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AEAfter Effects

SLCTR

by Tim Bywater·Workflow

Images © Tim Bywater. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

SLCTR earns its place in the aescripts library for combining play-head-based selection with a shift action that keeps layers' relative timing intact.

What is SLCTR?

SLCTR is a layer-selection and re-timing script for After Effects by Tim Bywater. It works from the play-head position, letting you select all layers, or only those behind or ahead of the play-head, with the selection scoped to a chosen layer type. You can also restrict any selection to the current Workspace.

Beyond position-based selection, SLCTR can select layers that share the same colour or label as the currently selected layers. Once layers are selected, the SHIFT action lines them up to the play-head while retaining their relative timing, and the FLIP action reverses selected layers' order top to bottom, or all layers if none are selected.

Released in November 2023 as version 1.0, SLCTR is compatible with After Effects 2020 through 2025. A demo video is available for those who want to see the script before installing.

Who is SLCTR best for?

SLCTR is best for after Effects users re-timing comps through play-head-based layer selection and shifting.

How much does SLCTR cost?

SLCTR is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Select all layers from a chosen layer type scope
  • Select layers behind or ahead of the play-head, scoped by layer type
  • Select layers sharing the same colour or label as the current selection
  • SHIFT selected layers to line up to the play-head while retaining their relative timing
  • FLIP the order of selected layers top to bottom, or all layers if none are selected
  • Restrict any selection to the current Workspace

Tags

#After Effects#layer selection#re-timing#workflow#play-head#aescripts#compositing

Frequently asked questions

Does SLCTR work with After Effects 2025?

SLCTR is compatible with After Effects 2025, and also supports 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020. That range covers several recent release cycles, so most current installations should be able to run the script. If you are on a version outside this list, check the developer's page to confirm before installing, as compatibility beyond those releases is not stated here.

How does the SHIFT action in SLCTR handle timing?

SLCTR's SHIFT action moves the selected layers to line up to the play-head while retaining their relative timing. That means the spacing between the selected layers is preserved as the group is repositioned. You choose which layers are part of the selection first, using the play-head-based and layer-type scope options, and then apply SHIFT to reposition that group together against the play-head.

What can SLCTR select layers by?

SLCTR selects layers based on the play-head position, letting you pick all layers, or those behind or ahead of the play-head, with the scope set to a chosen layer type. It can also select layers that share the same colour or label as the currently selected layers. Any of these selections can be restricted to the current Workspace, narrowing what the script acts on.

Is SLCTR free to use?

SLCTR is listed as free in this catalog. For current licensing details, terms, and any conditions on use, check the developer's page on aescripts, since licensing arrangements can change over time. The script was released as version 1.0 in November 2023, so it is worth confirming the latest available version and its terms directly at the source before you download and install it.

Alternatives to SLCTR

Also in Workflow for After Effects.

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