Automate After Effects from Python. Talk to it with AI.
JSON config in, video out. No manual AE interaction required.
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Quick Start · AI Chat · Features · CLI · Architecture · Roadmap · Contributing
pip install after-effects-automation
python install_ae_runner.py
ae-automation run config.jsonNo config needed. Auto-detects every AE version on your machine and picks the latest. Works from 2020 to 2026+ — no hardcoded paths, no .env required.
from ae_automation import Client
Client().startBot("config.json")Control After Effects with natural language — right inside AE. Powered by Prompture.
python install_extension.py # install the AE panel
ae-automation chat # start backend
# In AE: Window > Extensions > AE Automation Chat| You say | AE does |
|---|---|
| "Create a 1080p comp called Intro, 10 seconds" | Creates the composition |
| "Change the title text to Product Launch 2025" | Updates the text layer |
| "Set the background color to #1A1A2E" | Applies the color |
| "List all compositions" | Returns project structure |
Returns clickable action buttons that execute directly in AE. Works with any LLM — OpenAI, Claude, Ollama, Groq, and more.
JSON-Driven — Describe your video in a config, the platform handles everything else
10 Action Types — Update properties, swap layers, add resources, nest comps, apply templates, transitions, markers
Batch Rendering — Generate hundreds of video variations from data
Built-in Templates — Tutorial, social media, product showcase, slideshow, event promo
Auto-Discovery — Scans your system for every AE version, always picks the latest. No hardcoded years
Version Compatibility — Knowledge base tracks which scripts work on which AE versions. Scripts that would freeze are blocked before execution with workaround suggestions
Cross-Platform — Windows supported, macOS in progress. Paths, data dirs, and CEP install all adapt to your OS
Chat Panel — CEP extension with Prompture backend (any LLM provider)
Web Editor — Browser-based visual config editor with undo/redo
40+ ExtendScript Files — Direct AE manipulation via file-based command queue
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
ae-automation run config.json |
Run the full automation pipeline |
ae-automation chat |
Start the AI chat panel backend |
ae-automation batch *.json |
Run multiple configs sequentially |
ae-automation editor config.json |
Launch the visual web editor |
ae-automation generate --template tutorial |
Generate .aep from built-in template |
ae-automation export --template social-media |
Generate + render in one step |
ae-automation plugins list |
List, install, search, run community plugins |
ae-automation test |
Run compatibility tests |
ae-automation diagnose |
Check AE installation and scripting setup |
Python Config (JSON) → JS Bridge → ExtendScript in AE → Composition → aerender → MP4
The Client class composes seven mixins:
| Mixin | Responsibility |
|---|---|
afterEffectMixin |
Core: launching AE, scripting, compositions, rendering |
botMixin |
JSON config loading and pipeline orchestration |
ChatPanelMixin |
AI chat backend with Prompture |
ProcessManagerMixin |
AE process detection, readiness, crash handling |
TemplateGeneratorMixin |
Programmatic .aep project creation |
VideoEditorAppMixin |
Flask web editor with REST API |
ToolsMixin |
Utilities (hex to RGBA, slug, file ops) |
| Layer | Technology |
|---|---|
| Backend | Python 3.9+, Flask, Flask-CORS |
| AI | Prompture (any LLM provider) |
| AE Bridge | ExtendScript (JSX), file-based command queue |
| Web Editor | React 18, Vite, Zustand |
| CEP Panel | HTML/CSS/JS, CSInterface |
| Rendering | aerender (Adobe CLI) |
Compatibility
| Software | Versions |
|---|---|
| After Effects | 2020 – 2026+ (auto-detected) |
| Python | 3.9+ |
| OS | Windows, macOS |
from ae_automation.settings import get_discovery_report
print(get_discovery_report()) # see all detected AE installs
from ae_automation.compat import get_incompatible_scripts
print(get_incompatible_scripts(2020)) # check what won't workDocumentation
| Guide | Description |
|---|---|
| Installation | Full setup: Python, CLI, AE bridge, environment |
| Quick Start | End-to-end walkthrough |
| CLI Guide | Command reference |
| Examples | Working automation examples |
| Process Management | AE process lifecycle |
| Troubleshooting | Common issues and fixes |
Troubleshooting
AE not detected? Run ae-automation diagnose or set AFTER_EFFECT_FOLDER in .env
Scripts not executing? Enable scripting in AE: Edit > Preferences > Scripting & Expressions
Chat panel not connecting? Start the backend: ae-automation chat
- Core automation — Python to ExtendScript to AE to render
- JSON config pipeline — templates, custom actions, resources
- CLI — run, chat, editor, generate, export, test, diagnose
- AI chat panel — CEP extension with Prompture backend
- Auto-discovery — version detection and compatibility layer
- Web editor — visual config editing
- Built-in templates — 5 ready-to-use templates
- macOS support — cross-platform abstraction layer
- Real-time render progress — live progress bar in chat panel
- Batch queue — sequential multi-video processing with status tracking
- Plugin marketplace — community templates and actions with install/search/run
fork → feature branch → commit → push → pull request
Priority areas: macOS support, new templates, batch rendering, chat panel improvements.
Tip
Also check out RepoGif — the tool used to generate the banner GIF!
MIT License — see LICENSE for details.
Adobe After Effects is a trademark of Adobe Inc. This project is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Adobe Inc.
This is an automation and middleware tool that translates Python commands into Adobe-supported ExtendScript instructions. It does not modify, crack, or bypass Adobe software. It does not distribute Adobe assets or binaries. It does not enable use of After Effects without a license. A valid Adobe Creative Cloud license is required. We do not support or condone software piracy in any form.
After Effects Automation — JSON in, video out.
Made with care by Juan Denis
