The Trimmer

After Effects panel for quickly trimming multiple layers to match the timing of a reference layer.

What it does

The Trimmer creates a dockable panel with a single "TRIM!" button that:

1. Takes all your selected layers
2. Uses the last selected layer as the reference timing
3. Trims all other selected layers to match the reference layer's in/out points
4. Preserves layer content - only adjusts the timing

Perfect for syncing multiple layers, matching edit cuts, or batch-trimming layers to a specific duration.

Installation

As a Dockable Panel (Recommended)

1. Copy TheTrimmer.jsx to your ScriptUI Panels folder:

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

2. Restart After Effects

3. Access via Window → TheTrimmer.jsx

As a Regular Script

• Place in Scripts folder and run via File → Scripts → TheTrimmer.jsx

Usage

1. Open a composition
2. Select 2 or more layers
   • The last layer you select becomes the reference timing
   • All other selected layers will be trimmed to match it
3. Click "TRIM!"
4. Done! All layers now have the same in/out points

Example Workflow

✅ Select Layer A (will be trimmed)
✅ Select Layer B (will be trimmed)  
✅ Select Layer C (reference timing) ← Last selected = reference
🔘 Click "TRIM!"

Result: Layers A and B now have the same in/out points as Layer C

Features

• Dockable panel - stays open while you work
• Resizable interface - adapts to your workspace
• Undo support - single undo reverts all changes
• Smart selection - works with any number of layers
• Non-destructive - only adjusts timing, preserves content

Requirements

• Adobe After Effects (any version with scripting support)
• At least 2 selected layers in an active composition

Tips

• Order matters - the last layer you select sets the timing
• Works great for matching edit cuts across multiple layers
• Perfect for syncing animations to a specific duration
• Use with precomps, solids, footage - any layer type

License

MIT