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AEAfter Effects

Smart PSD to PNG

by Kirill Starostin·Workflow

Images © Kirill Starostin. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Stands out in the aescripts library for pairing PNG conversion with one-click revert back to the original PSD source.

What is Smart PSD to PNG?

Smart PSD to PNG is a script for After Effects that swaps heavy Photoshop layers for optimized PNG files, aiming at faster rendering and smoother timeline performance. Unlike a one-way export, it keeps full revert capability, so you can switch back to the original PSD source with a single click whenever you need to make edits.

The script includes a global revert triggered by Shift+Click on a PSD, reverting all converted PNGs back to their original PSD sources across the entire project. A Fast Mode setting in the gear menu skips BridgeTalk Photoshop export for faster processing. Batch conversion handles all files in one click, and single PSD files can be converted with all their layers.

Released at version 1.0 in March 2026, Smart PSD to PNG is compatible with After Effects 2026, 2025, 2024 and 2023. A demo video is available covering conversion examples, cleaning up unused PSD footage, batch converting, reverting PSD objects and converting a single PSD file.

Who is Smart PSD to PNG best for?

Smart PSD to PNG is best for after Effects artists working with Photoshop layers who want faster rendering and reversible PNG conversion.

How much does Smart PSD to PNG cost?

Smart PSD to PNG is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Replaces heavy Photoshop layers with optimized PNG files for faster rendering and smoother timeline performance
  • Full revert capability: switch back to the original PSD source with a single click
  • Shift+Click on a PSD for global revert, reverting all converted PNGs to their PSD sources across the project
  • Fast Mode setting in the gear menu that skips BridgeTalk Photoshop export for faster processing
  • Batch convert all files in one click
  • Convert a single PSD file with all its layers

Tags

#After Effects#PSD#PNG#Photoshop#workflow#rendering#conversion#script

Frequently asked questions

Does Smart PSD to PNG work with After Effects 2026?

Smart PSD to PNG is compatible with After Effects 2026, and also supports the 2025, 2024 and 2023 versions. If you are running one of these releases, the script will work with your setup. The plugin reached version 1.0 as its initial release on March 22, 2026, so it targets recent After Effects versions rather than older ones. Check the developer's page to confirm compatibility details before installing on your specific configuration.

Can Smart PSD to PNG revert PNGs back to the original PSD?

Smart PSD to PNG preserves full revert capability, letting you switch back to the original PSD source with a single click whenever you need to make edits. It also offers a global revert: Shift+Click a PSD to revert all converted PNGs back to their original PSD sources across the entire project. This is different from a one-way export, since the connection to the source PSD is maintained. The demo video includes a section on reverting PSD objects.

What does Fast Mode do in Smart PSD to PNG?

Fast Mode in Smart PSD to PNG is a setting available in the gear menu that skips BridgeTalk Photoshop export for faster processing. It is one of the options built into the script alongside batch conversion of all files in one click and converting a single PSD file with all its layers. Enabling it changes how the conversion is processed. For a walkthrough of the conversion workflow, a demo video is available on the developer's page.

Is Smart PSD to PNG free?

Smart PSD to PNG is listed as free in this catalog. Licensing terms can change over time, so for the current details and any conditions attached to use, check the developer's page. The script is at version 1.0, released March 22, 2026 as its initial release, and works with After Effects 2026, 2025, 2024 and 2023. Reviewing the developer's page also lets you confirm the latest availability before downloading.

Alternatives to Smart PSD to PNG

Also in Workflow for After Effects.

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