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AEAfter Effects

MonkeySauce

by Orrin Zucker·Audio

Images © Orrin Zucker. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

MonkeySauce earns its place in the aescripts library for consolidating a range of SFX-triggering modes and marker tools into a single script.

What is MonkeySauce?

MonkeySauce is a script for After Effects built to automate the time-consuming process of triggering sound effects. Instead of placing and organizing audio manually, it provides several modes for arranging selected SFX. Single places each audio file in its own precomp to keep the timeline organized, Sequence combines selected files into one precomp triggered in order or randomly, and Expanded works like Sequence but keeps each file in its own precomp to prevent interruptions. A Squeeze option speeds up audio to fit before the next marker is triggered.

Marker handling is a core part of the script. Manual places a single marker at the current time indicator for each layer, while Repeat & Random adds markers at intervals set by Max/Min time settings. Layer Start, Middle, and End trigger audio based on a selected layer's position, and Marker Sync aligns markers to existing markers on a reference layer. Random Sync applies similarly but to about half of the reference layer's markers.

Additional Utilities include Offset, Clean, and Keyframes to Markers. The Mix Order setting randomizes the order of selected audio files; otherwise files trigger in project window order.

Who is MonkeySauce best for?

MonkeySauce is best for after Effects artists automating the placement and triggering of sound effects across compositions.

How much does MonkeySauce cost?

MonkeySauce is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Single, Sequence, and Expanded modes for placing selected SFX in precomps
  • Squeeze speeds up audio to fit before the next marker is triggered
  • Mix Order randomizes the order of selected audio files, or triggers them in project window order
  • Manual, Repeat & Random, and Layer Start/Middle/End marker placement options
  • Marker Sync aligns markers to existing markers on a selected layer, with a Random Sync variant
  • Utilities including Offset, Clean, and Keyframes to Markers

Tags

#After Effects#sound effects#audio#SFX#markers#automation#script#aescripts

Frequently asked questions

Which After Effects versions does MonkeySauce support?

MonkeySauce is compatible with After Effects 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022. If you run one of these versions, the script fits into your existing setup. The current release is version 1.01, last updated in November 2025. For any newer or older releases not listed, check the developer's page to confirm current compatibility before installing, since supported versions can change as the script is updated over time.

How does the Squeeze option in MonkeySauce work?

MonkeySauce includes a Squeeze option that speeds up audio so it fits before the next marker is triggered. This is one of several placement behaviours in the script, alongside modes like Single, Sequence, and Expanded that determine how selected sound effects are arranged in precomps. For a fuller look at how these modes behave, a demo video is available and the developer provides FAQs.

What is the difference between Marker Sync and Random Sync in MonkeySauce?

MonkeySauce offers both Marker Sync and Random Sync. Marker Sync aligns markers to existing markers on a selected layer, while Random Sync works similarly but applies randomly to about half of the reference layer's markers. These sit alongside other marker options such as Manual, Repeat & Random, and the Layer Start, Middle, and End triggers, giving several ways to place markers depending on your setup.

Is MonkeySauce free to use?

MonkeySauce is listed as free in this catalog. Licensing terms can change, and the changelog notes a licensing framework update in version 1.01, so check the developer's page for the current details before you download. That page, on aescripts, is also the place to confirm any requirements and to review the FAQs the developer provides alongside the script. Since licensing can shift between releases, treat the developer's page as the authoritative source rather than this listing.

Alternatives to MonkeySauce

Also in Audio for After Effects.

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