Most designers learn to manage color through systems in print or digital, shared swatches, defined palettes, clear hierarchy. But the moment we move into After Effects, that structure disappears. Colors live on individual layers, disconnected and fragile, turning simple updates into manual work. This article looks at how to bring that design logic back into motion. By centralising color control, linking values, and introducing harmony-based themes, you can update once and let the system do the rest. It’s not about effects or expressions, it’s about managing color at scale, and it sets the foundation for tools like ColorCraft.

Most designers learn to build systems in print or digital, paragraph styles, shared swatches, reusable grids. But the moment we open After Effects, that structure disappears. Each headline becomes a one-off layer, every change a manual fix. This article explores how to bring that design logic back into motion. By linking typography to master styles and centralising copy, you can update once and watch every instance follow. It’s not about coding, it’s about thinking like a designer who builds for scale.

GridSmith is a one-click grid generator for Adobe After Effects. Create comps, layout systems, and animated grids with ease — perfect for motion design, UI animation, and content creation. Includes 4K/5K presets, rebuild tools, and animated trim path support. Part of the Creative Supply Toolkit.a

Learn why The Creative Supply Co. is developing After Effects scripts and motion design tools to speed up animation workflows. Discover tools like Grid Rig and Motion Trails built to automate repetitive tasks and boost creative efficiency.