View all expressions
Interpolation

Inherit Rotation from Nearest Layer

Finds the closest layer in the comp and copies its rotation in real time. The closest object controls how this layer rotates.

Contributed by:


minDist = 1e6;
closestRot = 0;
for (i = 1; i <= thisComp.numLayers; i++)
{
if (i != index)
{
d = length(position, thisComp.layer(i).position);
if (d < minDist)
{
minDist = d;
closestRot = thisComp.layer(i).rotation;
}}}
closestRot;

Inherit Rotation from Nearest Layer

Practical use case

Useful for swarm, flock, or system animations where objects orient toward nearby elements - also great for connecting elements or auto-aligned labels.

Check out similar expressions

Interpolation

Inherit Rotation from Nearest Layer

Useful for swarm, flock, or system animations where objects orient toward nearby elements - also great for connecting elements or auto-aligned labels.

See expression
Interpolation

Get Comp Name as Text

Use as a labeling system for templates, versioning slates, or project organization placeholders.

See expression
Interpolation

Copy Text and Style from Another Layer

Automatically mirror both text and styling from a main layer - perfect for subtitles, translated text, or synced design systems.

See expression
Interpolation

Word Counter for Text Layers

Useful for dynamically counting words in scripts, subtitles, or infographic animations.

See expression
Interpolation

Row Counter for Text Layers

Great for automating layouts where the number of text rows affects the design, such as captions, paragraphs, or dynamic subtitles.

See expression
Interpolation

Character Counter for Text Layers Excluding Spaces

Perfect for templates and animations where the number of characters, excluding spaces, plays a role in dynamic layouts, adjusting design elements, or enforcing text length limits.

See expression

Data-driven video workflows for After Effects are easier with Plainly.

Try 14 days free
Book A Demo
a mesh of elegant lines transparent image