About CenterLine

CenterLine converts raster artwork into clean, single‑pixel skeletal vector paths inside After Effects using CPU‑based algorithms such as Zhang‑Suen thinning, Schneider Bézier fitting, and Ramer‑Douglas‑Peucker optimization. The panel groups controls for source settings (threshold, channels, invert, map layer), output styling (width, color, gradient, taper, caps, reveal), and animation options (reveal progress, chain stagger, path offset). Additional features include skeleton cleanup (smoothing, gap close, Bézier fit, junctions), chain selection, merge operations, custom width points, dash patterns, stroke texture, particles, and multi‑stroke outlines. Extracted results can be exported as JSON, SVG, or native After Effects Shape Layers. CenterLine supports After Effects 2026 and 2025 and is listed as free.

Features

• Extracts single-pixel skeletal vector paths from raster artwork using Zhang-Suen thinning, Schneider Bézier fitting, and Ramer-Douglas-Peucker optimization
• Source settings for threshold, channels, invert, and map layer
• Output styling for width, color, gradient, taper, caps, and reveal
• Animation controls for reveal progress, chain stagger, and path offset
• Skeleton cleanup with smoothing, gap close, Bézier fit, and junctions
• Chain selection, merge operations, custom width points, dash patterns, stroke texture, particles, and multi-stroke outlines
• Export as JSON, SVG, or native After Effects Shape Layers

Best for

Turning raster sketches, logos, and calligraphy into native Shape Layers for write‑on animations with Trim Paths.