Get Rect 2 | After Effects Panel: is this $49 stack worth it for Films?
Get Rect 2: Stop drawing shape layers by hand in After Effects
If you’ve ever spent ten minutes aligning a bounding box to a moving character, only to realize you forgot to round the corners or add padding, you know the friction. After Effects is a powerhouse for motion design, but its native shape layer tools are manual, slow, and often require keyframing every single property when you just want a smart, responsive rectangle. That’s the exact gap Get Rect 2 fills. It’s a lightweight script panel that turns repetitive shape creation into a one-click workflow, letting you generate track mattes, bounding boxes, and animated rectangles that automatically conform to your layers. For $49, it’s not just a tool; it’s a time-saver that removes the tedious geometry work from your daily editing routine.
Quick answer
| Best for | Motion designers and VFX artists who constantly create shape layers, track mattes, or bounding boxes in After Effects and want to automate alignment and styling. |
| Skip if | You rarely use shape layers, work primarily in 3D space without 2D compositing needs, or prefer building every shape manually from scratch for full control. |
| Price | $49 |
| Format | After Effects script panel (88.1 KB) |
| One-line take | A precision tool that replaces manual shape drawing with smart, layer-conforming automation. |
What you’re actually buying
At first glance, a script panel might sound like a minor utility, but the value here is in the intelligence of the shapes it creates. Instead of just dropping a static rectangle, Get Rect 2 allows you to generate rectangles, track mattes, and bounding boxes with a single click that automatically conforms to your selected layer. This is the core magic: if you select a moving object, the rectangle follows it. If you select multiple layers, it can conform to all of them simultaneously, saving you the headache of creating individual masks for each element.
The styling options are where the workflow really speeds up. You can independently round, invert, or bevel corners without breaking the link to your source layer. Need to add padding so the bounding box doesn’t hug the subject too tightly? There’s a dedicated control for that. You can lock any side to keep the shape anchored while the rest adjusts, and you can animate any direction to create dynamic effects that track your motion. For those who need clean compositing, the panel lets you separate strokes to their own layer and trim paths, giving you the flexibility of manual shape layers with the speed of automation. (Get Rect 2 | After Effects Panel)
One of the most practical features is the ability to “bake” shapes. This is crucial when you’re ready to export or when you need to stop the real-time tracking and lock in the current geometry. It ensures your final render is stable and doesn’t rely on the script’s live calculations. The entire package is just 88.1 KB, so it’s a lightweight addition to your After Effects workflow that won’t slow down your system or clutter your scripts folder. It’s a focused tool that does one job—smart rectangle creation—exceptionally well. (Get Rect 2 | After Effects Panel)
Why it’s on our radar
This tool stands out because it addresses a specific, repetitive pain point in motion design with a solution that feels almost like a native feature. Most shape layer tools in After Effects are either too basic (just a static box) or too complex (requiring extensive scripting knowledge to customize). Get Rect 2 hits the sweet spot of usability and power. The ability to conform to multiple layers is a rare feature that saves significant time in projects where you need to group or mask several elements at once.
The specificity of the controls—like independent corner beveling and side locking—shows that the developer understood the nuances of professional compositing. You’re not just getting a “make box” tool; you’re getting a smart box tool that respects your layer hierarchy and animation. For a $49 price point, the depth of features (padding, animation, baking, stroke separation) offers a high return on investment for anyone who spends hours in After Effects. It’s the kind of tool that pays for itself in the first week by cutting minutes off every shape creation task. (Get Rect 2 | After Effects Panel)
A Gumroad review captures the enthusiasm for the tool’s accessibility and value: “This is absolutely awesome! Thank you so much for the discount for Brazil <3”
What actually matters
When evaluating a script panel like this, the key is to ensure it integrates smoothly with your existing workflow. Since Get Rect 2 is a lightweight 88.1 KB script, you can expect a quick installation process with no heavy dependencies. Check that your After Effects version is compatible with the script’s requirements, as some advanced features may rely on newer scripting APIs.
Consider your typical use case. If you’re doing heavy motion graphics work with lots of animated shapes, the “animate any direction” feature will be a game-changer. If you’re more into VFX compositing, the track matte and bounding box capabilities will streamline your masking process. The “bake shapes” function is also critical to verify—ensure it works as expected in your specific project setup, especially if you’re using complex layer effects. (Get Rect 2 | After Effects Panel)
Finally, think about the long-term value. At $49, this is a one-time purchase that can save you hours over time. If you create even a few shape layers a day, the time saved adds up quickly. The tool’s ability to handle multiple layers and independent corner styling means it can handle a wide range of tasks, making it a versatile addition to your toolkit. (Get Rect 2 | After Effects Panel)
Mid-check
FAQ
Does Get Rect 2 work with all After Effects versions? The script is designed to be lightweight and compatible with recent After Effects versions. Since it’s a small 88.1 KB file, it’s likely to have broad compatibility, but always check the specific version requirements on the Get Rect 2 product page to ensure it matches your current setup.
Can I use Get Rect 2 for 3D layers? The tool is primarily designed for 2D compositing and shape layer creation. While it can conform to 3D layers in some contexts, its core strengths are in 2D track mattes, bounding boxes, and animated rectangles. For complex 3D work, you may need to combine it with other tools.
Is there a trial version available? The listing doesn’t explicitly mention a trial, but you can check the Get Rect 2 Gumroad page for any current promotions or trial offers. The $49 price point is a one-time purchase, so it’s worth verifying if there are any introductory discounts or bundle deals.
Bottom line
If you’re spending more than a few minutes a day manually adjusting shape layers in After Effects, Get Rect 2 is a no-brainer. It’s a focused, powerful tool that automates the tedious parts of shape creation, letting you focus on the creative side of your work. The $49 price is a small investment for a tool that will save you hours over time, and the depth of features—like multi-layer conformity and independent corner styling—makes it a standout in the motion design toolkit.
Stop drawing rectangles by hand. Let the smart geometry do the work. (Get Rect 2 | After Effects Panel)