What It Does
Roll it simulates realistic rolling motion for shape layers and masks in After Effects. Select a shape or mask, click the button, and the plugin rigs it to roll naturally when you adjust the layer’s rotation property. Works with both simple and highly complex bezier paths.
The plugin supports three modes: rolling on both shape and mask, shape only (Shift+click), and mask only (Cmd+click). When you have a layer with both shapes and masks, it accounts for both by default unless you specifically target one property.
Key Features
Precise edge detection. The plugin calculates where each edge of your shape contacts the surface, producing smooth, believable rolling motion without manual keyframing.
Complex shape support. Handles compound shapes, intricate bezier paths, and multi-point designs. No limits on shape complexity, though parametric shapes (rectangles, ellipses, stars) must be converted to bezier paths first.
Mask and shape modes. Roll entire layers by adding a full-layer mask set to None mode. Target specific paths by selecting them before clicking the button, which ignores unselected properties.
Bodymovin compatible. Animations created with Roll it export cleanly through the Bodymovin extension, making them playable on the web or natively in iOS and Android via Lottie.
Who It’s For
Useful for character animation (walk cycles, rocking horses, vehicles), kinetic typography where letters tumble or roll, and any motion graphics requiring wheels, gears, or rolling objects. The Lottie compatibility makes it particularly relevant for designers exporting web or app animations.
Limitations
Does not support animated shapes, since the trigonometric calculations would slow performance. Shapes must remain static in form while rotating. Parametric shapes require manual conversion to bezier paths before use.
Pricing
Pay what you want with a suggested price of $29.99. The trial version limits you to 2 shapes per layer and 5 points per shape, enough to test basic setups before deciding on a license.