What It Does
Vectis generates pseudo-3D Bezier strokes directly inside After Effects, without requiring any third-party plugins. Draw a Bezier path on a shape layer, hit Generate, and Vectis builds a depth-aware DRAW layer with individual controller dots for every point. The stroke scales automatically based on Z-depth and camera distance, so lines appear thicker when close to camera and thinner as they recede, without any manual keyframing.
Key Features
One-click generation. Select a shape layer with a Bezier path and click Generate. Vectis creates the DRAW layer and places yellow Center controllers and cyan In/Out handle controllers for each point in 3D space.
Depth-based stroke scaling. Stroke width responds to the layer’s Z-position relative to the active camera automatically. No expressions to write, no keyframes to set.
Built-in stroke effects. Add Dash, Wave, Trim, or Fill with a single button click. Each effect exposes its parameters in Effect Controls, so you tune them without touching the timeline. Fill creates double-line and tube looks.
Path and cap controls. Toggle between open and closed paths. Choose Butt, Round, or Projecting cap styles from the panel.
Preset library. Browse and preview built-in stroke presets, apply with one click, and copy styles between DRAW layers.
Follow. Attach any layer to ride along a DRAW stroke. Set its position with a Follow % slider and toggle path orientation on or off. Duplicate followers to place multiple objects at different offsets along the same stroke.
Track to DRAW. Select any animated layer and click Track. Vectis samples its world position over time and converts the motion path into a 3D stroke. Use Update to re-read the source if the animation changes later.
Alignment and handle mirroring. Align selected controllers horizontally or vertically from the panel. Lock handles in IN to OUT or OUT to IN mirror mode for smooth symmetrical curves, or switch to Free for independent handle control.
Who It’s For
Vectis is a good fit for motion designers who want depth-aware line work without building expression rigs from scratch. Practical use cases include logo animations with 3D path reveals, product visualization with depth-receding outlines, title card line elements that respond to camera moves, and converting character or object motion paths into visible 3D strokes.
It requires After Effects 2023 or later and runs on both macOS and Windows.
Pricing
Vectis is a one-time purchase at $39.99, currently on sale at $29.99. A free trial is available on the aescripts product page. Single-user and floating server license options are offered.