Adobe After Effects works on a hierarchical system. When you duplicate a pre-comp (pre-composition) normally (Ctrl+D / Cmd+D), you create a copy, but the assets inside—the layers, the footage items, and the sub-comps—remain linked to the original. If you change the duplicated version, the original changes too.
The official and most reliable source for True Comp Duplicator is aescripts + aeplugins The script is listed with a "Name Your Own Price"
A related tool sometimes offered for free that can duplicate comp-based layers directly in the timeline. Manual Workaround:
True Comp Duplicator automates this. It allows users to duplicate a composition in the timeline while simultaneously creating a unique copy of the underlying structure in the project panel. This ensures that changes made to the duplicate do not affect the original master comp, saving hours of manual labor on complex projects. true comp duplicator v3 free download
It allows you to automatically find and replace text in the names of all duplicated layers and comps.
Templater has a free tier that allows basic composition replacement. While it is a different tool (aimed at data-driven animation), its free version can duplicate a master comp with new footage links.
If you work in Adobe After Effects, you know the frustration of trying to create a new version of a complex animation, only to find that changing a pre-comp in your new composition changes the original as well. Standard AE duplication treats nested comps as linked, creating an absolute nightmare for project organization. Adobe After Effects works on a hierarchical system
While many unofficial sites host "free" versions that often bundle malware or outdated files, the official and safest way
True Comp Duplicator V3 is a popular script for Adobe After Effects developed by scriptwriter Nicolas Dufresne (Rainbox). It allows motion designers to create completely independent clones of complex compositions with a single click.
: Updates expressions within the new comps to point to the new duplicated layers instead of the old ones. Naming Control The official and most reliable source for True
The True Comp Duplicator V3 is a powerful plugin that can revolutionize the way you work with complex compositions. With its accurate duplication, easy-to-use interface, and customizable features, this plugin is a must-have for any producer or engineer. And with our free download link, you can get started right away. So why wait? Download the True Comp Duplicator V3 today and start working more efficiently.
In After Effects, go to File > Scripts > Install ScriptUI Panel and select the downloaded file.
: Automatically fixes expressions within duplicated comps so they point to the new, duplicated layers.