What It Does
Smart Baker solves a specific problem with After Effects’ “Convert Expression to Keyframes” command. When you bake an expression, After Effects creates a keyframe on every single frame, even when nothing is moving or changing. Smart Baker scans these baked keyframes and removes the ones you don’t need, keeping only keyframes where values actually change.
Key Features
Automatic keyframe detection. The script identifies straight linear interpolation and motionless gaps in your baked animation, removing redundant keyframes while preserving the motion.
Adjustable detection threshold. A slider from 0 to 15 controls how aggressively the script rounds keyframe values when detecting unnecessary frames. Higher values round more aggressively, removing more keyframes but potentially affecting precision.
One-click cleanup. Select a property with baked keyframes, set your threshold, and click Smart Bake. The script handles the rest.
Who It’s For
Useful if you regularly convert expressions to keyframes for fine-tuning or client handoff. Particularly helpful when dealing with expression-driven rigging that needs to be converted to traditional animation.
Pricing
Smart Baker is no longer available for purchase (discontinued). It was offered as pay-what-you-want when active. The script was last updated in July 2012 and supported After Effects CS4 through CS6.
