Folders in After Effects timeline

Agreed. I think of precomps as being like smart objects in Photoshop. If I had to make a smart object every time I wanted to group things together, that would be a nightmare. Often I want to group layers while still maintaining the visual context of the larger comp. This is not possible with a precomp. The only other option is to have an endless scroll of layers. Shy guy arguably helps with this, but I have yet to find a particularly productive way to use it in my workflow.

PLEASE do this, it seems like a no brainer. This would save me a huge amount of time!

It would make navigating large files much easier. Also please allow us add blending modes to these groups.

Adobe improve this features by default please!
Thanks!
https://aescripts.com/layer-groups/

Really really need this. I use shape layers a lot, and shapes can be grouped within individual shape layers, so why not in the timeline generally? Even if it had no function beyond just organising huge project a bit better. Frankly it's kinda ridiculous that they don't have this feature in AE, especially when it's in literally every other programme.

Yes and yes. Would be a huge + when timelines has tons of layers. Currently i use the shy button to hide layers, but having the option to select layers you want to hide, but keep in the comp, and hit ctrl G to bring them all under a single layer would be great. without losing all the blending modes.

should be a feature

nest layers for better GUI experience

I'm suggesting this idea for years. It would be really helpful! Adobe hear us please! When you have a lot of layers project become hard to organize (keep clear) and precomps and quite drastical change which creates new comp (make project panel less organize), break all scripts etc. please give us GROUPS!

There's no reason for not adding it. We've been asking for this feature for ages and yet you chose to not listen to your user base. Why? Just... why?

Yeah, I'm looking for this feature too. Hope Adobe take a look at this.

I would like to be able to group layers, similarly to in Photoshop or Illustrator.

Creating small groups of objects without the need for making them into a comp first would be very helpful.