After Effects Script Installation Directory Path

This guide provides the exact file paths required to install third-party scripts in Adobe After Effects on both Windows and macOS operating systems. Installing scripts correctly ensures they appear within the After Effects interface, whether you are adding standard execution scripts or dockable ScriptUI panels. Below, you will find the specific directory paths for each operating system and script type, along with the required application settings to make them run properly.

Standard Scripts Directory Path

Standard scripts typically run once to perform an automated action and do not require a permanent interface panel. Once placed in this directory, they are accessed via File > Scripts inside After Effects.

  • Windows:
    C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe After Effects <version>\Support Files\Scripts\

  • macOS:
    /Applications/Adobe After Effects <version>/Scripts/

Replace <version> with your specific version of the software (e.g., 2024).

ScriptUI Panels Directory Path

Most third-party tools feature interactive, dockable user interfaces known as ScriptUI panels. For these scripts to appear under the Window menu in the top navigation bar, they must be placed in the dedicated ScriptUI Panels subfolder.

  • Windows:
    C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe After Effects <version>\Support Files\Scripts\ScriptUI Panels\

  • macOS:
    /Applications/Adobe After Effects <version>/Scripts/ScriptUI Panels/

User-Specific Scripts Directory Path (Alternative)

If you do not have administrative write permissions for the main application directory, After Effects also reads scripts from user-specific application data folders:

  • Windows:
    C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\After Effects\<version>\Scripts\

  • macOS:
    ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe/After Effects/<version>/Scripts/

(Note: On Windows, AppData is hidden by default. On macOS, ~/Library can be accessed by holding the Option key while opening the Finder "Go" menu).

Step-by-Step Installation Process

  1. Close Adobe After Effects completely before installing.
  2. Unzip or extract the downloaded script files (.jsx or .jsxbin).
  3. Copy the script file (and any accompanying resource folders) into either the Scripts or ScriptUI Panels directory depending on the script design.
  4. Relaunch Adobe After Effects.

Essential Preferences Setting

Many third-party scripts require permission to read and write files or connect to the internet to function properly. Without enabling this setting, the scripts may return an error:

  1. Open Preferences (Edit > Preferences > Scripting & Expressions on Windows, or After Effects > Settings > Scripting & Expressions on macOS).
  2. Check the box labeled Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network.
  3. Click OK to save the changes.