After Effects Server
MCP Server for Adobe After Effects. Enables remote control (compositions, text, shapes, solids, properties) via the Model Context Protocol using ExtendScript.
What is After Effects Server?
After Effects Server is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to mcp server for adobe after effects. enables remote control (compositions, text, shapes, solids, properties) via the model context protocol using extendscript.
MCP Server for Adobe After Effects. Enables remote control (compositions, text, shapes, solids, properties) via the Model Context Protocol using ExtendScript.
This server falls under the Browser Automation category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- MCP Server for Adobe After Effects. Enables remote control (
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx after-effectsConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use After Effects Server
After Effects MCP Server enables AI assistants to remotely control Adobe After Effects through the Model Context Protocol using ExtendScript. It exposes tools for creating and editing compositions, text layers, shape layers, solids, adjustment layers, cameras, null objects, layer masks, keyframes, and expressions — all triggered by natural language prompts from an MCP client like Claude Desktop. This makes it possible to automate repetitive motion-graphics tasks or prototype complex animations without leaving your AI chat interface.
Prerequisites
- Adobe After Effects installed with ExtendScript scripting enabled
- Node.js 16+ for building and running the MCP server
- An MCP-compatible client such as Claude Desktop
- Git to clone the repository (not available as a standalone npm package)
Clone and build the server
Clone the repository and compile the TypeScript source to JavaScript. The npm package name 'after-effects' does not correspond to this server, so a local build is required.
git clone https://github.com/Dakkshin/after-effects-mcp.git
cd after-effects-mcp
npm install
npm run buildInstall the ExtendScript bridge into After Effects
The bridge script must be placed in After Effects' Scripts folder. The install command copies it to the correct location automatically.
npm run install-bridgeAllow scripting access in After Effects
Open After Effects, navigate to Edit > Preferences > Scripting & Expressions, and enable 'Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network' so the bridge can communicate with the Node.js server.
Start the MCP server
Launch the server process. Keep it running while you work with Claude or another MCP client.
npm start
# Or directly:
node build/index.jsAdd to your MCP client config
Register the server in claude_desktop_config.json (or your client's equivalent) using the absolute path to the built index.js.
{
"mcpServers": {
"after-effects": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/absolute/path/to/after-effects-mcp/build/index.js"]
}
}
}After Effects Server Examples
Client configuration
Add this block to claude_desktop_config.json, updating the path to your local clone.
{
"mcpServers": {
"after-effects": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/Users/yourname/after-effects-mcp/build/index.js"]
}
}
}Prompts to try
Practical prompts covering compositions, layers, keyframes, expressions, and batch operations.
- "Create a new 1080p composition called 'Intro' at 24fps for 5 seconds"
- "Add a star shape layer with 5 points, yellow fill, centered in the composition"
- "Set keyframes on the scale property of layer 1: 0% at frame 0 and 100% at frame 15 with easy ease"
- "Attach a time expression to the rotation of the null object so it spins at 90 degrees per second"
- "Batch-set opacity to 50% on all layers below layer 3"Troubleshooting After Effects Server
The MCP client connects but After Effects does not execute commands
Make sure 'Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network' is checked in After Effects Preferences > Scripting & Expressions. Re-run `npm run install-bridge` if you moved or reinstalled After Effects.
Build fails or index.js is missing after npm run build
Check that Node.js 16+ is installed with `node -v`. Remove node_modules and package-lock.json, then run `npm install && npm run build` again.
Commands succeed but changes do not appear on screen
After Effects sometimes needs a UI nudge — scrub the playhead manually or use the run-script tool to call `app.project.activeItem.time = 0` to force a refresh.
Frequently Asked Questions about After Effects Server
What is After Effects Server?
After Effects Server is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that mcp server for adobe after effects. enables remote control (compositions, text, shapes, solids, properties) via the model context protocol using extendscript. It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install After Effects Server?
Follow the installation instructions on the After Effects Server GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with After Effects Server?
After Effects Server works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is After Effects Server free to use?
Yes, After Effects Server is open source and available under the MIT license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Set Up After Effects Server in Your Editor
Choose your AI client for step-by-step setup instructions.
Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
Ready to use After Effects Server?
Browse our complete directory of 33,000+ MCP servers, read setup guides for your editor, and start building with the Model Context Protocol.