Free After Effects Script: Instantly Convert 2D Shape Layers to Native 3D Meshes (Shape2Primitive)

Original author：Motion Boutique

Original source：https://www.youtube.com/embed/aw-jaa2bZNE

*Shape2Primitive:* Free 2D to 3D Parametric Mesh Converter for After Effects Shape2Primitive is a free, lightweight After Effects script designed to instantly convert your 2D shape layers into native 3D Parametric Meshes. It maps your 2D sizes, colors, and animations directly onto 3D objects, perfectly preserving your anchor points and world space. It handles the complex math of geometric offsets so your 3D meshes align flawlessly with your original 2D composition. Shape2Primitive is not a product developed by Motion Boutique. It is an independent, third-party tool. The idea and concept were created by Good Rond. *Download / Get the free script here:* https://goodrond.gumroad.com/l/Shape2Primitive *Key Features:* Smart Auto-Detection: Select your 2D Shape Layers and click Convert to 3D. The script automatically assigns the correct 3D primitive based on your 2D shape's properties, such as turning an Ellipse into a Sphere, or a Rectangle into a Cube. *Powerful Options:* Use "Simulate floor (Z-shift)" to push the 3D object up on the Z-axis by exactly half of its thickness, making it sit perfectly flat on your ground plane, which is highly useful for 2D physics engines like Newton. You can also "Tilt Cones on their side" flat on the ground, which isolates the 3D anchor point to prevent coordinate drifts and is great for standard animations or top-down physics simulations. Additionally, you can choose to hide or completely delete your original 2D source layers to keep your timeline clean. *Custom Control:* If the auto-detection doesn't give the expected result, simply add a keyword to your shape layer's name to force a specific 3D mesh, using keywords like torus, cylinder, or cone. You can also use the "Color Trick": if you are using gradients in 2D but want a specific flat color in 3D, add a solid fill to your shape and hide it, and the script will read that hidden fill. *Important Setup Note:* Before clicking "Convert", the script needs 3D reference models to duplicate. Currently, the Adobe After Effects scripting API does not allow scripts to generate native 3D meshes from scratch. You must have the native 3D mesh layers (Sphere, Cube, Cone, Torus, Cylinder) already present in your composition. You can simply create them from the AE Layer menu, keep their default names, and hide and lock them at the bottom of your comp. Credits: Idea & Concept Good Rond Code: Gemini.