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AEAfter Effects

AutoSway

by ada scripts·Motion Graphics

Images © ada scripts. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

AutoSway earns its place in the Toolfarm library as a long-running sway tool for After Effects, with a changelog stretching from its 2014 aescripts.com release to fixes in 2026 and compatibility spanning CS5 to the 2026 version.

What is AutoSway?

AutoSway is a script for After Effects, developed by ada scripts, that animates sway motion on layers using Puppet Pins. You apply pins from a start point to an endpoint on the layer you want to sway, select the pins you want included, and click apply. This creates a SwayControl layer, which you then use to adjust the sway.

For multiple layers, you select the start-point layer first and the end-point layer last before applying. AutoSway also includes Bake and UnBake, a decay setting, options to convert curves into straight lines, curve adjustment, and rotation. PseudoEffects handling is built in, and a help function is available from the "?" button in the option menu.

AutoSway runs across a wide range of After Effects versions, from CS5 through the 2026 release. It ranks at number 58 in the Toolfarm library and has a long update history dating back to its 2014 release on aescripts.com. A demo video is available.

Who is AutoSway best for?

AutoSway is best for adding sway motion to layers in After Effects using Puppet Pins and a SwayControl layer.

How much does AutoSway cost?

AutoSway is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Applies Puppet Pins from a start point to an endpoint on the target layer
  • Creates a SwayControl layer for adjusting the sway
  • Bake and UnBake
  • Decay setting
  • Convert curves into straight lines, curve adjustment, and rotation
  • Built-in PseudoEffects handling
  • Help function opened from the "?" button in the option menu

Tags

#After Effects#sway#animation#Puppet Pins#motion graphics#ada scripts#script

Frequently asked questions

Which After Effects versions does AutoSway support?

AutoSway lists compatibility with After Effects from CS5 through the 2026 release, including CS5.5, CS6, CC, CC 2014, CC 2015, CC 2015.3, CC 2017, CC 2018, CC 2019, and the yearly 2020 through 2026 versions. The changelog notes that for versions earlier than After Effects CC, you should install PseudoEffects from AutoSway's Option menu. Check the developer's page for the current requirements before installing.

How does AutoSway apply sway to a layer?

AutoSway works by applying Puppet Pins from a start point to an endpoint on the layer you want to sway. You select the pins you want to include and click the apply button, which creates a SwayControl layer. From there you select the SwayControl layer and adjust the sway. When working with multiple layers, you choose the start-point layer first and the end-point layer last before applying.

Is AutoSway free to use?

AutoSway is listed as free here in the catalog. This catalog doesn't quote specific licensing figures, so for current terms, activation steps, and any conditions, check ada scripts' developer page. The changelog shows AutoSway uses a license framework with online activation, and recent updates improved support and error messaging for that activation, so you may need to activate the script after installing it.

Where can I find help inside AutoSway?

AutoSway includes a help function inside its option menu, added in an earlier update. You can display it by pressing the "?" button in the lower left of the interface. Beyond that, for setup guidance and support details, the developer's page is the place to look. AutoSway also has a demo video available if you want to see it in use before installing.

Alternatives to AutoSway

Also in Motion Graphics for After Effects.

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