After Effects MCP Server
Adobe After Effects control for AI, enabling automated layer and animation workflows.
Data last scanned yesterday · Reviewed 3 weeks ago
Overview
This MCP server provides a bridge between AI assistants and Adobe After Effects. It enables programmatic control over project compositions, allowing users to create, manage, and manipulate layers directly from an AI interface. Key capabilities include managing text, shape, solid, camera, and adjustment layers, as well as applying animation keyframes and expressions. It supports complex composition settings like frame rate, duration, and dimensions to automate motion design tasks.
Our verdict
With a security score of 39/100, this server is classified as high-risk. It is a community-maintained project that has not undergone editorial review, which poses significant concerns for those integrating it into sensitive production environments. Potential users should note the lack of documentation on authentication and read-only mode security before deploying this in environments where After Effects project file integrity is critical.
- Supports comprehensive layer management and animation keyframing
- Uses a lightweight architecture with only 3 direct dependencies
- Features 541 GitHub stars, indicating high community interest
- Security score of 39/100 reflects unreviewed authentication methods
- Not an official Adobe-maintained project
- No external editorial review conducted on code or tools
Setup
{
"mcpServers": {
"after-effects-mcp": {
"args": [
"-y",
"after-effects-mcp"
],
"command": "npx"
}
}
}Paste into ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS) or %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json (Windows), then restart Claude Desktop. Some servers require API keys or tokens as environment variables — check the project's README and add an "env" object if needed.
- No read-only mode — running this grants full read/write access.
- No built-in authentication — anyone with access to this config can invoke every tool it exposes.
Tools
| Tool | Description | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| create-composition | Create a new composition | medium |
| run-script | Run a JS script inside AE | high |
| get-results | Get script results | low |
| get-help | Help for available commands | low |
| setLayerKeyframe | Add keyframe to layer property | medium |
| setLayerExpression | Add/remove expressions from properties | medium |
| setLayerProperties | Set layer properties (position, scale, rotation, opacity, blendMode, threeDLayer, trackMatteType, enabled, etc.) | medium |
| batchSetLayerProperties | Apply properties to multiple layers | medium |
| getLayerInfo | Get layer info (position, 3D status) | low |
| createCamera | Create camera layer | medium |
Compatibility
| Client | Local | Docker | Remote | Read-only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | ||||
| Claude Desktop | ||||
| Cursor | ||||
| VS Code | ||||
| Windsurf |
Frequently asked questions
›What software version is required to run this MCP server?
You need Adobe After Effects 2022 or later, along with Node.js version 14 or higher.
›How do I ensure the server can communicate with After Effects?
After installing the bridge, you must open the 'mcp-bridge-auto.jsx' panel from the Window menu in After Effects and ensure the 'Auto-run commands' checkbox is enabled.
›Does this server support 3D layer modifications?
Yes, the server includes tools to toggle between 2D and 3D modes for layers.
›Can I use JavaScript expressions through this MCP server?
Yes, you can apply expressions to layer properties to create dynamic, procedural animations.
Badge
Maintain this server? Add the live badge to your README.