Create Control Layer

After Effects

April 4, 2025

/*
Creates a shape layer named 'controls'.
Adds three slider expression controls to the layer.
Sets the label color of the layer to none.
Script by Jack Vaughan (jackvaughan.com/tools)
*/

app.beginUndoGroup("Create Controls Layer");

var comp = app.project.activeItem;

if (comp == null || !(comp instanceof CompItem)) {
alert("Please select or open a composition.");
} else {
var controlLayer = comp.layers.addShape();
controlLayer.name = "controls";
controlLayer.label = 10; // 'None' label color

// Add three slider controls
var slider1 = controlLayer.Effects.addProperty("ADBE Slider Control");
slider1.name = "Slider 1";

var slider2 = controlLayer.Effects.addProperty("ADBE Slider Control");
slider2.name = "Slider 2";

var slider3 = controlLayer.Effects.addProperty("ADBE Slider Control");
slider3.name = "Slider 3";
}

app.endUndoGroup();

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How to use the script

Always check code before running it on your computer. Even basic scripts like this one. If you’re not a developer, ask an LLM like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini to verify it for you.

Option 1: Install to your AE Folder

Download and install the below .jsx file in your After Effects Script folder. You can then run it using the scripts menu, or by using a launcher like Quick Menu 3.

Option 2: Adapt the script yourself

Alternatively copy the code below and develop your own version. If you’re not a developer you can do this easily with an LLM like ChatGPT.

‍

How to use the script

Always check code before running it on your computer. Even basic scripts like this one. If you’re not a developer, ask an LLM like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini to verify it for you.

Option 1: Install to your AE Folder

Download and install the below .jsx file in your After Effects Script folder. You can then run it using the scripts menu, or by using a launcher like Quick Menu 3.