Updating the expressions and layer links so the new hierarchy is completely independent. Key Features
After Effects includes a free script that does a similar (though less powerful) job. Here is how to use it:
: Check the option to Update Expressions so they point to the newly created comps instead of the old ones. Execute : Click Duplicate . Key Features
At its core, the True Comp Duplicator script addresses a fundamental flaw in the native architecture of After Effects. When a user duplicates a composition using the standard "Edit > Duplicate" command, the software creates a copy of the composition data. However, if that composition relies on nested pre-comps, the standard duplicate still points to the original pre-comps. To truly create an independent version, a user must manually hunt down every nested layer and duplicate it individually—a tedious process prone to error. True Comp Duplicator automates this. With a single click, it recursively duplicates the main composition and every unique pre-comp associated with it, renaming them logically and ensuring that the new hierarchy is entirely independent. For projects with complex character rigs or multi-layered templates, this script is not just a convenience; it is a lifesaver.