LayerMonkey

Creates and animates unique layouts in seconds. Think TypeMonkey for layers!

Learn about license types
  • Trial
  • EULA
Description

LayerMonkey is a versatile script for After Effects that arranges and animates your comp's layers in time and space. It also creates a parented camera and generates a master control layer that makes timing and global adjustments a piece of cake. Now stills, videos and pre-comps can be used as kinetic elements in a complex monkey-generated composition with a simple push of a button.

Key features

  • Creates randomized complex kinetic layouts using layers in your comp based on parameters entered into the control panel.
  • Features 3 different algorithms with a Justify option.
  • Works with stills, video, pre-comps, shapes, solids, text, eps and pretty much any other type of layer AE accepts.
  • Multiple controls for handling time-based layers.
  • Variable layer order options.
  • Keyframe-less timeline makes changes to timing as simple as sliding a marker.
  • Creates a parented camera that points to each successive layer as it transitions on.
  • Distributes markers across the timeline in 3 different ways.
  • Exludes non- image based layers in comp such as nulls, cameras, audio and adjustments.
  • Manual adjustments are easily made to size, position, rotation and opacity.
  • Features a wide range of type transitions randomly selected by default, but can be specified as well.
  • Marker Sync feature allows for push button alignment with preexisting marker layers, making syncing to music a breeze.
  • Allows for different interpolation for camera movement, auto rotate and auto frame.
  • Automatically builds and cleans to facilitate easy experimentation.
  • Palette controls makes colorizing layers very easy.
  • Kuler color palettes are now easily imported.
  • Supports motion blur, lock & shy, and preset Load and Save.
  • Free: Includes MonkeyTools- an ongoing collection of utilities specifically written to enhance the functionality of the Monkey Suite. Includes: UnShy Selected Layers, UnShy Text/Image Layers, UnShy Control Layers, Reset View, Invert Locks, Unlock All, Lock All, Scene Maker, Remove Duplicate Markers (to clean up Premiere-generated marker layers, Lock Childern & Lock Parents) (You find MonkeyTools in the same place as your main Monkey download)
*Note to users interested in syncing text to audio as demonstrated in several tuts, the Content Analyse feature is no longer supported by Premeire Pro. We recommend using Textsyncr, a great script here on aescript.com



About Monkey Scripts: Monkey Scripts are practical production tools designed with both the novice and professional in mind. They can save hours, or even days of work by helping automate the creation of motion graphics.

Discussions

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Version History

1.18 -

Nov 12, 2025

Update licensing framework

1.17 -

Aug 23, 2024

Update UI to accommodate AE changes to Script UI appearance

1.16 -

Oct 25, 2023

add check for correct 3D renderer

1.15 -

Jun 23, 2023

accommodate layers with dimensions separated

1.14 -

Oct 21, 2022

update licensing framework

1.13 -

Aug 18, 2022

update licensing framework

1.12 -

Apr 27, 2022

update licensing framework

1.11 -

Jan 23, 2022

update licensing framework

1.10 -

Nov 1, 2019

updated licensing framework

1.09 -

Aug 31, 2019

updated to support macOS 10.15 Catalina

1.08 -

Nov 5, 2018

Correct error in trial version logic

1.07 -

Oct 15, 2018

Update expressions for AE's new JavaScript engine.

Update licensing framework.

1.06 -

Mar 24, 2016

Add new serialization code.

Fix randomization issue with newer versions of AE.

1.05 -

Mar 18, 2015

Fixed problem with 3D source files.

1.04 -

Aug 18, 2014

Fixed scaling bug for layers with non-square pixels

1.02 -

Aug 13, 2014

Added Move Multiple Markers tool.

1.03 -

Apr 20, 2014

Added Kuler file support.

Allow processing of null layers.

Eliminated potential crash scenarios.

1.01 -

Apr 10, 2014

Added support for MotionMonkey

Renamed "Utility" tab "Pre-Build"

Added Lock Children function

Added Lock Parents function

Compatibility

After Effects

2025, 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020, CC 2019, CC 2018, CC 2017, CC 2015.3, CC 2015, CC 2014