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AEAfter Effects

Stratify

by Freshmograph·Workflow

Images © Freshmograph. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Stratify earns its place in the aescripts library for combining layer offsetting, staggering and sorting in one panel, with ongoing updates that expand its distribution and sort modes.

What is Stratify?

Stratify handles layer offsetting in After Effects, from traditional offsets to patterns that stagger layers based on their comp position. Toggling to Sortify mode lets you organize layers within a compact UI, and the plugin also includes stagger and sequencing modes for arranging selections.

Recent versions have expanded how offsets are generated. A random offset engine lets you randomly offset an entire layer, its in-point only, or its out-point only, with a default distribution method called Force Range that ensures each layer in a selection receives a unique offset value. A Proximity sort mode arranges selected layers by their relative distance to one another, grouping layers that share the same position and placing a null at the top of its group.

Additional behaviours include Select Order and Reflect group modes, ALT-based copy and paste to invert staggering data, and Shift-based sequencing that starts from the last layer in a selection. Stratify is compatible with After Effects releases from 2020 through 2026.

Who is Stratify best for?

Stratify is best for after Effects artists organizing, offsetting and sequencing layers across a composition.

How much does Stratify cost?

Stratify is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Offset layers traditionally or with patterns that stagger them based on comp position
  • Sortify mode for organizing layers in a compact UI
  • Random offset engine that can offset the whole layer, in-point only, or out-point only
  • Force Range distribution that gives each layer a unique offset value
  • Proximity sort mode arranging layers by relative distance, grouping shared positions
  • Select Order and Reflect group modes, plus stagger and sequencing options
  • ALT copy/paste to invert staggering data and Shift sequencing from the last layer

Tags

#After Effects#layer offset#stagger#sequencing#sorting#aescripts#Freshmograph#workflow

Frequently asked questions

Which After Effects versions does Stratify support?

Stratify is compatible with After Effects releases from 2020 through 2026, covering the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 versions. The current build is 1.4.1, released on January 15, 2026. If you run one of these supported versions, the plugin should work as described; for any versions outside that range, check the developer's page for the latest compatibility details before installing.

What does the Proximity sort mode in Stratify do?

Stratify added a Proximity sort mode in version 1.4.1. It sorts selected layers based on their relative distance to one another. When null layers and other layers share the same position, layers with the same position are treated as one group, and the null is placed at the top of that group. This mode sits alongside the plugin's other stagger and sort options for organizing a layer selection.

How does the random offset engine in Stratify work?

Stratify's random offset engine, introduced in version 1.4, lets you randomly offset the entire layer, the in-point only, or the out-point only. Its default distribution method is called Force Range, which ensures unique offset values across a selection: for example, randomly offsetting five layers with a minimum of one frame and a maximum of five frames results in all five layers receiving a unique offset value.

Is Stratify free to use?

Stratify is listed here as free. Because licensing terms can change over time, check the developer's page on aescripts for the current details and any usage conditions before downloading. The listing on this catalog reflects the plugin as a free entry, but it does not represent an official quote. The developer's page is the authoritative place to confirm the latest terms, alongside download and installation information, so treat that page as the source of truth for pricing and licensing.

Alternatives to Stratify

Also in Workflow for After Effects.

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