Matte Tool 2 provides 20 utilities for managing mattes and layers in After Effects, including tools to merge and explode shape, text, and Illustrator layers, with a responsive interface.
Developed by MotionCodes.
About Matte Tool 2
Matte Tool 2 is a collection of twenty tools designed to simplify matte and layer workflows in Adobe After Effects. Developed by MotionCodes, the set includes dedicated commands for merging shape layers and exploding shape, text, and Illustrator layers. Version 2.1 added these four tools along with a responsive user interface, universalization improvements, and assorted bug fixes. The most recent update, version 2.2.0 (April 2025), corrected a license activation problem and eliminated a repeated welcome message. Compatibility spans After Effects CC 2015 through the 2026 release, covering all intervening versions. The plugin is cataloged as free, though licensing details and activation steps are maintained on the developer’s website.
Features
- A set of 20 tools for working with mattes and layers in After Effects
- Merge shape layers tool
- Explode shape layer, text layer, and Ai layer tools
- Responsive user interface
- Compatible with After Effects from CC 2015 through the 2026 version
Best for
After Effects artists who frequently work with mattes, shape layers, text layers, or Illustrator assets.
Frequently asked questions
Does Matte Tool 2 work with After Effects 2026?
Yes. Matte Tool 2 lists compatibility with After Effects 2026, as well as earlier versions back to CC 2015.
What tools were added in Matte Tool 2 version 2.1?
Version 2.1 introduced four tools: Merge shape layers, Explode shape layer, Explode text layer, and Explode Illustrator layer, along with a responsive UI and several bug fixes.
What was fixed in Matte Tool 2 version 2.2.0?
Version 2.2.0 fixed a license activation issue and stopped the Welcome message from appearing repeatedly.
Is Matte Tool 2 free?
The catalog marks Matte Tool 2 as free, but the developer’s site provides the current licensing and activation details.
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