About AEPathfinder

AEPathfinder extends After Effects’ native shape tools by adding operations that can divide, trim, outline, and otherwise manipulate vector paths. When a single shape layer is selected, the plugin gives direct access to After Effects’ built‑in merging functions. When multiple shape layers are selected, it creates a new shape layer, preserving the original sources, and applies the chosen operation in one click. The split‑shapes feature then separates the result into individual elements for animation. The workflow is non‑destructive, generating new layers without using expressions, though holding Shift, Alt, or Cmd/Ctrl during processing will automatically delete the original layers. Typical uses include UI animation, logo reveals, and complex vector graphics work.

Features

• Combine, split, trim, and animate vector shapes across single or multiple layers
• One-click operations including Outline, Divide, Intersect, Trim, Subtract, and Exclude
• Non-destructive workflow that generates new shape layers and uses no expressions
• Single-layer selection gives direct access to After Effects’ built-in merging options
• Multiple shape layer selection creates a new shape layer while preserving the sources
• Split shapes feature separates processed results into individual elements for animation
• Hold Shift, Alt, or Cmd/Ctrl during processing to remove the original shape layers

Best for

Motion designers who need advanced vector shape manipulation in After Effects, such as splitting shapes for reveals, outlining for stroke animations, and merging or exploding layers.