Order By Height

After Effects

April 4, 2025

// OrderByHeight.jsx
(function orderByHeight() {
var comp = app.project.activeItem;
if (!(comp instanceof CompItem)) {
alert("Please select a composition.");
return;
}

var selectedLayers = comp.selectedLayers;
if (selectedLayers.length === 0) {
alert("Please select at least one layer.");
return;
}

// Sort layers by their position in the composition (y-axis) in descending order
selectedLayers.sort(function(a, b) {
return b.position.value[1] - a.position.value[1];
});

// Reorder layers in the timeline
app.beginUndoGroup("Order Layers By Height");
for (var i = 0; i < selectedLayers.length; i++) {
selectedLayers[i].moveToBeginning();
}
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.