IsolateLayers

After Effects script to isolate selected layers by hiding all others using the shy switch, instantly decluttering your timeline.

What it does

IsolateLayers creates a clean, focused timeline by:

1. Makes all unselected layers shy (hides them)
2. Keeps selected layers visible (removes shy from them)
3. Enables master shy switch to hide the shy layers
4. Single undo reverts everything

Perfect for focusing on specific layers without the distraction of a cluttered timeline.

Installation

1. Copy IsolateLayers.jsx to your After Effects Scripts folder:

   Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe After Effects [version]\Support Files\Scripts\
   macOS: /Applications/Adobe After Effects [version]/Scripts/
   

2. Restart After Effects

Usage

1. Select the layers you want to work with (the ones you want to keep visible)
2. Run File → Scripts → IsolateLayers.jsx
3. Timeline is now clean - only your selected layers are visible
4. Toggle master shy switch (🙈 button) to show/hide all layers again

Use Cases

Animation Focus

• Select character layers, hide everything else
• Focus on specific animation elements

Complex Compositions

• Hide background layers when working on foreground
• Isolate effect layers for fine-tuning

Client Reviews

• Show only relevant layers for presentation
• Hide work-in-progress elements

Troubleshooting

• Isolate problematic layers
• Focus on specific layer interactions

Features

• Instant declutter - one click to clean timeline
• Smart toggle - selected layers stay visible, others hidden
• Master shy enabled - automatically activates shy layer hiding
• Undo support - single undo brings back full timeline
• Non-destructive - doesn't delete or disable layers

Workflow Tips

Before running:

✅ Layer 1 (selected - will stay visible)
❌ Layer 2 (unselected - will be hidden)  
❌ Layer 3 (unselected - will be hidden)
✅ Layer 4 (selected - will stay visible)
❌ Layer 5 (unselected - will be hidden)

After running:

✅ Layer 1 (visible)
✅ Layer 4 (visible)
(Layers 2, 3, 5 are shy/hidden)

Pro Tips

• Select nothing = hides ALL layers (useful for starting fresh)
• Select everything = shows ALL layers (removes all shy switches)
• Master shy button = toggle to temporarily show hidden layers
• Assign hotkey = for instant timeline decluttering

Requirements

• Adobe After Effects (any version with scripting support)
• Active composition with layers

Keyboard Shortcut Suggestion

Assign this script to a hotkey like Shift+H for instant "hide others" functionality.

License

MIT