After Effects: Native SVG import and path regrouping

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Jake In Motion·Jan 2026

Demo summary

Shows how to drag an SVG file directly into After Effects to create shape layers and uses the 'Regrouper' script to organize messy vector paths.

Step-by-step

Drag the SVG file directly into the After Effects project panel
Adjust the composition bounds and scale the paths as needed
Select the shape layer containing the messy vector paths
Click the Regrouper script button to consolidate groups
Add a 'Merge Paths' operator to any group with fill issues
Set the Merge Paths mode to 'Exclude Intersections' to restore holes

Watch out for

Imported SVG contents often arrive as messy, unorganized groups similar to Illustrator files
Consolidating groups can sometimes cause holes in the vector paths to fill in incorrectly

Tips

Download original quality SVG files from sources like Wikipedia for the best results
Use the Regrouper script to analyze and consolidate numerous individual groups into the fewest possible based on color
Organize shape layers to make vector paths more accessible for animation

Highlights

“It's a very simple script, a single button, but with this selected, I can just click the button.”

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