What It Does
Staircase organizes layers into groups (called blocks) and applies timing adjustments across them. Instead of manually offsetting dozens of layers, you define blocks by size or label color, then stagger, sequence, or randomize their timing. Hover over the interface to see which label colors are active. Alt-click to stagger based on position in the comp rather than selection order.
The script handles both individual layer timing and block-level timing. You can stagger layers inside blocks separately from the blocks themselves, giving you nested control over complex animations.
Key Features
Block division. Split layers by manual size input or by label color. When staggering by position, you choose whether to calculate from center points or bounding boxes. Layers with identical positions can start together or separately.
Stagger controls. Offset layers in frames, seconds, or minutes. Stagger inside blocks, outside blocks, or both. Direction order (forward/reverse) determines playback sequence. Position-based staggering sorts layers by their nearest edge in the chosen direction.
Easing per block. Apply easing to all layers, or target inside/outside blocks independently. The “round to nearest frame” option keeps timing on whole frames after easing calculations.
Sequence mode. Align layers end-to-start in blocks. Staircase calculates the overall in/out points of each block automatically. Shift-click to fade in, Alt-click to fade out, Shift-Alt-click for both.
Randomize. Offset blocks forward in time by a random amount up to your defined maximum. Shift-click to randomize both forward and backward.
Custom UI. Show or hide inside/outside block controls and easing controls. Reopen the script to see changes.
Utility functions. Merge label colors into single blocks even if they’re not adjacent in the timeline. Move selected layers to the current time indicator. Create a block from any selection.
Who It’s For
Useful for motion graphics work with repeating elements (kinetic typography, logo reveals, grid animations). If you regularly work with 20+ layers that need coordinated timing, this script replaces manual keyframe offsetting. The position-based staggering works well for spatial arrangements like text lines or product grids.
Compatible with After Effects CC 2014.2 through 2025. Supports multiple languages in After Effects, but test the trial first if you use a non-English interface.
Pricing
$9.99 for a single-user license (regular price $29). Trial version limited to 6 layers and 7 days. One-time purchase, no subscription.