What It Does
Layer Displayer manages layer visibility in After Effects by hiding unnecessary layers using the shy layer property. You enter text commands in a field, and the script shows only the layers matching your criteria. An empty field reveals everything. It’s designed for complex timelines where you need to focus on specific sets of layers without manually toggling dozens of shy icons.
Key Features
Command-based filtering. Type short commands to filter layers. k selects all keyframes under the current time indicator and hides untouched layers (excluding stretched layers). ks does the same within the work area. t reveals layers active under the playhead. l# shows layers by label color (e.g., “l#re” for red, ignoring “None” labels). s reveals only selected layers.
Advanced selection and grouping. kfs selects keyframes under the time slider for selected layers. ksfs selects keys within the workspace of selected layers. srl assigns random labels to selected layers. add group creates custom layer groups stored in layer comments, so one layer can belong to multiple groups. show plus a group name reveals those grouped layers.
Special commands. is toggles the shy parameter for all layers. gl shows guide layers. r followed by a number (e.g., “r 10”) shows approximately that percentage of layers at random (or hides them if layers are preselected). msk, n, wa, vn, lo, en, and le handle masks, nulls, work area layers, grey-labeled layers, locked layers, and combinations.
Buttons and hotkeys. Version 1.07 added a button interface and Windows hotkeys (Ctrl + group number + button number). The “All checking” mode filters buttons to match the active comp. Buttons can be numbered or not, and you can disable checking in the settings. The console remembers the last command, so pressing Enter reruns it.
Parent-based sorting. pa shows layers sharing the same parent as the selected layer, useful for rigged setups.
Who It’s For
Motion designers and animators working with complex comps containing many layers. If you animate scenes with dozens of elements and constantly toggle layer visibility, Layer Displayer speeds that up by replacing clicks with short text commands or hotkeys. Useful for character rigs, multi-layered title sequences, and projects where layer organization matters more than raw speed.
Pricing
$29.99 for a single-user license or floating server license. Upgrade pricing available for qualifying previous buyers (requires login to check). Trial version available for download.
