A set of three ready-to-import KBar toolbars for Adobe After Effects, built around the commands, effects, expressions, scripts, and shortcuts I use most often.

The download includes custom icons and preconfigured toolbars for everyday workflow tasks, layer utilities, conversions, locks, animation controls, project navigation, and other useful odds and ends.

I originally shared these several years ago and recently cleaned up the package, organized the icons, and added proper installation instructions.

What’s included

Everyday Useful

A broad collection of frequently used After Effects tools, including:

• Composition and project commands
• Timeline and work-area controls
• Layer creation and navigation
• Flip, fit, crop, precomp, and reveal commands
• Time remapping and freeze-frame tools
• Loop expressions and animation utilities
• Keyframe cleanup and sequencing tools

Layer Stuff

Tools for working with layers, effects, text, shapes, masks, and common expressions.

Includes quick access to frequently used effects such as Levels, Curves, Hue/Saturation, Fill, Tint, Gaussian Blur, Drop Shadow, Lumetri Color, and more.

Conversions and Locks

A collection of utilities for converting, linking, locking, and managing different layer properties and animation setups.

Installation

1. Download and unzip the folder.
2. Open KBar in After Effects.
3. Open the KBar settings.
4. Scroll to Add Toolbar and click the dropdown arrow.
5. Choose Import from .kbar file.
6. Navigate to the unzipped download folder.
7. Select one of the included .kbar files and click Import.
8. Repeat the process for the other toolbars you would like to install.

Keep the included icons folder with the .kbar files so KBar can locate the custom button artwork.

Requirements and notes

KBar is required and is not included with this download.

Some buttons may depend on scripts, extensions, effects, or tools that are not included with After Effects. Those buttons may need to be edited or replaced depending on your setup.

Because After Effects and KBar can change over time, a few commands may require adjustment in newer versions.

Feel free to rearrange, remove, edit, or repurpose the buttons to fit your own workflow.

Free download. KBar must be installed separately.