What It Does
rd: Render Layers automates the process of rendering individual layers as separate files. Instead of manually duplicating your comp and rendering each pass one by one, this script handles it in batch. Select the layers you want to render, configure your settings once, and let it queue everything up.
Useful when you’re building up an effect from multiple layers (a background plate, a light pass, a particle layer, etc.) and want to render them as separate files for more control in compositing.
Key Features
Uses existing render settings. The script doesn’t create new templates. You set up your render settings and output module beforehand, then select which ones to use when you run the script. Each layer renders with the same settings but as a separate file.
Customizable output naming. Define how each file gets named using the same tokens available in After Effects’ file name templates, plus two extras: [layerName] and [layerNumber]. If you’re rendering to an image sequence, include [#####] in the template.
Frame range control. Choose whether to render the full comp, the work area, or each layer’s in/out points. Layers completely outside the comp time range get skipped, but if you’re using work area and a layer is outside that range, it still renders.
Optional layer inclusion. Decide whether unselected layers, adjustment layers, the active camera, or light layers should be included in each render. Good for when your effect depends on certain layers being present but you don’t want them rendered individually.
Dockable panel. Place the script in the ScriptUI Panels folder and it becomes a panel you can dock in your workspace. Requires After Effects CS5 or later.
Who It’s For
Motion designers and compositors who regularly render multi-pass effects. If you’re building up complex looks from stacked layers and want separate files for each element, this saves you the manual work of isolating and rendering each one.
Pricing
Free, part of the rd: scripts collection by redefinery. The developer suggests considering a donation to a charity of your choice.
