What It Does
PathPrep handles the tedious work of converting parametric shapes into editable Bezier paths and baking transforms. After Effects’ native “Convert To Bezier Path” command processes one shape at a time. PathPrep processes entire layers in a single click, then bakes your transforms so the underlying math matches what you see on screen.
The script also selects all path properties at once (drilling through nested groups automatically) and copies vector data to the clipboard without keyframes, ready for pasting into Illustrator.
Key Features
Convert Parametric Shapes. Rectangles, ellipses, and polystars become editable Bezier paths. Choose whether to convert everything on the layer or just selected shapes. Each converted shape replaces the original at the same index in the shape group, preserving layer order.
Bake Transforms. Applies anchor, position, scale, and rotation into the path coordinates. Works recursively through all groups and subgroups (in correct order), or just on selected paths. Anchor can snap to bounding box center (keeps editing intuitive) or comp origin. Gradients scale proportionally. Stroke width averages X and Y scale if non-uniform. Dashed strokes scale proportionally but preserve offset values, which may shift dash placement along the path.
The script skips parametric shapes (points aren’t editable), keyframed properties (protects animation), animated gradient points, animated stroke widths, skew transforms (too unpredictable), and any group containing these elements.
Select All Path Properties. Highlights every keyframeable path in a shape layer, including their keyframes if animated. Useful when creating nulls from path points or batch editing. An optional “Add Keyframe” button creates keyframes on all selected paths.
Copy Paths to Clipboard. Exports raw vector data without keyframes, ready for Illustrator. You’ll need to add strokes and fills manually in Illustrator and reverse the layer order (highlight in Layers panel, choose Reverse Order from the menu).
Who It’s For
Motion designers working with complex shape layers who need to finalize parametric shapes for editing, export paths to other software, or prepare layers for rigging. Not recommended for expression-heavy projects (expressions create dependency chains the script can’t track). If you rely on expressions, duplicate your comp, remove the expressions, and run PathPrep on the duplicate.
Pricing
Pay what you want (individuals) or $24.99 suggested price (businesses). One-time purchase.
