Sort actions
Every action uses selected, unlocked layers in the active composition. At least two must be available. Layers exchange only those layers’ original stack positions. Unselected and locked layers keep their indices. Layer timing and position values stay unchanged.
| Control | Default result, top to bottom |
|---|---|
| Reverse | Flips the current stack order. |
| Name | Sorts names without regard to case, comparing digit groups numerically. Layer 2 precedes Layer 10. |
| Time | Sorts by in-point, earliest first. This is not the layer’s Start Time value. |
| X | Sorts by horizontal position, left to right. |
| Y | Sorts by vertical position, top to bottom. |
| Distance | Sorts nearest to farthest from the configured origin. The default is First selected layer. |
| Label | Sorts by After Effects’ numeric label index, starting with no label. It does not compare color brightness or label names. |
| Shuffle | Orders layers using a new seed. See repeatable shuffles. |
For ascending sorts, equal values keep their current relative stack order. Descending reverses the whole sorted result, including tied layers.
Position and distance rules
X, Y, and Distance use the layer’s anchor point converted to comp space when After Effects supports that conversion. If it fails, Lineup uses the layer’s Position X and Y values. That fallback can give different results for parented layers. Values are read at the current composition time.
These rules do not compare layer bounds. Distance measures in two dimensions, from either the first layer in After Effects’ selected-layer list or the comp center. A locked selected layer can supply that origin. No layer is moved on screen.
Direction and modifiers
| Control or gesture | Effect |
|---|---|
| Direction icon | Toggles the saved Descending setting. In the compact grid, the tile reads Asc or Desc when labels fit. The default is ascending. |
| Shift-click Name, Time, X, Y, Distance, or Label | Uses the opposite of the saved direction for one action. |
| Alt/Option-click Distance | Uses the other distance origin for one action. |
| Alt/Option-click Shuffle | Reuses the last successful seed, if one exists. |
| Shift + Alt/Option-click Distance | Combines the direction and origin overrides. |
Reverse and Shuffle ignore Descending and Shift. Hovering with modifiers previews the same choice before you click.
Preview
The diagram is a display, not an apply button. Stack order shows the current unlocked selection. Hovering over an action shows the proposed order; leaving restores the current order. A caption identifies the sort, direction, distance origin, or shuffle seed.
| Element or state | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Solid bars | Selected, unlocked layers. Their horizontal spans represent in-points and out-points relative to comp duration. |
| Small colored tabs | Layer label colors, shown with Lineup’s built-in palette. Customized After Effects label colors may look different. |
| Accent-colored bars on hover | Displayed layers that change position within the preview. |
| Layer count | Total selected, unlocked layers, even when more than eight are selected. |
| Dashed bars and Select layers | Example diagram shown when a usable selection cannot be read. Hovering can still demonstrate an action. |
| Number on Shuffle | Last successful seed. Hidden before the first shuffle and when space is too tight. |
The diagram shows at most the first eight unlocked layers in stack order. With larger selections, it shows their relative order among those eight, not every destination in the full stack. The action still processes the full unlocked selection.
Lineup refreshes the selection when the panel gains focus, when the pointer enters the tool, and after an action. Move out and back in after changing the selection, playhead, or settings if the diagram is stale.
Feedback and undo
Actions are temporarily disabled while Lineup is working. A successful action gives a brief button badge and a message with the layer count. The count is the number processed, not just the layers whose indices changed. Locked selections are reported as skipped.
Each reorder is one After Effects undo step. Its name is Lineup: Reverse, Lineup: Name, Lineup: In-point, Lineup: Position X, Lineup: Position Y, Lineup: Distance, Lineup: Label, or Lineup: Shuffle. Hover previews create no undo step.
For refusal badges and error messages, use troubleshooting.
Slot layouts
Lineup fits the preview above or beside its buttons when there is room. Resize the slot in Edit layout to make more space for the diagram or labels.
Small slots use a grid of all eight actions plus the direction tile. Labels and the saved seed hide as needed. The preview disappears, but no action is removed.