Lock a property to a specific frame rate so it updates at a fixed interval, perfect for stuttery or stop-motion effects.
posterizeTime(8);
value// Limits this property’s update rate to 8 frames per second
posterizeTime(8);
// Keeps the original value, but now it only updates 8 times per second
valueYou can apply this to any property with a stopwatch—Position, Opacity, Scale, Effects, and more. Just Alt+click the stopwatch and paste it in.
The posterizeTime() function basically tells After Effects to sample that property at a fixed frame rate—no matter what your comp’s actual frame rate is.
Let’s say your comp runs at 30fps. If you set posterizeTime(8), the property will only update 8 times each second. That creates a blocky, stuttery look—almost like stop-motion animation. The nice thing? It only affects this property, not the whole comp.
Then, value just returns whatever the property would normally be doing—just now, it’s being held or frozen until the next frame update.
Want your layer to wiggle, but only on fixed frames like a jittery cartoon or a robot? Here's how you'd do that:
posterizeTime(6);
wiggle(3, 50)// Limits updates to 6 frames per second
posterizeTime(6);
// Wiggles the property 3 times per second with an amount of 50 (e.g., pixels for Position)
wiggle(3, 50)This combo is great if you're animating a handheld camera shake or character bounce and want it to feel more stylized or retro. Instead of a smooth, fluid wiggle, you get a janky, low-FPS effect that has way more personality.
Pro tip: try using this on Position or Rotation of a null object and parent your camera or graphic layer to it. Makes the whole scene feel like it’s animated by hand.
Just copy the full expression code from the top of this page. Then Alt-click (or Option-click on Mac) the stopwatch on the property you want to animate. Paste the code into the editor and that's it. If you’re not sure which property to use, check the "Where to Apply" section above.
First, make sure your project is using the JavaScript engine (go to File > Project Settings > Expressions). Also double-check for missing characters, and see if the code requires parenting a layer. If so, there will be a comment in the code explaining what needs to be connected.
Take a look at the "How It Works" section on this page. It explains each part of the expression in plain language so you can understand how everything works together.
Yes, absolutely. Most expressions include easy-to-edit variables near the top and comments that guide you on what to change. You can also link sliders or checkboxes using Expression Controls if you want more control in the timeline.
Yes, you can use it on any property with a stopwatch. That includes Position, Scale, Opacity, and also effect settings like Blur or Tint.
In most cases, yes. These expressions are designed to adapt to your comp’s resolution and frame rate. If anything specific needs adjusting, it’ll be noted in the code or in the "How It Works" section.
Explore more expressions in this category