Layout Grid is a free preset for After Effects that allows you to generate and customize grid systems. Custom effect inspired by grid panel in Figma software will help you create perfect grids, just like in your favorite interface design tool.
How to install
Preset works with Adobe After Effects: CC 2020+. Download the Layout Grid preset ZIP file, unzip it, and copy/paste to the folder Bartlomiej Otlowski in:
PC: Adobe\Adobe After Effects\Support Files\Presets
MAC: Applications/Adobe After Effects/Presets
If you have already a Bartlomiej Otlowski folder, simply copy/paste the content of this folder.
Refresh List in the Effects & Presets panel or restart your After Effects.
How to use
You can find the Layout Grid preset in the Effects & Presets panel. Type “Layout Grid” in the search bar or twirl down the *Animation Presets menu. Don’t drag or apply the preset to existing layers. Just double click on the name and a new shape layer will be created.
You can set up your grid in the Effects Controls panel. There are two types of grids in this preset: column, and row. Each of them has two modes: Center and Stretch.
- Type: type of the Grid.
- Count: number of units of Columns or Rows in the Grid.
- Width/Height: width or height of each unit of Column or Row.
- Gutter: is the distance between each Column or Row.
- Margin: is the space between the edge of the composition and the Column or Row.
- Color: the color of the Grid
- Opacity: percentage of visibility of the Grid.

In Center mode you can set width/height of units and gutter. The margins will be set automatically.
In Stretch mode you can set margins and gutter. The width/height of units will be set automatically.
Layout Grid is based on Shape’s Repeater. At the moment, After Effects doesn’t recognize the edges of shapes created that way. If you would like to use snapping, add a guide line. Turn your rulers on by hitting CTRL + R / Command + R, then drag a guide from one of them.
Preset is published in the Pay what you want option. If you would like to download it for free just type $0. It’s ok, I also started once!
If you would like to say thank you and buy me ‘a virtual coffee’ pay anything you want.
Cheers!