This is an ExtendScript (JSX) project for Adobe After Effects — an individual assignment for the Video Technologies course in Year 4 of my bachelor's studies at VilniusTech. It automates the creation of a randomized hexagonal grid, which is then transformed into a DNA chain structure. The animation can be scaled based on the hexagon radius, which the user can modify.
- Automatic calculation of hexagon spacing and offsets based on user input.
- Each hexagon contains a scale pulse (90% to 110%) for smoother animation.
- Generates a variety of purple and blue hues, aiming for a "vaporwave" aesthetic.
- Automatically sets up a Final Composition with pre-comps and a "CC Ball Action" effect applied.
The script calculates the hexagonal tiling using the geometric properties of a regular hexagon:
- Width:
sqrt(3) * R - Vertical Spacing:
1.5 * R(plus gutters)
- Language: ExtendScript (Javascript ES3)
- Host: Adobe After Effects
- Adobe After Effects (CC 2020 or newer recommended)
- Open Adobe After Effects.
- Go to File > Scripts > Run Script File.
- Select the
DNA.jsxfile. - When prompted, enter a radius value between 100 and 200.
- The script will automatically:
- Close the current project (if one is open).
- Create a "hexagons" composition.
- Generate the grid.
- Create a "Final Composition" and open it in your viewer.
To modify the behavior of the grid, edit these variables in the code:
compFPS— Change from 25 to 30 or 60 for smoother animation.baseR/baseB— Adjust these values to change the primary color theme.scale.expression— Modify theMath.sinparameters to speed up or slow down the pulsing effect.
Project/
├── hexagons (Comp) # Contains the individual shape layers
│ └── hex 1-X # Shape layers with Polystar & Stroke properties
└── Final Composition (Comp) # Pre-comp of 'hexagons' with effects applied
└── CC Ball Action # Scatter, Twist, and Rotation animations
- Developer: Anastasia Stepanova
Last updated: 05/01/2026