Photoshop files can contain layer sets, groups of layers that are imported into AE as precomps. Unfortunately these precomps are always the same size as the main comp.

An introduction to the power of good composition and how it applies to graphics and imagery. Learn how to improve your composition by using the "Rule of Thirds". Learn how to create a handy template in After Effects to help you design stronger compositions.

This script can be used to quickly turn layered artwork into a 3D multiplane scene.

The Fractal Explorer plugin is a couple of free Pixel Bender filters that will generate Mandelbrot and Julia set fractals to any power in real-time.

Have some fun creating this simple logo using only Layer Styles and built-in effects within After Effects

The Difference Matte effect creates a transparency a mask or a matte by comparing the pixels in a source layer with the pixel in a defined difference layer, and then keying out (eliminating) pixels in the source layer that match both the position and color in the difference layer.

A simple utility that copies the current composition image to the System Clipboard, allowing easy pasting into other image applications (such as Photoshop). It bypasses the task of saving the current frame to an image file and then reopening.