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AEAfter Effects

AE Shapes Blender

by Zohaib Malik·Motion Graphics

Images © Zohaib Malik. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Earns its place in the aescripts library for pairing two blend methods with per-property control and a Bodymovin SVG export path.

What is AE Shapes Blender?

AE Shapes Blender is a script for After Effects that blends shape paths and animates the result. It offers two blend methods: Blend Directly, where paths blend with each other, and Blend Along Spine, where a spine path guides the blend. You can control and offset the spine path and build animated loops.

The script organizes each blend across several layers. A Calc layer holds the calculations, a Spine layer carries the path that controls the blend, a Blend layer renders all the blended paths, and a Master layer holds the master paths that affect the whole blend when changed. Advanced properties cover Stretch, Scale, Offset, Loop, Fill, Stroke, Opacity and Twist, which you activate or update from the script UI using the Refresh and Update buttons.

Additional path tools such as Match Vertices, Shift Vertex, Reverse Paths and Open/Close Paths apply to any selected paths or blends. You can freeze a blend, reverse the blend order, replace the spine, and export a finished blend to SVG through the Bodymovin extension's SMIL (svg) format. AE Shapes Blender requires the JavaScript expression engine.

Who is AE Shapes Blender best for?

AE Shapes Blender is best for blending shape paths and creating animated loops in After Effects.

How much does AE Shapes Blender cost?

AE Shapes Blender is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Two blend methods: Blend Directly and Blend Along Spine
  • Advanced properties including Stretch, Scale, Offset, Loop, Fill, Stroke, Opacity and Twist
  • Spine control with options to replace the spine, freeze/unfreeze the blend and reverse blend order
  • Path tools for any selected paths or blends: Match Vertices, Shift Vertex, Reverse Paths and Open/Close Paths
  • Layer structure split into Calc, Spine, Blend and Master layers
  • Export blends to SVG via the Bodymovin extension's SMIL (svg) format

Tags

#After Effects#shape blending#path animation#loops#SVG export#spine path#script

Frequently asked questions

Does AE Shapes Blender work with After Effects 2026?

AE Shapes Blender lists compatibility with After Effects 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020, so it covers a wide span of recent releases. If you're running any version in that range, the script is supported. Version 1.2.2, updated November 16, 2025, is the current release noted here, and it locks the Blend layer by default. For confirmation on a specific build, check the developer's page before installing.

Does AE Shapes Blender need the JavaScript expression engine?

AE Shapes Blender requires the JavaScript expression engine. You can set it in After Effects project settings by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Shift+K on Windows or Command+Option+Shift+K on Mac, opening the Expressions tab, and choosing JavaScript under the Expression Engine menu. From version 1.2.0 onward, the script can automatically detect and update the expression engine with your consent, so you may simply be prompted rather than needing to change the setting yourself before you start blending paths.

Is AE Shapes Blender free?

AE Shapes Blender is listed as free here. Because licensing terms can change, check the developer's page for current details before downloading. The script does use a licensing framework: recent updates moved it to version 4.4.1 and addressed online activation connection issues, so you may go through an activation step when setting it up. A demo video is also available if you want to see more before committing to the download.

Can I export a blend made with AE Shapes Blender to SVG?

AE Shapes Blender can export a blend to SVG using the Bodymovin extension's SMIL (svg) export format. The Blend layer is the only layer that renders and holds all the blended paths, so that is the layer you work with for output. You can also freeze a blend using the Freeze Blend button in the script UI before exporting. Bodymovin is a separate extension, so you'll need it installed to use this export route.

Alternatives to AE Shapes Blender

Also in Motion Graphics for After Effects.

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