AFTER EFFECTS 2022+ · EXACT STAGGER, ONE UNDO
Stagger any number of layers by an exact gap, in one click.
Select a stack, type an offset in frames or seconds and click once. Each layer starts exactly that far after the one before, so you can try a new rhythm in seconds instead of dragging every layer.
01 / THE CHORE
Ten layers, ten frames apart, one at a time.
Staggering a stack of layers by hand means dragging each one along the Timeline, or typing its start time, after working out where the one before it begins or ends. Trimmed layers make the maths worse, because the visible start isn't where the source starts.
// what you do today, per layer // find where the one above starts // or ends, add your offset // drag or type the new start time // trimmed? subtract the trim first // next layer, same again // Offset Layers places every layer // by the offset you type, measured // from what you see on the Timeline.
02 / HOW IT WORKS
One number, one button.
Select the layers
At least two, in the comp you have open. The top selected layer stays put, or tick Start from the bottom layer to keep the bottom one still instead.
YOU GET
You decide which end of the stack holds still.
01
Type the offset
In frames or seconds, measured from the start or the end of the previous layer. A negative value makes layers overlap.
YOU GET
An exact rhythm instead of an eyeballed one.
02
Click Offset Layers
Every selected layer moves to its new start, lined up by what you see, trimmed layers included. Locked layers are skipped, with a note.
YOU GET
Ten layers staggered in one click.
03
Try another rhythm
One undo puts every layer back, so you can try four frames, then six, then three.
YOU GET
Timing decisions in seconds, not minutes.
04
03 / USE CASES
An even stagger or back to back.
An even stagger
Chain from the start of the previous layer. At 10 frames in a 25 fps comp, three layers start at 0, 0.4 and 0.8 seconds, ready for a cascading reveal.
Clips with a gap
Chain from the end of the previous layer. The offset becomes the gap between clips, so 0.5 seconds puts half a second between each one. Use a negative value to overlap them instead.
Undo step puts every layer back.
The engine is tested against an After Effects stand-in: an even stagger, end-to-end clips with a decimal comma, trimmed layers, a locked layer, starting from the bottom and a negative offset all land on the expected start times, and one undo returns them to where they were.
04 / DETAIL
Built for real projects.
Trims
Lines up by what you see
Trimmed layers are placed by their visible start, not by where their source begins. Untrimmed layers behave exactly as you'd expect.
Units
Frames or seconds
Type the offset in either unit. Frames follow your comp's frame rate, so 10 frames at 25 fps is 0.4 seconds.
Direction
Start from the bottom
One tick makes the bottom selected layer the one that stays put, and the layers above follow it.
Overlap
Negative offsets
A negative value steps each layer back in time, so layers overlap instead of spreading out.
Locks
Locked layers are skipped
A locked layer stays where it is and the panel says why. The rest keep their spacing as if the locked one had moved.
Undo
One undo step
The whole run is one undo step: Edit › Undo Offset Layers puts everything back.
05 / WHAT YOU GET
Everything in one download.
The Offset Layers panel, as a .zxp installer
A personal licence key for one computer
Free updates for every 1.x version
Direct support: reply to your receipt email
REQUIREMENTS
How do I set the gap?
You type the offset directly, in frames or seconds, and choose whether it's measured from the start or the end of the previous layer. Trimmed layers line up by what you see, and you can run it from the bottom of the stack.
What happens to locked layers?
They're skipped and the panel names them. The layers after a locked one keep their spacing as if it had moved, so they don't pile up on one spot.
Which versions of After Effects are supported?
After Effects 2022 and newer.
Is it a subscription?
No. You pay once, and every 1.x update is free.
How do I install it?
Install the free ZXP Installer from aescripts, drag in the .zxp file, restart After Effects, and open Window › Extensions › STRAT Offset Layers. Paste your licence key and click Activate. Moving to a new computer later? While online, click Deactivate this computer in the panel on the old one.
What if something doesn't work?
One undo (Edit › Undo Offset Layers) puts the layers back as they were. Then reply to your receipt email and tell us what happened.
Offset Layers
Stagger by the exact gap.
An exact stagger in one click, and one undo if you change your mind.
Get Offset Layers
$13.99
One-time payment · 1 computer · free 1.x updates · local taxes added at checkout