TextExploder is a free After Effects plugin that separates text layers into characters, words, or lines while preserving each character’s exact position, without relying on expressions or text animators.
Developed by mamoworld tools.
About TextExploder
TextExploder is an After Effects plugin that breaks text layers into separate pieces. It can split text into individual characters, words, or lines, and each character’s placement is maintained accurately without the need for expressions, text animators, or other workarounds. The plugin also offers the ability to isolate a single custom word and perform flexible custom splits using Regular Expressions. Version 3.0.000 introduced Per Character Text Styles support, allowing multi‑color or multi‑font text to be split correctly; this feature requires After Effects 24.3 (2024) or newer. TextExploder runs on a wide range of After Effects versions, from CS4 through After Effects 2026, and is listed in the aescripts library. A demo video is available on YouTube for a visual overview of its capabilities.
Features
- Split text layers into individual characters
- Split text layers into words
- Split text layers into lines
- Isolate a single custom word
- Flexible custom splits using Regular Expressions
- Per Character Text Styles support for multi-color, multi-font text (requires After Effects 24.3 or newer)
- Character placement preserved without expressions or text animators
Best for
After Effects users who need to break text layers into characters, words, or lines while keeping each character’s original position.
Frequently asked questions
What After Effects versions does TextExploder support?
TextExploder supports After Effects versions from CS4, CS5, CS5.5, and CS6 through the CC series and up to After Effects 2026, including releases from 2020 to 2026.
Does TextExploder need a specific After Effects version for Per Character Text Styles?
The Per Character Text Styles feature requires After Effects version 24.3 or newer; earlier versions still support basic character, word, and line splitting.
Is TextExploder free?
The catalog lists TextExploder as free, but licensing terms may change, so users should verify the current status on the developer’s page.
How does TextExploder keep character placement accurate when splitting text?
TextExploder preserves character placement by extracting each character without using expressions or text animators, ensuring each piece remains exactly where it was in the original layer.
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