# After Effects MCP servers These connectors let Claude, Codex, Cursor and other AI agents build and edit compositions, layers, keyframes and expressions in a running After Effects. Almost all of them work through an ExtendScript or CEP bridge, so the agent can run scripts inside your project. Work on a copy until you trust the tool. Last checked 2026-10-17. 14 tools. ## What is an After Effects MCP server? It's a small program that lets an AI assistant like Claude, Codex or Cursor control After Effects through the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Almost all of them connect through an ExtendScript or CEP bridge running inside After Effects, so the agent can create comps, layers, keyframes and expressions in your open project. Work on a copy until you trust the tool ## After Effects tools compared | Tool | Type | Setup | Supported versions | Price | License | GitHub stars | Last updated | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | [After Effects MCP (Dakkshin)](https://agentcut.dev/tools/after-effects-mcp-dakkshin/) | MCP server | medium | After Effects 2022 or later; Node.js 14+ | free | MIT | 761 | 2026-04-01 | | [MCP for Adobe Premiere Pro (leancoderkavy)](https://agentcut.dev/tools/mcp-for-adobe-premiere-pro-leancoderkavy/) | MCP server | medium | Premiere Pro 2020-2026 on Windows and macOS | free | MIT | 400 | 2026-10-17 | | [mcp-aftereffects (Kumo Productions)](https://agentcut.dev/tools/mcp-aftereffects-kumo-productions/) | MCP server | easy | After Effects 2024 / 2025 / 2026 on Windows or macOS; Node.js 24+ | free | MIT | 120 | 2026-10-16 | | [ae-mcp (JUNKDOGE-JOE)](https://agentcut.dev/tools/ae-mcp-junkdoge-joe/) | MCP server + CEP panel | medium | Release v0.11.0 at time of listing; AE version not stated | free | MIT | 85 | 2026-10-11 | | [AE MCP Bridge](https://agentcut.dev/tools/ae-mcp-bridge/) | MCP server + CEP panel | medium | After Effects 2022 (22.0)+ on macOS or Windows; Node.js 18+; ffmpeg optional | free | MIT | 60 | 2026-10-05 | | [After Effects MCP (HeroicSwan)](https://agentcut.dev/tools/after-effects-mcp-heroicswan/) | MCP server | medium | After Effects 2022+; Node.js 20+ | free | MIT | 42 | 2026-07-20 | | [AE-MCP (70+ tools)](https://agentcut.dev/tools/ae-mcp-70-tools/) | MCP server + CEP panel | medium | After Effects 2024 or later; Node.js 18+; macOS or Windows | free | MIT | 40 | 2026-10-08 | | [After Effects MCP (Engine Room)](https://agentcut.dev/tools/after-effects-mcp-engine-room/) | MCP server | easy | After Effects 2026 on macOS or Windows; Node 22+ for editor clients | free | MIT | 33 | 2026-10-17 | | [aftr](https://agentcut.dev/tools/aftr/) | CLI + MCP server | medium | After Effects 2024 to 2026; Node 18+; ffmpeg on PATH | free | MIT | 24 | 2026-07-13 | | [After Effects Codex Agent rules](https://agentcut.dev/tools/after-effects-codex-agent-rules/) | Agent skill | easy | unknown | free | unknown | 23 | 2026-09-25 | | [After Effects MCP (Enhanced Multilingual)](https://agentcut.dev/tools/after-effects-mcp-enhanced-multilingual/) | MCP server | medium | Windows or macOS; Node.js 18+; AE version not stated | free | MIT | 22 | 2026-10-10 | | [after-effects-mcp-vision](https://agentcut.dev/tools/after-effects-mcp-vision/) | MCP server + CEP panel | medium | After Effects 2022 (22.0)+ or Illustrator 2023 (27.0)+, macOS or Windows | free | MIT | 6 | 2026-10-15 | | [Plainly Videos MCP (official)](https://agentcut.dev/tools/plainly-videos-mcp-official/) | MCP server (cloud) | easy | Node.js 18+ | paid | unknown | 6 | 2026-09-21 | | [EditAssist (MCP)](https://agentcut.dev/tools/editassist-mcp/) | Commercial app (local MCP) | easy | unknown | unknown | proprietary | n/a | unknown | ## Questions ### How many After Effects tools does AgentCut list? 14 as of 2026-10-17: 12 free, 1 paid and 1 with unclear pricing ### Which After Effects tool is easiest to set up? mcp-aftereffects (Kumo Productions), After Effects MCP (Engine Room), After Effects Codex Agent rules and Plainly Videos MCP (official) are rated easy setup. Easy means one install command and no panel to load ### Which After Effects tool is most popular on GitHub? After Effects MCP (Dakkshin) with 761 stars, then MCP for Adobe Premiere Pro (leancoderkavy) (400) and mcp-aftereffects (Kumo Productions) (120). Stars were checked on 2026-10-17 ### Which of these tools can run arbitrary code? 4 of 14 have a safety note about running arbitrary scripts or code: mcp-aftereffects (Kumo Productions), ae-mcp (JUNKDOGE-JOE), After Effects MCP (HeroicSwan) and After Effects MCP (Engine Room). Open a duplicate of your project before letting an agent use them ### How often is this list checked? Each entry shows the date it was last checked against its GitHub repo and README. The latest check on this page was 2026-10-17 ## Tool details ## After Effects MCP (Dakkshin) Lets an AI assistant create compositions, text, shape and solid layers, set keyframes and properties, and apply expressions in a running After Effects project. * Page: https://agentcut.dev/tools/after-effects-mcp-dakkshin/ * Source: https://github.com/Dakkshin/after-effects-mcp * Works with: After Effects * Type: MCP server * Setup difficulty: medium * Supported versions: After Effects 2022 or later; Node.js 14+ * Price: free * License: MIT * GitHub stars: 761 * Last updated: 2026-04-01 * Checked: 2026-10-17 Setup steps: 1. Install Node.js (v14 or later). 2. Clone the repo and run the npm install and build steps from the README. 3. Install the bridge panel/script into After Effects as the README describes. 4. Add the server to your MCP client config (Claude Desktop, Claude Code, etc.). 5. Open After Effects, start the bridge, then ask your assistant to build a comp. Safety notes: * Applies JavaScript expressions and ExtendScript inside your open project. Save a copy first. * Runs locally; no API key needed for core features. ## MCP for Adobe Premiere Pro (leancoderkavy) Local-first Premiere automation through Adobe's documented UXP and CEP/ExtendScript APIs: AI-assisted editing, project organization and export checks; also includes an After Effects MOGRT studio. * Page: https://agentcut.dev/tools/mcp-for-adobe-premiere-pro-leancoderkavy/ * Source: https://github.com/leancoderkavy/premiere-pro-mcp * Works with: Premiere Pro, After Effects * Type: MCP server * Setup difficulty: medium * Supported versions: Premiere Pro 2020-2026 on Windows and macOS * Price: free * License: MIT * GitHub stars: 400 * Last updated: 2026-10-17 * Checked: 2026-10-17 Setup steps: 1. Install the package and run premiere-pro-mcp --install-cep. 2. Restart Premiere Pro and open the connector panel. 3. Add the server to your MCP client. 4. Check the published package facts page linked in the README to confirm version. Safety notes: * Installs a CEP connector; optional authenticated UXP connection. * Runs locally; no API key needed for core features. ## mcp-aftereffects (Kumo Productions) TypeScript MCP server that inspects and edits projects, comps and layers in a running After Effects instance and can trigger renders; changes are grouped so they undo atomically. * Page: https://agentcut.dev/tools/mcp-aftereffects-kumo-productions/ * Source: https://github.com/kumoproductions/mcp-aftereffects * Works with: After Effects * Type: MCP server * Setup difficulty: easy * Supported versions: After Effects 2024 / 2025 / 2026 on Windows or macOS; Node.js 24+ * Price: free * License: MIT * GitHub stars: 120 * Last updated: 2026-10-16 * Checked: 2026-10-17 Setup steps: 1. Install Node.js 24 or newer. 2. Add the server to your MCP client using the command in the README. 3. Open After Effects (it auto-detects 2026, then 2025, then 2024). 4. On macOS, approve the Automation prompt (System Settings > Privacy & Security > Automation). 5. Ask your assistant to inspect the open project. Safety notes: * Optional arbitrary-ExtendScript execution exists but the README flags it with a caution; leave it off unless you need it. * On macOS, grants your MCP client Automation permission to control After Effects. * Runs locally; no API key needed for core features. ## ae-mcp (JUNKDOGE-JOE) A CEP extension that connects a running After Effects to AI. You can chat inside the panel or connect external agents; it runs ExtendScript for general operations and native AEGP tools for exact time/object targeting, with preview and a reusable tool library. * Page: https://agentcut.dev/tools/ae-mcp-junkdoge-joe/ * Source: https://github.com/JUNKDOGE-JOE/after-effects-mcp * Works with: After Effects * Type: MCP server + CEP panel * Setup difficulty: medium * Supported versions: Release v0.11.0 at time of listing; AE version not stated * Price: free * License: MIT * GitHub stars: 85 * Last updated: 2026-10-11 * Checked: 2026-10-17 Setup steps: 1. Download the latest release from the GitHub Releases page. 2. Install the CEP extension and native plug-in as the README describes (it also offers a copy-paste setup prompt for your MCP client). 3. Restart After Effects and open the panel. 4. Connect your MCP client and run ae_status to confirm. Safety notes: * Can run arbitrary ExtendScript inside the host app (full access to your project and, via ExtendScript, your files). Review what the agent sends. * Ships a native plug-in component alongside the CEP panel. ## AE MCP Bridge Live connection that lets an AI read your project, look at rendered frames, and change keyframes, expressions and effects while AE is open. Every change is one undo step. * Page: https://agentcut.dev/tools/ae-mcp-bridge/ * Source: https://github.com/solomondivyananth/aftereffects-mcp * Works with: After Effects * Type: MCP server + CEP panel * Setup difficulty: medium * Supported versions: After Effects 2022 (22.0)+ on macOS or Windows; Node.js 18+; ffmpeg optional * Price: free * License: MIT * GitHub stars: 60 * Last updated: 2026-10-05 * Checked: 2026-10-17 Setup steps: 1. Install Node.js 18+ (and ffmpeg if you want motion review/contact sheets). 2. Clone the repo and run ./install.sh (macOS) or install.cmd (Windows) to link the panel and enable unsigned extensions. 3. Add the server to your MCP client. 4. Open After Effects and the panel, then start asking. Safety notes: * Installs an unsigned CEP panel, which requires turning on Adobe's CEP debug mode (PlayerDebugMode). * Edits the live project; each action is wrapped in an undo group. ## After Effects MCP (HeroicSwan) Production-minded AE MCP server with a headless startup bridge, high-level tools plus a JSX escape hatch, frame capture as images, and render helpers for building and reviewing motion graphics. * Page: https://agentcut.dev/tools/after-effects-mcp-heroicswan/ * Source: https://github.com/HeroicSwan/after-effects-mcp * Works with: After Effects * Type: MCP server * Setup difficulty: medium * Supported versions: After Effects 2022+; Node.js 20+ * Price: free * License: MIT * GitHub stars: 42 * Last updated: 2026-07-20 * Checked: 2026-10-17 Setup steps: 1. Install Node.js 20+. 2. In AE: Edit > Preferences > Scripting & Expressions > enable 'Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network'. 3. Follow docs/INSTALLATION.md in the repo to install the bridge. 4. Register the server in your MCP client and open a project. Safety notes: * Requires enabling 'Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network' in After Effects preferences. * JSX escape hatch can run arbitrary scripts. ## AE-MCP (70+ tools) 70+ tools covering comps, layers, animation, effects and expressions so an assistant like Claude can drive After Effects end to end. * Page: https://agentcut.dev/tools/ae-mcp-70-tools/ * Source: https://github.com/ishu86/after-effects-mcp * Works with: After Effects * Type: MCP server + CEP panel * Setup difficulty: medium * Supported versions: After Effects 2024 or later; Node.js 18+; macOS or Windows * Price: free * License: MIT * GitHub stars: 40 * Last updated: 2026-10-08 * Checked: 2026-10-17 Setup steps: 1. Install Node.js 18+. 2. Install the CEP extension with scripts/install-cep.sh (macOS) or scripts\install-cep.bat (Windows). 3. Add the server to claude_desktop_config.json (paths are in the README). 4. Start After Effects 2024+, open the panel, then connect. Safety notes: * Executes ExtendScript in After Effects through its CEP panel. * Installs an unsigned CEP panel, which requires turning on Adobe's CEP debug mode (PlayerDebugMode). ## After Effects MCP (Engine Room) Describe an animation (lower third, logo reveal, counter) and it builds editable layers, keyframes, easing, effects, expressions and text in your project. * Page: https://agentcut.dev/tools/after-effects-mcp-engine-room/ * Source: https://github.com/Engine-Room-Games/after-effects-mcp * Works with: After Effects * Type: MCP server * Setup difficulty: easy * Supported versions: After Effects 2026 on macOS or Windows; Node 22+ for editor clients * Price: free * License: MIT * GitHub stars: 33 * Last updated: 2026-10-17 * Checked: 2026-10-17 Setup steps: 1. Install via the npm package @engine-room/after-effects-mcp or the installer described in the README. 2. Restart After Effects 2026. 3. Connect Claude Code, Cursor, Codex or another MCP client. 4. Ask for an animation and inspect the result in your timeline. Safety notes: * Includes run_jsx, which runs arbitrary ExtendScript. * macOS builds are signed and notarized; the Windows build is unsigned (SmartScreen may warn). ## aftr 'Puppeteer for After Effects': a Node controller sends JSON commands to a CEP panel that runs them as ExtendScript, plus a spec-driven pipeline that builds clips and self-corrects them by rendering. * Page: https://agentcut.dev/tools/aftr/ * Source: https://github.com/Arman-Luthra/aftr * Works with: After Effects, FFmpeg * Type: CLI + MCP server * Setup difficulty: medium * Supported versions: After Effects 2024 to 2026; Node 18+; ffmpeg on PATH * Price: free * License: MIT * GitHub stars: 24 * Last updated: 2026-07-13 * Checked: 2026-10-17 Setup steps: 1. Install Node 18+ and ffmpeg. 2. Run npx aftr-studio controller (or pip install aftr-studio). 3. Install the panel into AE with the README's one-command sign-and-deploy step. 4. Use it from Claude Code. Safety notes: * Self-signs and deploys a CEP panel into After Effects. * Runs ExtendScript generated from agent commands. ## After Effects Codex Agent rules Codex operating rules and quality references for After Effects work through an MCP runtime. It is guidance for the agent, not a bridge by itself. * Page: https://agentcut.dev/tools/after-effects-codex-agent-rules/ * Source: https://github.com/GUNMIN-KIM/after-effects-codex-agent * Works with: After Effects * Type: Agent skill * Setup difficulty: easy * Supported versions: unknown * Price: free * License: unknown * GitHub stars: 23 * Last updated: 2026-09-25 * Checked: 2026-10-17 Setup steps: 1. Install an After Effects MCP server first. 2. Add these rules/skills to your Codex setup as the README describes. Safety notes: * Needs a separate After Effects MCP server to actually change projects. ## After Effects MCP (Enhanced Multilingual) Create and inspect comps and layers, animate, apply effects and presets, manage masks and cameras, render in the background, and run arbitrary ExtendScript. Adds first-class Arabic/RTL text support. * Page: https://agentcut.dev/tools/after-effects-mcp-enhanced-multilingual/ * Source: https://github.com/a-y-ibrahim/after-effects-mcp * Works with: After Effects * Type: MCP server * Setup difficulty: medium * Supported versions: Windows or macOS; Node.js 18+; AE version not stated * Price: free * License: MIT * GitHub stars: 22 * Last updated: 2026-10-10 * Checked: 2026-10-17 Setup steps: 1. Install Node.js 18+. 2. In AE preferences enable 'Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network'. 3. Install the bridge script per README and build the server. 4. Run check-bridge to confirm versionMatch: true. Safety notes: * execute-script runs any ExtendScript. * Requires enabling 'Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network' in After Effects preferences. ## after-effects-mcp-vision Lets an agent build in a live After Effects or Illustrator session, then capture and look at the pixels it made so it can correct itself. * Page: https://agentcut.dev/tools/after-effects-mcp-vision/ * Source: https://github.com/VolksRat71/after-effects-mcp-vision * Works with: After Effects, Illustrator * Type: MCP server + CEP panel * Setup difficulty: medium * Supported versions: After Effects 2022 (22.0)+ or Illustrator 2023 (27.0)+, macOS or Windows * Price: free * License: MIT * GitHub stars: 6 * Last updated: 2026-10-15 * Checked: 2026-10-17 Setup steps: 1. Follow docs/INSTALL.md to install the CEP extension and server. 2. Approve first-run warnings (macOS: Privacy & Security > Open Anyway). 3. Confirm the server returns your After Effects version. 4. Connect your agent. Safety notes: * Token required on every request (per README security section). * Won't overwrite a saved .aep unless overwrite: true is passed. * Unsigned first-run warnings on macOS 15+ and Windows. ## Plainly Videos MCP (official) Lets agents browse your Plainly After Effects templates, see required parameters and previews, and render them in Plainly's cloud. * Page: https://agentcut.dev/tools/plainly-videos-mcp-official/ * Source: https://github.com/plainly-videos/mcp-server * Works with: After Effects * Type: MCP server (cloud) * Setup difficulty: easy * Supported versions: Node.js 18+ * Price: paid * License: unknown * GitHub stars: 6 * Last updated: 2026-09-21 * Checked: 2026-10-17 Setup steps: 1. Create a Plainly API key in your Plainly account. 2. Add the server to your MCP client with PLAINLY_API_KEY set. 3. Ask the agent to list renderable templates and their parameters. Safety notes: * Needs a Plainly API key; renders run in Plainly's cloud (paid service). * Store the key in your MCP config, not in prompts. ## EditAssist (MCP) Local toolkit that ingests, transcribes and semantically searches footage, assembles rough cuts, drives your NLE and renders, with Claude Code orchestrating over MCP. * Page: https://agentcut.dev/tools/editassist-mcp/ * Source: https://editassist.dev/mcp/claude-code * Works with: DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro * Type: Commercial app (local MCP) * Setup difficulty: easy * Supported versions: unknown * Price: unknown * License: proprietary * GitHub stars: n/a * Last updated: unknown * Checked: 2026-10-17 Setup steps: 1. Install EditAssist. 2. Add its MCP server to Claude Code. 3. Give a batch brief, e.g. 'inventory this folder of takes and build a rough cut'. Safety notes: * Vendor says footage stays local. * Pricing not stated on the page we checked. --- AgentCut: https://agentcut.dev/ · All tools as JSON: https://agentcut.dev/tools.json · Overview for agents: https://agentcut.dev/llms.txt