Explode pulls shape layers apart and puts them back together, saving you from copying groups between layers by hand. It is a free micro tool in Motion Dock.
Select a shape layer in After Effects, then click Explode. Each top-level group becomes a separate layer, ready to select and animate.
Select two or more 2D shape layers and click Merge to collect them into one shape layer. Each source becomes a named group.
Start with groups
An imported illustration can contain many groups inside one shape layer. A normal click separates its top groups. Hold Shift for nested groups, or Alt for individual paths. The splitting guide explains how to choose.
Explode works on shape layers. Convert Illustrator or other vector artwork to shapes in After Effects before using it. It does not convert footage or perform boolean path operations.
Keep a way back
By default, the source layers stay in the comp with visibility off and the Shy switch on. The new result is selected. Each action is one After Effects undo step.
Shape contents, including gradients and Trim Paths, travel with the pieces. Layer effects do not. Merge also has limits for animation and layer properties, so it is best treated as a new organization of your artwork rather than a restoration of the old layers.
For a first result, split a two-group shape layer.