Tools reference

Layers

Add, remove, configure, and manage every layer type — solids, nulls, text, shape, adjustment, footage, camera, and light.

Use batch operations for multi-layer changes: batch_set_layer_property, batch_rename_layers, and batch_set_transform are in the Batch Operations section.

Add layers

add_solid_layer

Add a solid-color layer with specified color, name, and dimensions.

add_null_layer

Add a null object layer (invisible, used for parenting and expressions).

add_shape_layer

Add an empty shape layer to a composition.

add_text_layer

Add a new text layer with specified content, font, size, and color.

add_adjustment_layer

Add an adjustment layer that applies effects to all layers below it.

add_footage_layer

Add a footage item from the project panel to a composition.

add_camera_layer

Add a camera layer with specified type (One-Node or Two-Node) and preset.

add_light_layer

Add a light layer with specified type: Ambient, Spot, Point, or Parallel.

Manage layers

delete_layers

Delete one or more layers from a composition by index or name.

duplicate_layer

Duplicate a layer within a composition.

rename_layer

Rename a layer.

reorder_layer

Move a layer to a new index position in the layer stack.

split_layer

Split a layer at a specified time, creating two layers.

parent_layer

Set or clear the parent of a layer (for hierarchical transforms).

clone_layer_to_comp

Copy a layer from one composition into another.

sequence_layers

Sequence multiple layers end-to-end in time with an optional overlap.

precompose_layers

Pre-compose selected layers into a new composition.

Configure layers

set_layer_timing

Set a layer's in-point, out-point, and start time.

set_layer_switches

Toggle layer switches: solo, shy, motion blur, 3D, guide, lock.

set_layer_quality

Set layer quality: Best, Draft, or Wireframe.

set_layer_sampling

Set layer sampling method: Bilinear or Bicubic.

set_layer_collapse

Enable or disable the Collapse Transformations / Continuously Rasterize switch.

set_blending_mode

Set a layer's blending mode (Normal, Multiply, Screen, Add, Overlay, etc.).

get_layer_blend_mode

Get the current blending mode of a layer.

set_environment_layer

Toggle a layer as an environment layer for 3D scenes.

auto_orient_layer

Set auto-orientation: none, along path, or towards camera.

set_track_matte

Set a layer's track matte source and type (Alpha, Luma, inverted variants).

set_frame_blend_mode

Set the frame blending mode on a footage layer.

Inspect layers

get_layer_info

Get detailed information about a specific layer including transform values, switches, and properties.

list_layers

List all layers in a composition with their index, name, type, and timing.

list_lights_cameras

List all light and camera layers in a composition.

get_layer_track_matte

Get the track matte source and type of a layer.

get_layer_audio

Get the audio properties of a layer.

set_layer_audio

Set audio properties on a layer: audio levels and waveform.

Compositions Text & Shapes