by Scott Black·Workflow
Images © Scott Black. Used for product review; image policy.
Stands out in the aescripts library for pairing a compact range syntax with a fully keyboard-driven workflow and global shortcuts. Version 2.3 added shortcuts for selecting parent, child, and track matte source layers.
Select Every Other Layer, from Scott Black, handles layer selection in After Effects through freeform ranges or repeating steps. You define target layers with compact expressions: a single number like 2 selects every other layer and 5 every fifth, while syntax such as 3+5 targets every Nth layer from a chosen start and 5-2 applies a negative offset. Explicit lists and ranges also work, for example 4-7, 10, 18-20.
Three modes cover the common cases. Selection Mode builds a new selection and replaces the current one, the Add mode extends an existing selection, and Deselection Mode subtracts the defined layers. Beyond ranges, the panel can select parent layers, child layers, and track matte source layers, and includes quick select up and down.
The workflow is keyboard-driven, with main panel shortcuts for switching modes, entering text, cycling history, and running actions, plus global shortcuts you can trigger anywhere in After Effects. Options include Compact Mode, toggleable readouts, warning silencing, and configurable sound effects with custom .mp3 files and volume control.
Select Every Other Layer is best for after Effects users who select layers by row and want a keyboard-driven way to target them with ranges or repeating steps.
Select Every Other Layer is completely free to download and use.
Select Every Other Layer lists support for After Effects on macOS across both Intel and Apple Silicon processors, covering the 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 releases. It requires macOS 13 Ventura or later as the operating system. The panel was last updated on July 10, 2026 at version 2.3.1. For the current supported version list and any platform-specific notes, check the developer's page, since tested and supported versions can change with each new After Effects and macOS release.
Select Every Other Layer supports After Effects on Microsoft Windows for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 releases, and requires Windows 10 64-bit or later. The listed Windows support starts at the 2024 release, while macOS coverage also includes 2023, so the two platforms differ slightly. Version 2.3.1 shipped a hotfix for a bug with invoking shortcuts on Windows. For the latest tested and supported versions, refer to the developer's page before installing.
Select Every Other Layer targets layers with short expressions in its main panel. A single number sets the step, so 2 selects every other layer and 5 every fifth. N+S starts at a chosen layer, where 3+5 targets layers 5, 8, 11 and onward, while N-S applies a negative offset. You can also type explicit lists and ranges such as 4-7, 10, 18-20. Selection Mode replaces the current selection, the Add mode extends it, and Deselection Mode subtracts the defined layers.
Select Every Other Layer is listed here as free. Licensing terms can change over time, so for current pricing, license conditions, and download details, the developer's page on aescripts is the place to confirm before you rely on it. The plugin comes from Scott Black and was last updated at version 2.3.1 on July 10, 2026, which is a useful reference point when checking that you are looking at the most recent release.
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