by Greg Gunn·Motion Graphics
Images © Greg Gunn. Used for product review; image policy.
PuppetTools 3 earns its place in the aescripts library for straightforward rigging: one-click IK, controllers you can shape to fit any artwork, and a free practice rig to start with.
PuppetTools 3 is a rigging tool for After Effects designed to save hours of work. It adds inverse kinematics with a single click and lets you create controllers for just about anything you want to move.
The tool works with any type of artwork, and you can customize the look, size, name and behavior of each controller. Version 3 adds support for Shape Layer and Mask path vertex controllers, a feature that requires CC 2018 or later, and Create IK works with any type of layer or controller.
PuppetTools 3 runs across a broad span of After Effects releases, from CC 2014 through 2025, and it ships with a free practice rig so you have artwork to rig right away. The current build, version 3.7.8 from November 2024, focuses on license framework updates and activation fixes.
PuppetTools 3 is best for after Effects artists who want to rig artwork quickly with one-click IK and custom controllers.
PuppetTools 3 is completely free to download and use.
PuppetTools 3 supports a wide range of After Effects releases, including 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020, along with CC 2019, CC 2018, CC 2017, CC 2015.3, CC 2015 and CC 2014. That range covers current versions and older installs, so most artists can add it to an existing setup. If you run a version outside this list, check the developer's page for the latest compatibility details before installing.
PuppetTools 3 added support for Shape Layer and Mask paths, and that feature requires After Effects CC 2018 or later. If you work with vertex controllers on shape and mask paths, you will need at least CC 2018 for it to function. On earlier versions the rest of the tool still runs, but the path and mask path controllers depend on that CC 2018 baseline, so confirm your After Effects version before relying on this specific capability.
PuppetTools 3 is listed as free in this catalog, and it also comes with a free practice rig to work with while you learn the controllers and one-click IK. Licensing terms can change over time, so for current details and any account requirements, head to the developer's page. That is the best place to confirm what is included and how to download the latest build before you get started.
PuppetTools 3 reached version 3.7.8 on November 17, 2024. That update revised the license framework, fixed local license activation when a license server is configured, and resolved several activation and deactivation errors, along with small copy changes. Earlier releases introduced the customization settings for controller type, color and naming style, plus IK that works with any type of layer or controller. For the full changelog, see the developer's page.
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