What It Does
Recursive Scale Comp rescales After Effects compositions to different output resolutions while automatically processing all nested compositions to maintain the highest possible image quality. Instead of simply scaling a comp’s contents, the script adjusts the dimensions of each nested comp in your project hierarchy, ensuring that raster elements render at their best quality for the new resolution.
This approach is particularly useful when you’ve built a project at one resolution (say, 1080p) but need to deliver at another (4K or 720p). The script handles the recursive scaling automatically, saving you from manually resizing dozens of nested comps.
Key Features
Recursive nested comp processing. The script doesn’t just scale the active composition. It walks through the entire hierarchy of nested comps and adjusts each one’s dimensions, which preserves the quality of all raster elements throughout your project.
Best available image quality. By scaling composition dimensions rather than layer scale properties, the script ensures that continuous rasterization and other quality-dependent rendering happens at the target resolution.
Who It’s For
Motion designers who need to adapt projects for different delivery specs, particularly those working with heavily nested compositions. If you’re repurposing work for multiple platforms or aspect ratios, this script eliminates tedious manual resizing.
Note that expressions dependent on transform or camera properties may need to be converted to keyframes before running the script, as changing comp dimensions can affect expression values.
Pricing
Recursive Scale Comp uses a pay-what-you-want model with a suggested price of $7.99. Individual users can choose their own price, while businesses and teams are expected to pay the suggested amount for a valid license. The script was last updated in March 2013 and supports After Effects versions from CS3 through CS6.