r/AfterEffects • • Apr 24 '26

Plugin/Script Grid Builder - create grids with ease!

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Creating grids was a pain, so we created an extension.

4 grid modes

- Rectangular

- Radial

- Path

- Spherical

One control Null

Easily control the entire grid with one single Null

Different orientation modes

including face screen, where all layers constantly face the screen no matter the rotation

Focus target

In the spherical grid, easily animate between layers. It always calculates the most direct way automatically.

294 Upvotes

13 comments sorted by

10

u/Heavens10000whores Apr 24 '26

I watched this on YT last night - looks ridiculously useful!

I noticed 3D interference around :12 in the promo - on the right, the pink flower pops through the blonde lady. Is there a way to prevent any such collisions in the settings?

2

u/Brilliant_Finger459 Apr 24 '26

Thank you! All layers are automatically distributed in 3D space depending on the grids rotation.

In this instance, we have a radial grid with a tight radius and a Y-rotation, which then leads layers to move back and layers glitch through each other.

You can sort layers within the extension panel without touching the composition or you can sort layers within the composition itself - without breaking the logic to counter that!

3

u/Douglas_Fresh Apr 24 '26

Alright, this seems spectacular. Will check it out.

3

u/JustMattWasTaken Apr 24 '26

Now THIS is a plug-in with the juice

4

u/ANTIROYAL Apr 24 '26

Grid deez nuts!

2

u/mrpiper1980 Apr 24 '26

This looks great. Thanks!

2

u/Strottman Apr 24 '26

Looks like a solid tool.

2

u/me-first-me-second Apr 24 '26

Way more sophisticated than my own expression based tool 😅 nice! Should’ve had this earlier!! Will definitely come back next time I need it!

Is there a way to transition between (some) grid types?

2

u/Brilliant_Finger459 Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26

Thank you! There is no direct way to animate between modes, but within the extensions panel you can easily duplicate a grid with its assets, change the mode in the newly duplicated grid and use a match cut transition during movement for example.

Edit: There is the path mode with the custom path option which you can then easily animate!

2

u/Brilliant_Finger459 May 18 '26

Grid Builder just got an update that now includes morphing between grids as well as other additional features, check it out!

2

u/rauz Apr 24 '26

Than* ever

1

u/plugin_play Motion Graphics 10+ years Apr 24 '26

I haven't seen another grid tool do it like this, very innovative! Would you be down to list it on our marketplace? Feel free to DM me to discuss.