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pt_Multiplane
Version: 2.3 Sign up to be notified by email when a new version of this script is posted
Use this script to instantly turn layered Photoshop or Illustrator files into 3D multiplanes. pt_Multiplane adds expressions that let you freely move layers on the z axis without changing the look of the shot from the original camera position, making it easy to experiment with depth in your scene.
The multi-plane effect was made famous by the movie: “The Kid Stays in the Picture”
New features in v2.3:
- now works on layers that have been transformed/animated.
- option to use null controllers.
- various improvements / bug fixes.
- AUTO ARRANGE LAYERS: With Auto Arrange checked layers are automatically distributed along the z axis between the specified range of values. There’s also an option to have layers distributed randomly inside that range.
- APPLY MULTIPLANE: Either select specific layers in a comp first, or it will be applied to all layers. This applies the scale expressions that pt_Multiplane uses to compensate when layers are moved on the z axis. You should create a new camera first if you want a specific lens preset, otherwise a default 50mm camera will be created.
- NULL CONTROLS: If a layer has previously been animated or scaled, a null will be used to control the layer, and you should use this to move the layer on the z axis. Check ‘Always use null controllers’ if you want to control all layers in this way. To remove them you can simply delete the nulls if you’ve finished making Z Position adjustments.
- BAKE/REMOVE: Use this option if you’ve finished adjusting your layers and want to remove the pt_Multiplance scale expressions. In many cases you can leave them applied, but you should remove them if you plan on animating the Scale or Z Position.
Upgrade notice: If you bought pt_Multiplane in the last year (between Jan 04, 2011 and Jan 03, 2012) you can receive a discount code equal to the full 100% amount of what you originally paid for it. If you bought it before Jan 4, 2011 you can get a discount code equal to 50% of what you paid.  To request this discount code please go here.
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- pt_Multiplane UI
Version history
- 2.3 – Jan 2012
- now works on layers that have been transformed/animated.
- option to use null controllers.
- various improvements / bug fixes.
- 2.2 Added CS5 compatibility – may 2010
- 2.1 Added AE6.5 and AE7 compatibility – dec 2009
- 2.0 Initial release on aescripts.com – dec 2009
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Paul, this script looks great, I’m stoked to try it out!
Excellent script and tut! My mind is swirling with ideas for this script
Great job!!!
Looks fantastic!!!!
Can’t wait to try this out. Making the first request for an AE7 version, if possible. Thanks!
I’ve posted an update with a non-dockable version of the script that works in After Effects 6.5 or later.
If you’re following my demo video, the DecomposeText script I use in the demo doesn’t work in AE6.5 or 7, so you should make duplicates of the text layer and use masks to split the characters onto separate layers instead.
help me download file. Thank for share
@luantran
I am realy sory, but a cant download the script, and i dont now why. Can sameone help me here?
This just meet this wonderful website, but i´m steel too mucht dummy to understand it.
Thank´s very mucvht, and sory for my English.
Hi Jose, you need to click the “Add to Cart” button at the top of this page. From there, click “Checkout” and you’ll get a link to download the script.
yes i´m sory, i see it now. Thanks a lot
Thx a lot…I searched a lot for a script like this.Finally i found your site…You`r great…:D
Download/ZIP Archive is corrupt.
@Hans – I just tried downloading it and it worked ok. Could you try downloading it again, or try using alternative software to unzip it if you’re still having the problem.
Allright, now it worked. Now the file has 300kb more, so the previous file was 1,92MB and now it’s 1,95MB.
It unpacked now properly. Thanks.
Does this script work in Windows? All demos show Mac. Not sure if ‘a script is a script’ and should work on any OS.
Thanks…
_jr_
This script will work on Windows.
Great. Thank you!
_jr_
Man, I tried to do that in CS4, but I could not.
What I saw is that when I import the composition to another composition, and put the position and zoom negative, the composition is not exactly the vision of the camera.
What wrong i´m doing ?
You mean when adding a second comp as in the demo vid? Maybe the camera zoom in the second comp is different, in which case you’d need to animate the one in your main comp to match.
Great Script !!! I am doing some test with the sample photo, is ok to post on my website.
and give you credit for the photo?
Thanks
Ron
Hi Ron, It’s fine for you to use the sample photo. Maybe you can post a link here so we can all see your multiplane tests.
I only just purchased this app for cs4. Will I have to purchase again for cs5?
Thanks
@Gus. To download it for free add it to the Cart, change the amount to 0.00 and click Update Cart before checking out.
Thanks Paul great script.
This is an excellent script…and much needed! Great work!
Hi Paul, script is awesome! Is there anyway to use this script after layers are transformed and scaled? I have a comp I’ve put together and adjusted positions and such. I now would like to simply push back the layers in Z space. If not this script do you perhaps have another?
Thanks!
I used this script nearly every day for 5 months while I was working on a project. It worked perfectly and was an incredibly useful tool. I can’t even imagine what it would have been like to have not had this script. Thanks so much for this amazing tool!
Here’s the project I used it on:
http://vimeo.com/23187322
This is a fantastic script. This effectively replaces Zaxwerks Layer Tools Z-Distrubution plug-in (which is not CS5 compatible as of 06/2011).
Forgive this question if it’s painfully obvious, but how I remove Multiplane? (for example, I want to remove MP from a comp, add a new camera with a different field of view, then reapply Multiplane)
You can use the Bake Result option to remove Multiplane, then create a new camera with your chosen FOV and reapply Multiplane. However as you’ve noticed, the current Multiplane v2.2 doesn’t work correctly on layers that have already been moved/animated, which includes a previous application of Multiplane.
I know Multiplane notes say the script should be used before transforms or parenting. Is there any way Multiplane could take into account transforms when its applied? Is there another script that would help accomplish this?
I’m working on adding this feature in the upcoming Multiplane v2.3 update. Stay tuned.
Hi
If the first layer is audio layer – script wont work if you dont select everything but audio layer. Just to let you know
Thanks for pointing it out. I will get that fixed.
I tried to submit a payment via PayPal but the transaction could not be completed. Just thought you’d like to know there’s a problem with payment. Thank you for the script!
Apparently it is working, so maybe it was just something temporary or related to your account.
Great stuf thank you realy great
JB
Great script, thank you!
The script works great for setting up a scene, put I have some difficulties when I want to make changes. I select my layer and press “apply multiplane”, but it then creates another camera than the one I have already?