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AEAfter Effects

Command Frame

by Scott Black·Workflow

Images © Scott Black. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Command Frame earns its place in the aescripts library for pulling layer, effect, script, and plugin actions into one searchable, keyboard-driven interface.

What is Command Frame?

Command Frame is a floating command interface for After Effects. You open it with a shortcut, type the outcome you want, and run it immediately, with the option to chain and shortcut actions. From one interface you can search across layers, effects, presets, toolbars, scripts, plugin actions, and more.

The action set covers selection and navigation: selecting layers by range or nth, selecting the parent, track matte sources, quick-selecting layers up or down, selecting by label colour or layer type, and moving to the previous or next comp. A rename action works on both timeline items and project window items, and deselect all clears project window selections too. The time action moves the playhead to a specific frame or time, and a bundled Action Catalog outlines the rest.

Settings let you control how the panel dismisses, whether it restores your previous query, whether it returns to the search view, and pinned action filtering in results. Command Frame runs on After Effects 2024 or later, on Windows 10 (64-bit) or later and macOS 13 Ventura or later, including Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

Who is Command Frame best for?

Command Frame is best for after Effects users who want to search and run layer, effect, preset, and script actions from a single floating command interface.

How much does Command Frame cost?

Command Frame is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Floating interface to search layers, effects, presets, toolbars, scripts, and plugin actions from one place
  • Open with a shortcut, type the outcome you want, run it immediately, and chain actions
  • Selection and navigation actions: layers by range or nth, parent, track matte sources, quick select up or down, by label colour or layer type, and previous or next comp
  • Rename action that works on both timeline items and project window items
  • time action moves the playhead to a specific frame or time, and deselect all also clears project window selections
  • Configurable dismiss behaviour, restore previous query, restore to search view, and pinned action filtering
  • Bundled Action Catalog documenting the full set of available actions

Tags

#After Effects#Workflow#Command Interface#Layer Selection#Scripts#Keyboard Shortcuts#aescripts

Frequently asked questions

Does Command Frame work with After Effects 2024?

Command Frame supports Adobe After Effects 2024 or later, and this applies to both the Windows and macOS builds. On Apple systems it runs on Intel and Apple Silicon machines. Version 1.4.1 also added support for After Effects' Crop Comp to Selected Layer Bounds command in After Effects 2026, so newer releases are covered too. If you're on a version earlier than 2024, it sits below the minimum supported host version, so check the developer's page before installing to confirm your setup meets the requirements listed for the plugin.

What operating systems does Command Frame support?

Command Frame lists two operating system requirements. On Microsoft Windows it needs Windows 10 (64-bit) or later, and on Apple macOS it needs macOS 13 Ventura or later. The macOS build supports both Intel and Apple Silicon hardware. Alongside the OS, you'll need Adobe After Effects 2024 or later on either platform. If your machine sits below either of these OS versions, you'll want to update first, since they represent the minimum supported configurations noted for the plugin.

Is Command Frame free to download?

Command Frame is listed as free in this catalog, so no price is shown here. Licensing terms and availability can change over time, so for the current details and to download the latest version, head to the developer's page on aescripts. That page is also where the bundled Action Catalog and the full list of supported actions are documented, which is worth reviewing so you know which commands are available before you install.

What changed in Command Frame 1.4.1?

Command Frame 1.4.1, released on July 10, 2026, added support for After Effects' Crop Comp to Selected Layer Bounds command in After Effects 2026. It also introduced an optional notification toast and sound feedback for most standard After Effects shortcuts, controlled by a new setting that is disabled by default. Other changes include layer creation commands now placing new layers directly above the selected layer when one is selected, and effect commands showing as unavailable when the selected layer, such as a camera or light, cannot have effects applied. Fixes covered the Create Camera and Create Light commands.

Alternatives to Command Frame

Also in Workflow for After Effects.

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