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AEAfter Effects

AnimateParallax

by TarouTools·Motion Graphics

Images © TarouTools. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

AnimateParallax earns its place in the aescripts library by keeping Z-space adjustments hands-on: drag markers, distribute layers across a range, then apply or bake the parallax expressions. It covers After Effects 2026 back to 2022.

What is AnimateParallax?

AnimateParallax is an After Effects panel for building parallax effects by working directly in Z-space. You set a layer's depth by dragging its numeric value or dragging markers in the visual view, holding Shift for finer control, or double-clicking a value to type it in. Right-clicking a layer name selects that layer back in the After Effects composition.

Two limits define the working range: the Near value is the forward limit and the Far value is the backward limit. A set of buttons handles the rest. Distribute spreads selected layers evenly across the Z range, Random scatters them within it, Apply sets positions and adds parallax expressions, and Bake converts existing parallax expressions to keyframes. Refresh reloads layer information, and Reset returns layers to their original Z positions.

Version 1.4.0 added copy-and-paste for numerical values and updated the licensing framework, building on earlier support for editing multiple layers at once and separated transform dimensions. It's compatible with After Effects 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022. A demo video is available.

Who is AnimateParallax best for?

AnimateParallax is best for after Effects artists building parallax depth effects who want to position layers in Z-space visually and generate the expressions to drive them.

How much does AnimateParallax cost?

AnimateParallax is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Set a layer's Z position by dragging its numeric value or dragging markers in the visual view, holding Shift for fine adjustment, or double-clicking a value to type it directly
  • Near and Far values define the forward and backward limits of the Z range, with Far greater than Near and Near greater than the camera's Z position
  • Distribute button spreads selected layers evenly across the Z range (Shift reverses the order); Random button distributes them randomly within the range
  • Apply button sets positions and adds parallax expressions, while Ctrl+Click Apply sets Z positions only without expressions or scale adjustments
  • Bake button converts existing parallax expressions to keyframes, simplified to a first and last keyframe
  • Refresh button reloads layer information from selected layers, and Reset returns selected layers to their original Z positions
  • Right-click a layer name in the panel to select it in the After Effects composition

Tags

#After Effects#parallax#Z-space#depth#motion graphics#expressions#aescripts#TarouTools

Frequently asked questions

Does AnimateParallax work with After Effects 2026?

AnimateParallax works with After Effects 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022. If you're running one of those versions, the panel is supported. Before using the Refresh button, select the layers you want in your composition so the panel can load their information. Version 1.4.0, released April 1, 2026, added copy-and-paste functionality for numerical values and updated the licensing framework. For details on setting it up in a specific release, check the developer's page.

Is AnimateParallax free?

AnimateParallax is listed as free in this catalog. We don't publish a specific price here, so for current licensing terms and any conditions, check the developer's page. The most recent update, version 1.4.0 from April 1, 2026, notes an updated licensing framework, so it's worth confirming the latest details there before you rely on any particular arrangement. It supports After Effects versions 2026 through 2022.

What's the difference between the Apply and Bake buttons in AnimateParallax?

AnimateParallax separates its Apply and Bake buttons. The Apply button applies your set positions and adds parallax expressions to the layers, while Ctrl+Click on Apply sets Z positions only, without adding expressions or scale adjustments. The Bake button takes existing parallax expressions and bakes them to keyframes, simplifying the result to a first and last keyframe. The Reset button returns selected layers to their original Z positions if you want to start over.

How do I distribute layers across the Z range in AnimateParallax?

AnimateParallax includes a Distribute button that spreads selected layers evenly across the Z range you've set with the Near and Far values, and holding Shift while clicking reverses the distribution order. If you'd prefer scattered placement instead of even spacing, the Random button distributes selected layers randomly within the same Z range. Note that Near is the forward limit and must be smaller than Far, the backward limit, and Near must also be greater than the camera's Z position.

Does AnimateParallax support editing multiple layers at once?

AnimateParallax added support for selecting and editing multiple layers at once in version 1.2.0. That applies to manual Z-value adjustments; the Distribute, Random, Apply, and Bake buttons continue to affect all loaded layers regardless of the selection. To load layers, select them in your composition and press the Refresh button, which reloads layer information. You can also scroll the layer list with the mouse wheel over the depth view panel.

Alternatives to AnimateParallax

Also in Motion Graphics for After Effects.

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