Ultimate PluginsUltimate PluginsUltimate Colors · User Guide
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Official documentation · v1.0.2

Ultimate Colors
User Guide

The complete reference for capturing, organizing, applying and replacing colors from one focused After Effects panel.

v1.0.2No trialWindows & macOS
Ultimate Colors interface

Quick start

01InstallInstall the signed ZXP with a compatible installer.
02ActivateEnter the UC licence key sent after purchase.
03Create a groupBuild a palette or add HEX values.
04Change a layer colorSelect a layer, click a swatch, then choose one of the colors read from that layer.
01

Install the extension

Use the signed Ultimate_Colors_v1.0.2.zxp included with your purchase.

1
Install a ZXP installer

Use ZXP/UXP Installer or another trusted ZXP installer.

2
Install the package

Open the signed ZXP and approve the installation.

3
Restart After Effects

Open Window → Extensions → Ultimate Colors.

02

Activation & licence

Activate this device

  1. Open Ultimate Colors.
  2. Paste your key in the format UC-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX.
  3. Press Activate and wait for confirmation.
There is no trial period. The licence activates one device and supports a seven-day offline verification grace period.
03

Interface tour

HeaderNotifications, Settings, Help, licence management and panel reload.
Status barReports success, errors and the latest operation.
Colors menuImport, export and Help / Shortcuts.
Colors workspaceCapture, palette, Fill, Stroke, replacement and gradient actions.
04

Palettes, groups & HEX

Color groups

Press New Group, name it, then add colors. Groups can be renamed, reordered, collapsed, imported and exported.

HEX input

Enter one or many HEX values separated by a space or comma. Click the preview to open the system color picker, then press Add HEX.

The currently open group receives new colors. Duplicate HEX values are not added twice.
05

Frame Color Grab

1
Move the playhead

Display the exact composition frame you want to analyze.

2
Press Frame Color Grab

Ultimate Colors renders the frame and extracts dominant and accent colors.

3
Select colors

No color is selected initially. Choose only the colors you want, then press Add.

06

Read and change every color in a layer

This is the core Ultimate Colors workflow: select a layer and click a swatch. The tool reads every editable color in that layer before making any change.

1
Select the layer

Select the shape, text, solid or supported effect layer whose color you want to change.

2
Click the new color

Click a saved swatch. Ultimate Colors scans the selected layer for all editable color properties.

3
Choose the color target

All colors found in the layer are displayed as targets—such as Fill, Stroke, text and effect colors. Choose exactly which property receives the new color.

Ultimate Colors does not blindly replace the first color it finds. It reads the layer and gives you control over the exact color property that changes.
Add / Remove FillToggle Fill Options between None and Solid Color.
Add / Remove StrokeToggle Stroke Options between None and Solid Color.
Switch Fill & StrokeSwap editable fill and stroke colors instantly.
Multiple selected layersRead supported color targets across the selection and apply the chosen swatch in one workflow.
07

Find, replace & gradients

Find and Replace

Enter the existing HEX and replacement HEX, read colors from selected layers if needed, then run Replace.

Gradient tools

Fixed Gradient Layer adds Gradient Ramp. 4-Color Gradient adds four editable colors. Both are locked to the selected layer.

08

Settings & notifications

ThemeDark, Darker or Light.
Interface sizeCompact, Default or Large.
Status barShow or hide operation messages.
Automatic notificationsCheck product news at most once every 12 hours.
09

Swatch shortcuts

Click

Choose a target and apply.

Shift + Click

Apply as Stroke.

Ctrl/Cmd + Click

Edit the saved swatch.

Alt + Click

Copy its HEX code.

10

Troubleshooting

The panel does not appear after installation

Restart After Effects and check Window → Extensions. Reinstall the signed ZXP if necessary.

Frame Color Grab cannot render

Open an active composition, make sure the playhead is on a valid frame, and verify that After Effects can write to its temporary folder.

Activation fails

Check the licence key, internet connection and device limit. Use Check Licence or contact support.

A swatch does not change the layer

Select a supported layer and choose an editable Fill, Stroke, text, solid or effect color target.

11

FAQ

Are palettes saved between sessions?

Yes. Palette data is stored locally and mirrored to Documents/ultimate colors/Settings.

Can I move palettes between computers?

Yes. Export selected groups as JSON, then import them on the other computer.

Where are the video tutorials?

Use the official playlist linked at the top of this guide and inside Ultimate Colors.

Still need help?

Send the After Effects version, operating system and exact error message.

Contact support