Automatic Whiteboard

After Effects · Chris Zwar

Automatic Whiteboard is an After Effects script that turns text layers and masks into write‑on animations with a single click, optionally adding a hand drawing effect and offering eight rendering styles up to 4K resolution.

Motion GraphicsLAST UPDATED: 2025-01-30

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Developed by Chris Zwar.

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About Automatic Whiteboard

Automatic Whiteboard converts After Effects text layers and masks into write‑on animations, eliminating the manual process of copying, pasting, and sequencing mask paths. Users can add a hand drawing effect from a selection of 20 hands and choose left‑to‑right or right‑to‑left direction. The script provides eight rendering styles—including clean paper, dirty paper, old parchment, and blackboard—and supports resolutions up to 4K, matching the composition size. It works with every After Effects version from CS6 through the 2025 release and requires no additional plugins. The package includes extensive help documents, video tutorials, and two bonus scripts for separating and sorting mask paths to improve results with complex Illustrator artwork.

Features

  • Control over the overall animation duration
  • Optional hand that draws elements on, with 20 hands to choose from
  • Wiggle option for the animation, like in Juno or the Red Bull ads
  • 8 rendering styles, including clean paper, dirty paper, old parchment and a blackboard
  • Left-to-right and right-to-left direction
  • Resolution independent up to 4K
  • Two bonus scripts that separate and sort mask paths

Best for

After Effects artists creating whiteboard‑style write‑on reveals from text layers and masks.

Frequently asked questions

Does Automatic Whiteboard work with After Effects CS6?

Yes. Automatic Whiteboard has been tested with every After Effects version back to CS6 and is listed as compatible through the 2025 release.

Does Automatic Whiteboard need any plugins?

No. The script runs directly in After Effects and does not require any third‑party plugins.

Is Automatic Whiteboard free?

The catalog lists Automatic Whiteboard as free, though licensing terms are defined by the developer and may change over time.

How does Automatic Whiteboard handle Illustrator artwork and masks?

It includes two bonus scripts that separate and sort mask paths, helping to improve the conversion of complex Illustrator artwork and masks.

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