AEScripts Keyframe Parent v1.0 for After Effects Free Download

AEScripts Keyframe Parent v1.0 Script for After Effects Windows Macintosh Full Version Free Download

AEScripts Keyframe Parent v1.0 is an animation workflow script for Adobe After Effects that makes it easier to reposition and retime keyframes across multiple layers. Rather than repeatedly selecting individual keyframes and adjusting their timing manually, the script allows users to create a dedicated parent layer that controls the timing of selected animation.

Developed by Xrayvision, Keyframe Parent applies the familiar concept of layer parenting to animation timing. Users can move the parent layer to shift the selected keyframes along the timeline or drag its edges to stretch and compress the animation duration. The workflow is designed to simplify animation revisions, particularly in compositions containing multiple animated properties and layers.

What Is AEScripts Keyframe Parent?

Keyframe Parent is an After Effects script that creates a central control for a selected group of keyframes. It is intended for situations where several animated elements need to be adjusted together without manually modifying each keyframe.

In a typical After Effects workflow, moving an animation to a different point in time may require selecting keyframes across multiple layers. Changing the duration can require additional adjustments to preserve the intended timing and interpolation. Keyframe Parent provides a visual alternative by representing the selected animation through a dedicated null layer in the timeline.

The official product page is available here: AEScripts Keyframe Parent.

Key Features of Keyframe Parent v1.0

Parent Multiple Keyframes Across Layers

Keyframe Parent allows users to select the keyframes they want to control, including keyframes distributed across multiple layers. The selection is not limited to a single animated property or layer, making the script useful for coordinated animations involving several elements.

After creating a parent, the selected keyframes can be managed as a group. This reduces the need to repeatedly locate individual keyframes when adjusting a complex composition.

Create a Dedicated Parent Layer

The Create Parent command generates a null layer at the top of the timeline. This layer acts as a timing controller for the selected keyframes.

Users can rename the generated layer and change its label colour to make it easier to identify in a busy composition. The result is a visual control that fits naturally into the standard After Effects timeline workflow.

Shift Animation Timing

The parent layer can be moved along the timeline to change the timing of the associated animation. After repositioning it, users can select Update Keyframes to apply the change.

For a more immediate workflow, Keyframe Parent includes a Live Update option. When enabled, the associated keyframes update automatically as the parent layer is moved, reducing the need for repeated manual commands.

This functionality can be useful when synchronising animated graphics with music, dialogue, transitions or other timed events.

Stretch or Compress Animation Duration

One of the script’s main features is the ability to adjust animation duration by dragging either end of the Keyframe Parent layer. The selected keyframes are stretched or compressed to fit the revised duration.

This provides a visual way to retime an animation without manually repositioning every keyframe. It can be particularly helpful when adapting an existing motion graphics sequence to a different edit length or changing the pacing of a scene.

Preserve Keyframe Interpolation

Keyframe Parent is designed to retain the original interpolation and acceleration characteristics of the selected animation when its timing is adjusted. The official description specifically identifies Bézier, Easy Ease, linear and expression-driven acceleration.

Preserving these characteristics helps maintain the intended motion behaviour during timing changes. Users can revise the overall duration while retaining the animation’s original easing approach, rather than rebuilding the motion from scratch.

Add or Remove Keyframes

The script also supports adding or removing keyframes after a parent has been created. This provides flexibility when an animation changes during production and the original selection needs to be revised.

The workflow is intended to accommodate ongoing editing rather than requiring users to recreate the parent whenever adjustments are necessary.

How to Use Keyframe Parent in After Effects

The basic workflow consists of four steps:

Select: Choose the keyframes you want to control across one or more layers.
Create: Click Create Parent in the Keyframe Parent panel to generate the null control layer.
Move: Reposition the parent layer and use Update Keyframes, or enable Live Update for automatic changes.
Retime: Drag either end of the parent layer to stretch or compress the selected animation’s duration.

This approach gives users a timeline-based method for adjusting the timing of grouped animation without repeatedly selecting and editing individual keyframes.

Compatibility and Version Information

Keyframe Parent v1.0 supports the following versions of Adobe After Effects, according to the official AEScripts product page:

Adobe After Effects 2025
Adobe After Effects 2026
Adobe After Effects 2027

Version 1.0 was released on 13 October 2026 as the initial release. Check the official product page for current installation instructions, licensing details and any subsequent compatibility updates.

Who Can Benefit from Keyframe Parent?

Keyframe Parent is intended for motion designers, animators and After Effects users who regularly work with multi-layer animations. It can be useful when revising title sequences, adjusting transition timing, synchronising motion graphics or changing the duration of an existing animation.

By treating keyframe timing as something that can be controlled through a parent layer, the script offers an alternative to repetitive manual editing. Its main purpose is to make timing changes more visual and manageable within the After Effects timeline.

Keyframe Parent After Effects, AEScripts Keyframe Parent, After Effects keyframe retiming, animation timing script, After Effects animation workflow, Xrayvision Keyframe Parent