AE MCP Bridge
AE MCP Bridge connects an agent to a live After Effects: reads the project, renders frames, edits keyframes and expressions.
- 89 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- MIT
Broad access
Why this level
- The server executes arbitrary ExtendScript inside a running After Effects and changes the open project.
- The unsigned panel requires enabling `PlayerDebugMode`.
Install
- Works in
Manual install
npx aftereffects-mcp-installInstalls the panel into After Effects. Requires After Effects 2022 or newer and Node.js 18.
Access and checks
How we reviewBroad accessThe tool can change data, run commands or handle secrets.
- The server executes arbitrary ExtendScript inside a running After Effects and changes the open project.
- The unsigned panel requires enabling `PlayerDebugMode`.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
AE MCP Bridge connects an MCP client to a running After Effects through a CEP panel that listens on the local address `127.0.0.1:7788`. The agent reads the composition property tree, sees rendered frames, changes keyframes, expressions and effects, then renders again to check its own edit. Every call runs as one undo group, so a single Cmd+Z or Ctrl+Z reverts an agent edit. The `ae_review_motion` tool samples a time range and builds an MP4 and a contact sheet to judge timing and easing. It can create compositions, import footage, apply batch edits and queue background `aerender` jobs. The repository also ships skills for common tasks: color, camera, audio sync and delivery.
Who it is for. Motion designers and editors who automate repetitive After Effects edits and want an agent that can see frames.
Good fit when
- A composition has forty layers and you need to know what animates, what drives it and which expressions are used.
- One master video must be split into 9×16, 1×1 and 16×9 formats.
- The agent should look at a frame and say whether the logo collides with the lower third at four seconds.
- One timing change must be applied across many layers and campaign compositions.
Not a fit when
- You need Roto Brush, Content-Aware Fill or mocha: the After Effects scripting interface barely reaches them.
- You want a judgment of taste and the idea of the video, which the bridge cannot give.
- You work on Linux or with an After Effects version older than 2022.
Example request
Inspect the Main composition, list what animates on the logo layer, then render a frame at four seconds and check whether the logo overlaps the lower third.MCP
- Transport
- stdio
- Authentication
- not required
Environment variables
TYPESAFE_API_KEYsecret- Optional TypeSafe key for edit plans from animation notes. Do not write it into `.mcp.json`.
TYPESAFE_MODEL- Optional model version, default `jev-latest`.
Limitations
After Effects 2022 or newer, Node.js 18 and macOS or Windows are required. The panel is unsigned: the installer enables `PlayerDebugMode`, and After Effects must be restarted after installation. The bridge executes arbitrary ExtendScript. By default writes are allowed only in the project a person designated as the sandbox in the panel, which does not protect against an agent with desktop access. `ffmpeg` is optional, and without it motion review and contact sheets work worse. The project is not affiliated with Adobe or Anthropic.
How to disable. Run `node bin/install-panel.js --uninstall` and remove the MCP entry with `claude mcp remove after-effects`. Restart After Effects.
FAQ
How do I connect AE MCP Bridge to Claude Code?
Run `npx aftereffects-mcp-install` for the panel, then `claude mcp add after-effects -- npx -y aftereffects-mcp`. After restarting After Effects, open the panel under Window, Extensions.
Can I undo an agent edit?
Yes. Every call runs in one undo group, so reverting takes a single Cmd+Z on macOS or Ctrl+Z on Windows.
Why can the agent not write changes?
The sandbox guard allows writes only in the project you designated as the sandbox in the panel. Only a person in the panel interface can lift it.
Is a key needed for animation notes?
No, but with a `TYPESAFE_API_KEY` the Jev model turns a note like the logo feels floaty into a ready edit plan. Without a key the note comes back in words and the agent judges it.
What if After Effects does not see the panel?
Run `./install.sh --copy` on macOS or `install.cmd --copy` on Windows: the command copies the panel instead of linking it. Then restart After Effects.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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Comparison with similar tools
Cards that share the main search query, and how they differ.
| Tool | Official | Authentication | Repository stars | Main difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE MCP Bridge (this card) | no | not required | 89 | |
| After Effects MCP Server | no | not required | 888 | another After Effects MCP; AE MCP Bridge renders frames to PNG, builds contact sheets and reverts an edit with one undo |
| mcp-aftereffects | no | not required | 176 | also drives After Effects from an agent; AE MCP Bridge adds a write sandbox and motion review |
README in short
Flow: MCP client, then stdio, then HTTP to the panel in After Effects, then the application DOM. Zero npm dependencies, MIT license.