle’s syntax to create layers, apply effects, set properties, and animate without clicking through menus. The text format makes your automation steps readable and reusable.
Project templates. Build standardized project structures by defining compositions, layers, and settings in a Hyle script. Run the script to generate the same setup across multiple projects.
Preset management. Store effect presets as Hyle scripts instead of binary files. This makes them version-controllable and easier to share or modify.
Batch layer creation. Generate multiple similar layers in one command. Useful for creating grids of elements or duplicating layer structures with variations.
Keyframe and expression application. Define keyframes and expressions in your script, then apply them to layers programmatically. Faster than setting up animation by hand when you need the same motion across multiple elements.
Who It’s For
Motion designers who find themselves repeating the same setup steps across projects. Technical users comfortable with learning a text syntax. Teams who need a version-controllable way to share project templates or effect presets.
Pricing
Hyle is now free and open source. Download it from the official website or access the source code on GitHub. It previously sold for $16-20 but is no longer sold commercially.
Note: The script only works in English-language versions of After Effects (CS5.5, CS6, CC).
