Skip to content
AEAfter Effects

LayerStash

by Sarthak Agarwal·Workflow

Images © Sarthak Agarwal. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

LayerStash earns its place in the aescripts library for turning finished layers into reusable assets, with folders and media layer support added in recent updates.

What is LayerStash?

LayerStash lets you save an After Effects layer with all its properties and reload it into any project in one click. Text layers, shape layers, adjustment layers, precomps, and media layers can be stored with their keyframes, effects, and expressions intact. Media layers keep their source file, interpretation, and transforms as well. The panel is built around reuse rather than rebuilding layers from scratch each time.

Saved layers can be organized by client using profiles, and as of version 1.7 you can group them into folders within a profile, filter the list by folder, and move layers between folders. Expressions recompile and evaluate automatically when a layer loads, including in Group Mode, and media import errors are handled with a clear prompt to relocate a missing source file.

LayerStash supports After Effects 2021 through 2026. A Discord community button connects users to share setups, request features, and get help. A demo video is available for those who want to see the panel before installing it.

Who is LayerStash best for?

LayerStash is best for after Effects artists who reuse layers across projects and want to organize saved layers by client.

How much does LayerStash cost?

LayerStash is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Save any layer with its properties and load it into another project in one click
  • Preserves keyframes, effects, and expressions on text, shape, adjustment, and precomp layers
  • Media layer support saves images, video, and audio with their source file, interpretation, and transforms
  • Organize saved layers by client using profiles
  • Folders within a profile to create, filter, and move layers between
  • Expressions recompile and evaluate automatically on load, including in Group Mode
  • Graceful handling of media import errors with a prompt to relocate missing source files

Tags

#After Effects#layer management#workflow#reuse#keyframes#expressions#media layers#profiles

Frequently asked questions

Which After Effects versions does LayerStash support?

LayerStash supports After Effects 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. That range covers six consecutive releases, so most current setups are compatible. If you are on one of these versions, saved layers and their properties can be loaded across your projects. For versions outside this list, check the developer's page to confirm compatibility before installing, since only the versions above are stated as supported.

What types of layers can LayerStash save and reload?

LayerStash can save text layers, shape layers, adjustment layers, and precomps, along with their keyframes, effects, and expressions. Media layer support, added in version 1.6, extends this to images, video, and audio layers, keeping their source file, interpretation, transforms, effects, and keyframes intact. When a media source cannot be found on load, LayerStash handles the error and prompts you to relocate the file rather than failing silently.

How does LayerStash handle expressions when loading a layer?

LayerStash recompiles and evaluates expressions automatically when a layer loads, including in Group Mode. Earlier versions had issues where expressions did not activate until manually clicked, or showed errors on load; those were fixed so expressions refresh automatically. This means a reloaded layer arrives with its expressions active without extra steps, preserving the behaviour you set up in the original project.

Is LayerStash free to use?

LayerStash is listed as free in this catalog. For current licensing terms and any trial details, check the developer's page on aescripts, since availability and terms can change over time. Several features are noted as available to everyone, including folders and media layer support. The Discord community button is available to everyone as well, including trial users. Because pricing and licensing details are set by the developer rather than fixed here, the aescripts page is the best place to confirm what is included before you install.

Alternatives to LayerStash

Also in Workflow for After Effects.

Similar plugins