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AEAfter Effects

Explode Shape Layers 3

by Zack Lovatt·Workflow

Images © Zack Lovatt. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

A Zack Lovatt script that earns its place for the range of After Effects versions it covers, from CS5 to 2026, and for pairing explode and merge with text-to-shape conversion in one tool.

What is Explode Shape Layers 3?

Explode Shape Layers 3 is a script for After Effects built around two core actions: exploding shape layers into separate pieces and merging them back together for greater precision. It also converts text layers into shape layers, with an option to control whether that conversion removes the artboard.

The explode action works with nested shape groups, and you can toggle whether it explodes top-level fills, strokes and similar attributes. Headless buttons and kbar argument support are available for wiring the tool into custom toolbars, and the options hotkey uses a ctrl/meta and alt modifier.

Compatibility spans a wide range of After Effects versions, from CS5 through the 2026 release, and recent updates added support for macOS Monterey and newer. This catalog lists Explode Shape Layers 3 as free; check the developer's page for current licensing details.

Who is Explode Shape Layers 3 best for?

Explode Shape Layers 3 is best for after Effects artists who work heavily with shape layers and want to split them apart, merge them back, or convert text layers into shapes.

How much does Explode Shape Layers 3 cost?

Explode Shape Layers 3 is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Explode shape layers into separate pieces and merge them back together
  • CONVERT action that turns text layers into shape layers
  • Works with nested shape groups
  • Option to toggle whether EXPLODE affects top-level fills, strokes and similar attributes
  • Option to toggle whether CONVERT also removes the artboard
  • Headless buttons and kbar argument support for custom toolbars

Tags

#After Effects#shape layers#text to shapes#Zack Lovatt#aescripts#kbar#workflow

Frequently asked questions

Does Explode Shape Layers 3 work with After Effects 2026?

Explode Shape Layers 3 lists compatibility across a broad range of After Effects versions, from CS5, CS5.5 and CS6 through CC and the yearly releases up to After Effects 2026. Version 3.5.4 also added support for macOS Monterey and newer. If you run an older or very recent build of After Effects, it should fall within this supported range, but confirming against the developer's page is worthwhile before installing on a production system.

Can Explode Shape Layers 3 convert text layers into shape layers?

Explode Shape Layers 3 includes a CONVERT action that turns After Effects text layers into shape layers. It also offers an option to toggle whether that conversion removes the artboard. This sits alongside the script's main explode and merge actions, so you can break shape layers into separate pieces, merge them again, and bring text into the same shape-layer workflow from one script.

Does Explode Shape Layers 3 support kbar?

Explode Shape Layers 3 includes kbar argument support for its main toolbar file, so its actions can be triggered from custom buttons. It also provides headless buttons that serve the same purpose. Together these let you wire the explode, merge and convert functions into your own toolbar setup rather than relying only on the script's default interface, which suits artists who prefer a personalised button layout in After Effects.

Is Explode Shape Layers 3 free?

Explode Shape Layers 3 is listed as free in this catalog. Pricing and licensing can change over time, so the developer's page on aescripts is the place to confirm the current terms before you download. Note that version 3.5.4 updated the licensing framework and made the online activation period more graceful, so the way activation works may differ from earlier releases.

Alternatives to Explode Shape Layers 3

Also in Workflow for After Effects.

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