 |
     |
|
|
|
Let’s say you have a precomp named "Glow_Animation" that contains 5 text layers. You want those 5 text layers in your main timeline without losing their glow effect.
Step 1: In your main composition, select the precomp layer you want to un-precompose.
Step 2: Navigate to File > Scripts > UnPrecompose.jsx.
Step 3: A dialog box will appear asking you two critical questions: Un Precompose After Effects Plugin Free Download
Step 4: Click "OK."
Result: The precomp disappears. In its place, you now see 5 individual text layers. They have the exact same position, scale, rotation, and keyframes. If you said "Yes" to keeping effects, those are also retained, usually nested in a new Adjustment Layer.
Can you "un-precompose" without a plugin? Yes, but it takes 5 minutes instead of 2 seconds. Let’s say you have a precomp named "Glow_Animation"
The Manual Method:
The Plugin Method:
The plugin saves hours per project. That is why professionals don't hesitate to download a free Un-Precompose script. Step 4: Click "OK
This is a secondary but highly useful mode. It allows you to extract a pre-comp to the main timeline while keeping the pre-comp intact but turning it off (shy). This is excellent for organizing without destroying the original structure, allowing you to reference the original easily.
While not exactly Un-Precompose, Video Copilot's free FX Console has a "Precomp to Selected Layers" hotkey (Ctrl+Shift+P) that can help avoid precomposing in the first place.
Many users search for "free download" and stop. However, knowing the limits of the free version is crucial.
| Feature | Free Version | Paid Pro Version (~$15) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Basic Un-Precompose | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | Preserve Keyframes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | Works on CC 2024+ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | 3D Camera Data | ❌ Often breaks | ✅ Perfectly remaps | | Motion Blur Preservation | ❌ Lost | ✅ Kept | | Shy Layers & Collapse | ❌ Ignored | ✅ Handled | | Batch Process | ❌ No | ✅ Un-precompose multiple at once |
Verdict: If you do simple 2D motion graphics, the free version is perfect. If you do 3D camera tracking or VFX compositing, the $15 pro version is a business expense that pays for itself in 15 minutes.