What It Does
Matte Tool gives you 20 specialized tools for working with mattes, masks, and layers in After Effects. The plugin simplifies tasks that normally require multiple steps or confusing menu options, like applying matte modes (Merge, Subtract, Intersect, Exclude), splitting layers by masks, removing green screens, and cropping compositions.
Key Features
Matte Layers. Apply Merge, Subtract, Intersect, and Exclude matte modes with visual icons instead of After Effects’ native dropdown menus. Makes combining multiple layers straightforward.
Split By Mask. Two methods for breaking layers into pieces: draw closed masks to separate regions (Method 1), or use a rectangular boundary mask plus linear dividing masks (Method 2). Works on any layer or comp.
Split Parts Of Transparency Layer. Automatically separates the components of a transparent layer into individual pieces.
Green and Blue Screen Remover. A keyer that auto-detects background color with one click. The UI shows a preview panel where you can manually pick the screen color and adjust alpha modes.
Crop. Crop compositions to fit their contents, crop layers individually, or crop selected layers as a group within the current frame or work area time.
Merge Layers As Image. Converts selected layers into a single image layer. You can keep or replace the original layers.
Fade Transparency. Creates linear transparency across a layer using two control points. Apply to any layer or composition.
Blending Layers. Reveal parts of a layer using shapes drawn on a separate layer. Useful for creating dynamic reveals between stacked layers.
Precompose-DeCompose. Precomp or decompose layers with one click.
Layer Explosion Tools (v2.1+). Merge shape layers, explode shape layers, explode text layers, and explode AI layers into individual pieces.
Version 2 added a responsive, universal UI along with bug fixes and four new tools for working with shape, text, and Illustrator layers.
Who It’s For
Useful for motion designers and compositors who work with mattes, masks, and keying regularly. If you find After Effects’ matte options confusing or repetitive, or if you frequently split layers and crop compositions, this streamlines those tasks.
Pricing
$24 (one-time purchase). Upgrade pricing available for previous buyers when logged in to the same account.