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AEAfter Effects

Flatten Layers 2

by MotionCodes·Workflow

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

Why we like it

Flatten Layers 2 earns its place in the aescripts library for handling flattening in the background, letting you keep working and switch back to the original layers when needed.

What is Flatten Layers 2?

Flatten Layers 2 is an After Effects script from MotionCodes that combines selected layers into a single flattened layer without pre-rendering. The result is a lossless PNG sequence created automatically in the background, so there's no quality loss and no rendering step to wait through. You can keep working while the layers flatten, and toggle between the original and flattened versions at any time.

The process is short: select the layers you want, set the frame rate and quality, then click the Create button. The flattened layer stands in for the group, which is aimed at timelines carrying a heavy layer count.

Version 2.2 added the ability to choose a custom temp folder, open the created PNG sequences folder in the explorer, and change the path of that folder. It can also apply a similar random color to flattened layers, and includes a Ctrl+Z fix along with other error fixes. Flatten Layers 2 runs across a wide range of After Effects releases, from CC 2015 through the 2026 version.

Who is Flatten Layers 2 best for?

Flatten Layers 2 is best for after Effects artists working with crowded timelines who want to flatten groups of layers without pre-rendering or quality loss.

How much does Flatten Layers 2 cost?

Flatten Layers 2 is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Flattens selected layers into a single layer without pre-rendering
  • Output is a lossless PNG sequence created automatically in the background
  • No quality loss when flattening
  • Keep working while layers flatten in the background
  • Toggle between the original and flattened layers
  • Simple workflow: select layers, set frame rate and quality, click Create
  • Custom temp folder, plus options to open and change the PNG sequences folder path

Tags

#After Effects#MotionCodes#layer management#workflow#flatten layers#PNG sequence#aescripts#timeline optimization

Frequently asked questions

Does Flatten Layers 2 work with After Effects 2026?

Flatten Layers 2 supports a broad range of After Effects versions, including the 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020 releases, as well as CC 2019, CC 2018, CC 2017, CC 2015.3 and CC 2015. That span covers most editions AE artists are likely running, so you can add it to older or current projects without hunting for a matching build. If you're unsure which version you have, check the developer's page for the full compatibility details before installing.

How does flattening work in Flatten Layers 2?

Flatten Layers 2 works in a short set of steps: select the layers you want to combine, set the frame rate and quality, then click the Create button. The selected layers become a single layer, which is a lossless PNG sequence generated automatically in the background. Because it runs in the background, you can keep working while the layers flatten, and there's no separate rendering step or quality loss. You can also toggle between the original and flattened layers whenever you need to make edits.

Is Flatten Layers 2 free?

Flatten Layers 2 is listed as free in this catalog. Licensing terms can change over time, so it's worth checking the developer's page on aescripts for the current details before you download or use it in a commercial project. The plugin comes from MotionCodes and appears in the aescripts library, where you can also find the changelog and compatibility notes. That's the most reliable place to confirm how it's distributed at the moment.

What did the 2.2 update add to Flatten Layers 2?

Flatten Layers 2 reached version 2.2 on September 12, 2021. That update added the ability to choose a custom temp folder, to show the created PNG sequences folder in the explorer, and to change the path of that folder. It can also apply a similar random color to flattened layers. The release fixed a Ctrl+Z issue and addressed some other errors. If you want a complete history of changes, the developer's page lists earlier releases alongside this one.

Alternatives to Flatten Layers 2

Also in Workflow for After Effects.

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