PathPrep - After Effects Script Panel - Batch convert parametric shapes and select all Bezier paths instantly.

PathPrep for After Effects

PathPrep is a dockable After Effects panel that simplifies shape layer workflows.

With just a few clicks, you can:

🔹 Convert parametric shapes to editable Bezier paths

Select a shape layer, choose which shape types to convert (Rectangles, Ellipses, Polystars), and hit “Convert to Bezier Paths.” The script cleanly replaces parametric paths with Bezier equivalents, wrapped consistently for easier editing. It’s a huge time-saver when you want to convert a lot of shapes, because After Effects’ regular menu command “Convert to Bezier Shape” can only be used on one parametric shape at a time.

🔹 Select all path properties at once

Quickly highlight every Bezier path in a shape layer - ideal for copying, keyframing, or batch editing. Saves heaps of time compared to tedious and time-consuming twirling / opening of multiple individual groups.

Perfect for motion designers, animators, and template creators who work extensively with shape layers. Speed up your workflow and stay focused on the creative work.

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Compatibility

Adobe After Effects CC 2025 (tested). Most likely also compatible with After Effects versions back to CS6 as the script only uses core scripting features that have been unchanged and stable in After Effects since 2012.

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Features

✅ 1. Convert to Bezier Paths

Automatically converts the following parametric shapes to editable Bezier paths:

• Rectangles

• Ellipses

• Polystars (Stars and Polygons)

Original parametric paths are removed after conversion, and their replacements are wrapped consistently for easier editing. This feature provides considerable time savings compared to After Effects’ regular menu command “Convert to Bezier Shape”, which can only be used on one parametric shape at a time.

🎯 2. Select All Path Properties

Recursively selects all Path properties in the selected shape layer. This feature is very useful when there are a lot of paths on a layer as it eliminates the tedious and time-consuming twirling / opening of multiple individual groups in order to access keyframeable path properties. This is helpful for:

• Batch keyframing (by using After Effects’ Animation > Add Keyframe ).

• Copying paths with Cmd+C / Ctrl+C for pasting into Adobe Illustrator or other design software that accepts vector paths from the clipboard.

• Further batch actions, for example creating Nulls from all Path points. (This can be accessed from After Effects’ Layer > Create menu in AE 2025 or above, or Window > Create Nulls from Paths.jsx in older versions of After Effects.)

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Installation

1. Copy the script file (PathPrep_v1.0.jsxbin ) to your After Effects Scripts/ScriptUI Panels directory:

• macOS:

~/Applications/Adobe After Effects [version]/Scripts/ScriptUI Panels/

• Windows:

C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe After Effects [version]\Support Files\Scripts\ScriptUI Panels\

3. Launch or restart After Effects.

4. Open the panel via:

Window > PathPrep_v1.0.jsxbin

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How to Use

🔧 Convert to Bezier Paths

1. Select a single shape layer in your composition.

2. Choose which shape types to convert (Rectangles, Ellipses, Polystars).

3. Click “Convert to Bezier Paths”.

Converted paths are editable and can be selected using “Select All Path Properties”.

✏️ Select All Path Properties

1. Select a single shape layer in your composition.

2.  If the shape layer also contains parametric paths (Rectangles, Ellipses, Polystars), you may wish to run the “Convert to Bezier Paths” action first.

3. Click “Select All Path Properties”.

4. All Bezier Path properties in the layer will be selected.

Now you can copy them (Cmd+C/Ctrl+C), add keyframes, or batch edit.

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Notes

• Only one shape layer can be processed at a time.

• Converted shapes will no longer retain parametric properties (e.g., size sliders).

• The script includes undo support for both actions.

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License Summary

This script is licensed for individual use on up to 3 personal or company-owned computers.

Redistribution, resale, reverse engineering, or sharing of the script is not permitted.

For full terms, see the included LICENSE.txt.

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Support

For questions or support, contact: synthetickvideo@gmail.com