What It Does
Pointers snaps any layer or spatial property to another layer’s position. Select a source, pick a target, and it tracks the position automatically, regardless of whether you’re working in 3D, 2D, or with complex parent hierarchies. The script handles all the coordinate math for you.
Key Features
Delay and offset controls. Keyframable parameters let you add lag or spatial offsets to the tracked position, useful for creating follow-through animation or maintaining precise spacing between elements.
Independent parenting. You can parent rotation and scale separately from position, giving you finer control over layer relationships without locking all transforms together.
Light and camera targeting. Point lights or cameras at layers with a few clicks, eliminating manual aim constraint setups.
2D effects following 3D layers. Attach 2D effect properties to 3D layer positions, bridging the gap between compositing techniques and dimensional space.
Alpha and luma reading. The script can read layer alpha or luma values, enabling position tracking based on image data.
Surface positioning. Place layers along the surface of other layers, useful for attaching graphics to deforming shapes or mapped objects.
Pointers works with text layers, shape layers, and spatial properties beyond just layer anchors. Compatible with After Effects versions from CS4 through 2025.
Who It’s For
Motion designers building complex hierarchies without manual expression writing. Animators who need precise layer following without keyframing every position change. Compositors attaching effects or graphics to moving elements across dimensional boundaries.
Pricing
Pointers uses a pay-what-you-want pricing model. The suggested price is $14.99, but you can choose your own amount. A trial version is available for testing before purchase.