Free tools for motion designers and media practitioners
On this page, you will find a personal collection of After Effects scripts and plugins I’ve developed for studio and classroom use, shared freely with the motion design community. Download any tool, use it however you like, and feel free to reach out if you have questions or requests.”
RAK-LookAtNull3
After Effects Script
Creates a 3D null that selected layers will always face, driven by a live orientation expression. Move the null and every linked layer instantly rotates its Z-axis to track it. Ideal for any 3D scene where layers need to face a fixed target.
Compatibility: After Effects 2022+
RAK-LookAtNull2D
After Effects Plugin
Applies a live Z-rotation expression so 2D layers always face a target null. Choose which edge of the layer points at the null and whether it tracks clockwise or counter-clockwise. Ideal for pointer animations, compass dials, etc..
Compatibility: After Effects 2022+
RAK-MoCloner
After Effects Plugin
Clones any layer into grid, circle, or line formations in one click. Control clone count, spacing, rotation variance, and scale/opacity falloff across the entire formation. Stagger each clone’s animation timing with a single offset value
Compatibility: After Effects 2022+
RAK-ShapeScatter3D
After Effects Plugin
Distributes shape layers across 3D space using procedural scatter logic. Control density, depth range, rotation variance, and scale distribution. Designed for creating complex particle-like environments without third-party plugins.
Compatibility: After Effects 2022+
RAK-AudioReactive
After Effects Script
Links audio amplitude to any layer property in real time. Supports frequency band isolation, attack/release smoothing, and multi-layer mapping. Ideal for music visualizers, reactive typography, and sound-driven motion.
Compatibility: After Effects 2022+
RAK-LayerRigger
After Effects Script
Automates parent–child rigging between layers with one click. Builds expression-based control rigs for character animation, UI prototyping, and modular motion systems. Reduces setup time significantly on complex compositions.
Compatibility: After Effects 2022+
RAK-CameraRig
After Effects Plugin
Builds a full professional camera rig in one click — master controller, crane arm, shake null, and aim target. Dial in handheld wobble, cinematic breathing, and focal length from a single panel. No manual null setup required.
Compatibility: After Effects 2022+
RAK-ExpressionKit
After Effects Plugin
A one-click expression injector with a library of 10 ready-to-use expressions — wiggle, inertia, elastic, loop, flicker, orbit, pulse, typewriter, breathe, and snap grid. Select a layer, pick an expression, adjust the parameters, and apply. No typing required.
Compatibility: After Effects 2022+
RAK-TextDNA
After Effects Plugin
Animates text by treating each character as an individual physics object. Choose from three modes, Assemble, Explode, or Orbit, and control gravity, bounce, scatter radius, and stagger timing per character.
Compatibility: After Effects 2022+
Instructions
Installing After Effects Plugins “with UI Panel“
Plugins open as dock-able panels inside After Effects.
Place the .jsx file in your ScriptUI Panels folder
- on macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe/After Effects <version>/Scripts/ScriptUI Panels/
- on Windows: %AppData%\Adobe\After Effects <version>\Scripts\ScriptUI\Panels\.
Restart After Effects, then open the panel via Window → [Plugin Name]. You can dock it anywhere in your workspace.
Running Scripts “without UI Panel“
Non-UI scripts run directly without opening a panel.
Place the .jsx file in your Scripts folder — one level above ScriptUI Panels.
Run it via File → Scripts → [Script Name], or use File → Scripts → Run Script File to browse to it manually.
Before running either type, make sure script access is enabled: go to Edit → Preferences → Scripting & Expressions and check Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network.