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.
How to set it up
- Install Node.js (v14 or later).
- Clone the repo and run the npm install and build steps from the README.
- Install the bridge panel/script into After Effects as the README describes.
- Add the server to your MCP client config (Claude Desktop, Claude Code, etc.).
- Open After Effects, start the bridge, then ask your assistant to build a comp.
This is a plain-English summary of the project's own instructions. Commands and versions change, so always follow the current README at the source link.
Safety notes
- Applies JavaScript expressions and ExtendScript inside your open project. Save a copy first.
- Runs locally; no API key needed for core features.
General rule: open a duplicate of your project before letting any agent make changes, and read what a script does before approving it.
Alternatives and related tools
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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.
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.
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70+ tools covering comps, layers, animation, effects and expressions so an assistant like Claude can drive After Effects end to end.
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