Ultimate PluginsUltimate Plugins Ultimate Create Layers · User Guide
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Official documentation · v1.0.0

Ultimate Create Layers
User Guide

The complete reference for creating, placing, parenting and styling layers from one focused panel in Adobe After Effects.

v1.0.0 17 creation actions Windows & macOS English / Arabic
Ultimate Create Layers panel
Start in minutes

Quick Start

1InstallInstall the signed ZXP, then restart After Effects.
2ActivatePaste the licence key sent to your purchase email.
3Choose optionsSet the placement, timing, parenting and effects you need.
4CreateClick any creation button. The layer arrives ready.
01

Requirements & Installation

Ultimate Create Layers is delivered as a digitally signed ZXP extension package.

What you need

ItemRequirement
Adobe After EffectsA CEP-compatible After Effects version on Windows or macOS.
Installation fileUltimate_Create_Layers_v1.0.0.zxp
InstallerZXP/UXP Installer, aescripts ZXP Installer, or another trusted ZXP installer.
InternetRequired for first activation and periodic licence verification.
1
Download the ZXP

Use the secure download link sent to the email used at checkout.

2
Install the package

Open your ZXP installer and select or drag Ultimate_Create_Layers_v1.0.0.zxp into it.

3
Restart After Effects

Close After Effects completely, then open it again after installation finishes.

4
Open the panel

Go to Window → Extensions → Ultimate Create Layers, then dock it wherever you prefer.

!
Keep the installed files unchangedThe protection layer verifies file integrity. Editing installed files can lock the extension; reinstall the official signed package if that happens.
02

Activation & Licence

A valid licence is required. Ultimate Create Layers does not include a trial period.

Activate this device

  1. Open the panel. The activation window appears if the device is not activated.
  2. Paste your UCL licence key into Licence key.
  3. Press Activate and wait for server verification.
  4. When activation succeeds, close the window and start using the tool.

Licence controls

ActivateBind the licence to this device.
VerifyCheck the current activation with the server.
DeactivateRelease this device before moving the licence.
i
One-device activationThe current licence activates one device. Deactivate the old device before activating another, or contact support if the old device is unavailable.
03

A Tour of the Interface

The panel keeps global rules at the top and creation actions below them, so the same setup can be reused across many layer types.

Ultimate Create Layers interface
HeaderTool title, notifications and the main menu.
New Layer OptionsCollapsible placement, timing, parenting and effects rules.
Preset barLoad, pin, name, save, delete or clear an options preset.
Creation areaText input, Counter and all layer creation buttons.
04

New Layer Options

These rules are applied when the new layer is created. Choose only the rules needed for the current workflow.

Stacking order

Above selectedPlace the new layer directly above the selected layer.
Under selectedPlace the new layer directly below the selected layer.
At topMove the new layer to the top of the composition stack.
At bottomMove the new layer to the bottom of the composition stack.
Above #Place the new layer a specified number of layers above the selection.
Under #Place the new layer a specified number of layers below the selection.

Time & matching

At playheadStart the new layer at the current playhead time.
Match timeMatch the selected layer's in and out points.
Playhead → sel endStart at the playhead and end with the selected layer.
Match markerIf the selected layer has a marker, offset the new layer so that marker lands at the playhead.
Match anchorMatch the selected layer's anchor point placement.
3DEnable the 3D switch on the new layer.

View, parent & matte

Center in viewPlace the new layer in the center of the current composition view.
Fit to compScale the created visual layer to fit the composition.
Parent new → selectedMake the selected layer the parent of the new layer.
Parent selected → newMake the new layer the parent of the selected layer.
Shift-parent new → selectedParent the new layer while preserving its visible transform.
Shift-parent selected → newParent the selection to the new layer while preserving transforms.
New mattes selectedUse the new layer as a track matte for the selected layer.
Selected mattes newUse the selected layer as a track matte for the new layer.
✓
Selections matterOptions containing “selected” require an active composition and at least one selected layer. If several layers are selected, the command follows the tool's applicable multi-selection behavior.
05

Options Presets, Effects & Presets

Save repeatable layer setups and automatically apply effects or animation presets after creation.

Save an options preset

  1. Choose the New Layer Options you want.
  2. Enter a name in Preset name.
  3. Press Save.
  4. Select it later from the Presets list.

Delete removes the selected saved preset. Clear clears the current options without deleting every saved preset.

Pin a preset

Choose a preset and press the pin button. A pinned preset appears as a quick button under New Layer Options.

Press the pin again, or use the preset's unpin control, to remove it from the quick area without deleting the preset itself.

Automatically add effects or presets

1
Enable Add effects / presets

This tells the tool to apply the selected items after the new layer is created.

2
Open Choose effects & presets

The items already selected are shown immediately, even when the search field is empty.

3
Search by typing

Type part of an effect or preset name. Matching results appear below the field.

4
Select multiple items

Use the checkboxes to keep several effects and presets selected, then create the layer.

06

The 17 Creation Actions

Every button creates a native After Effects layer or imports media, then applies the active New Layer Options.

TTextCreates a text layer using the adjacent text input.
#CounterOpens Counter settings and creates an animated number.
■SolidCreates a solid layer using the chosen color and comp-aware settings.
╱Linear GradientCreates a shape with a linear gradient fill.
◉Radial GradientCreates a shape with a radial gradient fill.
▦4-Color GradientCreates a layer prepared with a four-color gradient.
▭RectangleCreates a rectangular shape layer.
▢Rounded RectCreates a rounded rectangle shape layer.
○EllipseCreates an ellipse shape layer.
⬠PolygonCreates a polygon shape layer.
☆StarCreates a star shape layer.
×NullCreates a null object for control and parenting.
□Empty ShapeCreates a clean, empty shape layer.
◐AdjustmentCreates an adjustment layer. Alt-click also adds Black & White.
◈CameraCreates a camera in the active composition.
⌘Paste ClipboardPastes supported clipboard content into the project and active comp.
⇩Image from URLDownloads a copied image URL, imports it, then adds it to the timeline.
⌥
Adjustment modifierHold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) while clicking Adjustment to create the layer and apply the Black & White effect in the same action.
07

Text & Counter

Create text

  • Type into the text field beside the Text button.
  • Press Enter to create the text, exactly like clicking Text.
  • Press Shift+Enter to add another line without creating yet.
  • Text direction switches automatically between left-to-right and right-to-left based on the language you type.

Create an animated counter

Press Counter, set the start and end values, duration and number format, then create the counter.

Prefix and Suffix accept text in all languages. Enable separate lines when the text before or after the number should be placed on another line.

Counter optionWhat it controls
Start / EndThe first and final displayed number.
DurationHow long the animation takes.
Prefix / SuffixText shown before or after the number, with support for all languages.
Separate linesPlaces prefix or suffix content on its own line.
Digits / formattingControls decimals, padding and number presentation.
08

Clipboard & Image from URL

Paste Clipboard

Copy supported image or clipboard content, make sure the target composition is active, then press Paste Clipboard. The tool imports the content and applies the active placement options.

Image from URL

  1. Copy the direct URL of an image from your browser.
  2. Return to After Effects and activate the target comp.
  3. Press Image from URL.
  4. The image is downloaded, imported into the project and added to the timeline.
!
Use a direct image URLA webpage URL can return HTML instead of image data and After Effects may report “The source file has bad header.” Open the image itself and copy its direct address. Supported formats such as PNG, JPG or WebP work best.
09

Settings, Reordering & Notifications

Main menu

Open the three-line icon in the panel header to access tool settings, licence controls, help and button arrangement.

Reorder creation buttons

Open the reorder option, arrange the buttons in the order that matches your workflow, then save. The creation area uses that order the next time the panel opens.

Notifications

The bell icon beside the main menu opens product notifications. It can announce a new Ultimate Create Layers version, important information, or another Ultimate Plugins tool.

Use the action inside a notification to open the relevant update or product page.

Help window

The Help/About window gives a compact overview of the tool and includes buttons for the official video playlist and the Ultimate Plugins website.

10

Keyboard & Modifier Reference

Enter
Create text

When the text input is focused.

Shift + Enter
New text line

Adds a line without creating the layer yet.

Alt / Option + Click
Adjustment + B&W

Adds Black & White to the new adjustment layer.

Type
Search effects

Typing in the search field filters effects and presets.

Checkbox
Multi-select

Select several effects or presets at once.

Pin
Quick preset

Show a saved options preset below the options.

11

Troubleshooting

The extension does not appear in After Effects

Confirm the ZXP installer reported success, close After Effects completely, reopen it, then check Window → Extensions. If it is still missing, reinstall the signed package with a current ZXP installer.

Activation says the configuration is missing or invalid

Make sure you installed the final official v1.0.0 package and did not modify its files. Reinstall the latest signed ZXP, check your internet connection and try again. Contact support if the message remains.

Image from URL reports a bad header

The copied address probably points to a webpage, redirect or blocked response rather than the image file. Open the image by itself, copy the direct image address and try a standard format such as PNG or JPG.

A selection-based option does nothing

Open a composition and select a valid layer before creating. Options such as Above selected, Match time, Match marker, parenting and matte operations need a selection.

Selected effects are not visible

Open Choose effects & presets. Selected items should appear immediately even with an empty search. If they do not, close and reopen the chooser, then reselect the items.

12

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ultimate Create Layers a subscription?

No. It is a one-time purchase for the product licence; there is no recurring subscription.

Is there a free trial?

No. A valid licence key is required to use the extension.

Does it support Arabic?

Yes. Text direction follows the typed language automatically, and Counter prefix/suffix text supports all languages.

Can I move my licence to another computer?

Deactivate the old device, then activate the new device. If the old computer is unavailable, contact support.

Where do I find updates?

The bell icon in the extension can notify you of new versions. You can also check the product page or Ultimate Plugins website.

Still need help?

Watch the official walkthrough or contact Ultimate Plugins support.

Watch video guide Contact support