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AEAfter Effects

Quick Parent PRO

by Ivan Rascon·Workflow

Images © Ivan Rascon. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Quick Parent PRO earns its place in the aescripts library by replacing the pick whip drag with a select-and-apply workflow for both parenting and unparenting.

What is Quick Parent PRO?

Quick Parent PRO is a layer-linking tool for After Effects built around Last-Selection Parenting. It tracks your selections in real time and links multiple layers at once, so you no longer have to drag the pick whip. The workflow is to select your children layers along with the parent, then apply the link with the Parent button.

Unparenting works the same way: a one-click Unparent removes the link for selected layers, without searching menus for "None". Version 2.2 introduced this one-click Unparent mechanism, improved the stability of Selection Tracking and the handling of removed layers, and added new vector icons for the Parent and Unparent actions.

Quick Parent PRO runs across a wide range of After Effects releases, from CS6 through the 2026 version. It is aimed at rigging artists and 2D character animators, animators working with complex compositions, and designers who want speed and precision when linking objects. A trial mode is available with a three-layer limit.

Who is Quick Parent PRO best for?

Quick Parent PRO is best for rigging artists, 2D character animators, animators working with complex compositions, and designers who need speed and precision when linking layers.

How much does Quick Parent PRO cost?

Quick Parent PRO is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Last-Selection Parenting that links multiple layers with a single click of the Parent button
  • Real-time selection tracking so layers link without dragging the pick whip
  • One-click Unparent for selected layers, with no need to search for "None"
  • Improved stability of Selection Tracking and handling of removed layers (v2.2)
  • New vector icon design for Parent and Unparent actions
  • Trial mode with a three-layer limit
  • Compatibility from After Effects CS6 through the 2026 version

Tags

#After Effects#parenting#rigging#character animation#workflow#layer linking#aescripts

Frequently asked questions

Which After Effects versions does Quick Parent PRO support?

Quick Parent PRO supports a broad range of After Effects releases, from CS6 through the 2026 version. Verified versions include 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and the CC line back through CC 2015, CC 2014, CC, and CS6. Version 2.2 expanded compatibility to cover the latest After Effects versions up to 2026, so recent installations are accounted for alongside long-standing older releases.

How does unparenting work in Quick Parent PRO?

Quick Parent PRO uses a one-click Unparent mechanism for selected layers. Rather than searching menus for the "None" option to remove a parent link, you select the layers and use a single click to unparent them, which mirrors the way parenting is applied. This Unparent mechanism was implemented in version 2.2, alongside new vector iconography that distinguishes the Parent and Unparent actions in the interface. The same release also improved the stability of Selection Tracking and how the tool handles removed layers, so the linking and unlinking steps stay predictable across a composition.

Is Quick Parent PRO free to use?

Quick Parent PRO is listed as free in this catalog. There is also a trial mode that applies a three-layer limit, which was noted as part of the version 2.2 release. For the most current details on licensing and any restrictions beyond the trial, check the developer's page, since terms can change over time. If you plan to link larger sets of layers regularly, reviewing the developer's page directly will confirm how the trial limit relates to full use before you rely on it in a project.

How does Quick Parent PRO link multiple layers at once?

Quick Parent PRO relies on Last-Selection Parenting combined with real-time selection tracking. You select the children layers together with the parent, then apply the link with the Parent button, and multiple layers are linked at once. This avoids dragging the pick whip spiral for each layer. Version 2.2 also improved the stability of Selection Tracking and how the tool handles removed layers.

Alternatives to Quick Parent PRO

Also in Workflow for After Effects.

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