MP Motion Prep
Motion Prep docs

Install. Open. Animate.

First-use steps for turning a layered PSD, PSB or AI import into a timeline you can work with.

Core promise Clean comp. Original preserved.

Motion Prep prepares a new comp while keeping the imported source intact. If a file behaves badly, send it in.

Install

macOS install.

01Close After Effects

Install before launching After Effects.

02Run install-motion-prep.command

Unzip MotionPrep and run the installer.

03Open Motion Prep

Go to Window > Extensions > Motion Prep.

Use

Prepare a handoff.

Start with a file you would normally open by hand: nested groups, backup versions, artboards or closed precomps.

Before Motion Prep: closed PSD folders in After Effects
BeforeThe PSD imports cleanly, but the layers are buried inside folder comps.
After Motion Prep: exposed layers in After Effects
AfterMotion Prep creates a new comp with layers exposed and color-coded.
Choose PSD/AI

Select a layered PSD, PSB or AI file.

Analyze

Check nested folders, hidden layers and warnings.

Open folders

Create one working comp with internal layers exposed and color-coded.

Animate

Work in the prepared comp. Keep the original intact.

First run checklist

Use it like a production test.

01: Import the PSD, PSB or AI into After Effects as a composition.

02: Open Window > Extensions > Motion Prep.

03: Click Analyze and check how many layers are nested or hidden.

04: Click Open folders to create a new working comp.

05: Compare the original import with the prepared comp before animating.

Troubleshooting

If the panel does not appear.

Restart After Effects after installation.

Check Window > Extensions, not the Effects menu.

Run the installer again if the MotionPrep folder was moved after unzipping.

On macOS, allow the command to run if Gatekeeper asks for confirmation.

Send install issues or files that do not open cleanly to hello@motionprep.app.