by nebulaf·Motion Graphics
Images © nebulaf. Used for product review; image policy.
PuzzleMotion earns its place in the aescripts library for turning layer animation into a drag-and-drop, block-based workflow with a randomizer and AUTO mode.
PuzzleMotion brings a block-based approach to animation in After Effects. Instead of working with keyframes and graph editors, you drag and drop direction blocks onto the panel's timeline and snap them into place to build motion on any layer. A randomizer can generate movement for you, and clicking "Apply Motion" sets the layer moving.
The system works across different layer types. You can target any layer, using "Text Split" for text or "PM_setup" for images and shapes. Creation happens by dropping blocks onto the panel or triggering the randomizer, and the workflow includes an AUTO mode, manual adjustments with movement smoothing, custom blocks, and integration with mirAI.
PuzzleMotion runs on After Effects 2024 and later and is compatible with both Mac and Windows. A demo video is available on the developer's channel walking through quick start, manual adjustments, random automation, custom blocks, and more.
PuzzleMotion is best for after Effects artists who want to build layer animations by arranging blocks on a timeline instead of setting keyframes manually.
PuzzleMotion is completely free to download and use.
PuzzleMotion supports After Effects 2024 and later, so version 2024 falls within its stated compatibility range. It is also cross-platform, running on both Mac and Windows. If you are on a version earlier than 2024, you will want to check the developer's page before installing. The current release is version 1.0.4, so pairing it with a supported After Effects build gives you the intended experience across both operating systems.
PuzzleMotion works by dragging and dropping direction blocks onto the panel's timeline and snapping them into place, or by using the randomizer to generate movement. To set up a target, you select any layer and use "Text Split" for text or "PM_setup" for images and shapes. Once your blocks are arranged, clicking "Apply Motion" starts the layer moving. The system also offers an AUTO mode, manual adjustments, movement smoothing, and custom blocks.
PuzzleMotion is listed as free in this catalog. Because licensing terms can change over time, check the developer's page on aescripts for the current details before you download or rely on it in production. That page is also the best place to confirm the latest version and any usage conditions. At the time of writing, the plugin sits at version 1.0.4, updated in July 2026.
PuzzleMotion is compatible with both Mac and Windows, so you can use it on either platform alongside After Effects 2024 or later. This cross-platform support means teams working across different operating systems can share the same block-based workflow. For the most current compatibility details and any platform-specific notes, refer to the developer's page on aescripts, which tracks the plugin's supported versions.
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