01Why it exists
After Effects' native solo is one layer at a time, and shy is a separate manual toggle per layer — switching between a few layers while reviewing a stack means constant clicking through the timeline.
Smart Solo solos whatever's selected, one layer or several, and can shy everything else in the same click, so the timeline shows exactly what you're working on.
02How it works
Select your layers
Any number, in any comp.
Hit Smart Solo
The hotkey or panel button solos the selection instantly.
Shy the rest
Toggle Shy to collapse everything else out of the timeline.
Toggle back
One click returns the comp to how it was.
03Features
Free
Free and ready for real work.
- Solo any number of selected layers
- Shy the rest with one toggle
- Works on nested comps
Pro · Unlocked
Makes it yours.
$10, one time
- Everything in Free
- Remembers your last few selections per comp
- Quick-switch between saved solo states
- Dedicated hotkeys per saved state
04Details
- Compatibility
- After Effects 2023 to 2026
- Platform
- Windows and macOS
- License
- One-time purchase, no subscription
- Install
- Signed ZXP, drop-in panel
- Download and run the ClutchSmartSolo installer (signed ZXP).
- Launch After Effects. Find it under Window > Extensions > Clutch Smart Solo.
- Free works immediately — no sign-in, no account.
- Pro: click License in the panel and enter the key from your Gumroad receipt.