AnimateParallax is an After Effects panel that lets you set layer depth in Z‑space, distribute layers across a defined range, and apply or bake parallax expressions. It works with After Effects 2022‑2026 and is listed as free.
Developed by TarouTools.
About AnimateParallax
AnimateParallax is an After Effects panel for building parallax effects by working directly in Z‑space. Layers can be positioned by dragging numeric values or visual markers, with Shift for fine control or direct entry by double‑clicking. Near and Far values define the forward and backward limits of the Z range, and the panel offers buttons to distribute selected layers evenly, scatter them randomly, apply positions with parallax expressions, or bake existing expressions to keyframes. Refresh reloads layer information, and Reset returns layers to their original Z positions. Version 1.4.0 added copy‑and‑paste for numeric values and updated the licensing framework. The plugin is compatible with After Effects 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022.
Features
- Set a layer’s Z position by dragging its numeric value or dragging markers in the visual view, holding Shift for fine adjustment, or double-clicking a value to type it directly
- Near and Far values define the forward and backward limits of the Z range, with Far greater than Near and Near greater than the camera’s Z position
- Distribute button spreads selected layers evenly across the Z range (Shift reverses the order); Random button distributes them randomly within the range
- Apply button sets positions and adds parallax expressions, while Ctrl+Click Apply sets Z positions only without expressions or scale adjustments
- Bake button converts existing parallax expressions to keyframes, simplified to a first and last keyframe
- Refresh button reloads layer information from selected layers, and Reset returns selected layers to their original Z positions
- Right-click a layer name in the panel to select it in the After Effects composition
Best for
After Effects artists who need to create depth‑based parallax effects by positioning layers in Z‑space and generating the necessary expressions.
Frequently asked questions
Does AnimateParallax work with After Effects 2026?
Yes. The panel is compatible with After Effects 2026, as well as versions 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022.
Is AnimateParallax free?
The catalog lists AnimateParallax as free, but licensing terms should be confirmed on the developer’s site.
What’s the difference between the Apply and Bake buttons in AnimateParallax?
Apply sets the chosen Z positions and adds parallax expressions (Ctrl+Click Apply sets positions only), while Bake converts existing parallax expressions into keyframes, keeping only the first and last keyframes.
How do I distribute layers across the Z range in AnimateParallax?
Use the Distribute button to spread selected layers evenly between the Near and Far values; holding Shift reverses the order. The Random button scatters layers randomly within the same range.
Does AnimateParallax support editing multiple layers at once?
Yes. Multiple layers can be selected and edited simultaneously; the Distribute, Random, Apply, and Bake functions act on all loaded layers.
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