Stagger Keyframes.

What it does

Cascade the selected keyframes so each successive property - or each layer, in group mode - starts a set number of frames after the last, building an automatic stagger. Choose the order (ascending, descending or random). Spacing, eases and tangents are preserved; time-reversed layers are skipped.

Controls

• Click: Stagger the selected keys

Details

• Category: Keyframe Tools
• Kind: Widget
• Also searched as: keyframe, keys, offset, stagger, cascade, sequence, delay

Guide

Use it

Select keys and open Stagger Keyframes through Command Search. Set Frames, choose Ascending, Descending or Random order, then click Offset. By default, each selected property is a separate stagger unit. Enable Group by layer to move all selected properties on one layer together, retaining their relative timing.

The earliest selected key across eligible properties anchors the stagger. Each successive unit starts the chosen number of composition frames after it. This realigns each unit’s starting time; it does not merely add a growing delay to its existing start. Key spacing inside a property stays intact. Ascending and descending follow AE’s selected-property/layer order; random shuffles the units on each Apply. Deterministic repeats are stable.

Values, easing, interpolation, spatial tangents, automatic/continuous flags and roving keys are retained. Time-reversed layers are deselected and skipped. Empty eligible selections show guidance. Native Undo restores the animation change; reversed-layer deselection remains outside Undo.

Zero frames aligns eligible property starts to the earliest selected key; with Group by layer enabled, layer units retain their internal relative timing.

Successful settings persist. Failed Apply keeps the last successful settings. No modifier actions.