Order By Height

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How to use the script

Always check code before running it on your computer. Even basic scripts like this one. If you’re not a developer, ask an LLM like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini to verify it for you.

Option 1: Install to your AE Folder

Download and install the below .jsx file in your After Effects Script folder. You can then run it using the scripts menu, or by using a launcher like Quick Menu 3.

Option 2: Adapt the script yourself

Alternatively copy the code below and develop your own version. If you’re not a developer you can do this easily with an LLM like ChatGPT.

OrderByHeight.jsx0.8KB

// OrderByHeight.jsx
(function orderByHeight() {
    var comp = app.project.activeItem;
    if (!(comp instanceof CompItem)) {
        alert("Please select a composition.");
        return;
    }

    var selectedLayers = comp.selectedLayers;
    if (selectedLayers.length === 0) {
        alert("Please select at least one layer.");
        return;
    }

    // Sort layers by their position in the composition (y-axis) in descending order
    selectedLayers.sort(function(a, b) {
        return b.position.value[1] - a.position.value[1];
    });

    // Reorder layers in the timeline
    app.beginUndoGroup("Order Layers By Height");
    for (var i = 0; i < selectedLayers.length; i++) {
        selectedLayers[i].moveToBeginning();
    }
    app.endUndoGroup();
})();