What It Does
Wayfinder attaches layers to shape layer paths and keeps them connected even as you animate the shape. It generates nulls positioned along a shape’s outline or attaches existing layers directly to the path. Unlike After Effects’ built-in Create Nulls from Paths (which only works with simple Bezier paths), Wayfinder handles parametric shapes, generators, and shape modifiers like Zigzag, Twist, Wiggle Paths, and Repeaters.
Select a shape layer, enter the number of attachment points (or select layers to attach), and click Attach Layers. The plugin creates nulls at specified intervals along the path, each with controls for position and offset. You can continue animating the shape after attachment, and the layers follow along. The Position Offset control (added in v1.2) lets you offset attached layers from the path in X/Y space.
Key Features
Shape layer support. Works with all shape layer results including Rectangle, Ellipse, Polystar, Merge Paths, and Repeaters. Apply shape modifiers before attachment for complex motion paths.
Trim and offset controls. The main shape layer gains a Wayfinder Leader effect with trim and offset controls. Attached layers or nulls get a Wayfinder Follower effect for individual positioning along the path.
Precision adjustments. Version 1.2.5 added a Precision property (adjustable from 1-10, default 7) on the Wayfinder Leader. If layers jump to unexpected positions when animating Start, End, Offset, or Path Placement on complex paths, lower this value to fix the calculation.
Auto Orient Points (beta). Rotates attached layers correctly along the shape without relying on After Effects’ Orient Along Path option, which doesn’t always work correctly with Wayfinder attachments.
Who It’s For
Useful for draw-on effects, trail animations, or any situation where layers need to follow a curved motion path. Common use cases include text or icons moving along a line, decorative elements following animated shapes, or setting up multiple layers to follow each other in sequence. Works well for kinetic typography, light trails, and motion graphics that rely on path-based movement.
Pricing
Single user license for $25. A free trial is available for download. Requires After Effects CC 2014 (v13.2) or higher. Compatible with After Effects 2025 and macOS 15.0 as of version 1.2.8.