What It Does
Ray Dynamic Color 2 creates a palette-based color management system for After Effects. Instead of treating every color as an isolated value, it links scene colors to reusable swatches. Click a swatch to apply a color, or extract existing colors from your scene into a palette. When you change a palette color, every linked element updates instantly.
The plugin uses native After Effects expressions to create these links, so projects remain fully compatible even when opened on machines without the plugin installed. You can also work without expression links if you prefer a traditional palette workflow.
Key Features
One-click color application. Select a layer and click a swatch to apply that color. Works on fills, strokes, text, and most color properties. The plugin can apply colors with or without expression links depending on your preference.
Extract colors from your scene. Select layers and click the plus button to pull their colors into a new palette. Useful when inheriting projects or building a palette from existing work.
Link and unlink colors. The Link button adds expression links to existing colors, connecting them to a palette. The Unlink button bakes values and removes expressions, leaving no trace of the plugin.
Shape layer precision. Color shape layer strokes and fills individually rather than affecting the entire layer at once.
Swap and randomize. Swap the colors of any two properties. Randomize or cycle palette colors to explore variations quickly.
Import and export ASE files. Share palettes with other Adobe apps using Adobe Swatch Exchange format. Shift-click the plus button to import, Shift-Alt-click to export.
Merge scene resolution. When combining projects, the plugin helps resolve color differences and maintain consistency across merged comps.
KBar and Overlord integration. Access key functions from toolbar shortcuts if you use those workflow tools.
Who It’s For
Motion designers working on projects with defined color schemes, especially when client revisions involve color changes. Also useful for anyone managing multiple scene variations or building templated projects where colors need to stay consistent across comps.
Pricing
$29.99 for a single user license. Users who own version 1 can upgrade for $14.99 (automatic discount when logged in). No subscription or trial version available. Compatible with After Effects CC 2017 through 2024.