How to Run Scripts and Extensions in After Effects

Adobe After Effects allows users to automate repetitive tasks and expand core capabilities through custom scripts and extension panels. This guide explains how to properly configure your security preferences, run standalone script files, install dockable ScriptUI panels, and launch CEP extensions to optimize your motion design workflow.

1. Enable Scripting Permissions

Before running scripts that interact with your system or the internet, you must adjust the security settings in After Effects.

  1. Open After Effects.
  2. Navigate to Preferences:
    • Windows: Edit > Preferences > Scripting & Expressions...
    • macOS: After Effects > Settings (or Preferences) > Scripting & Expressions...
  3. Check the box for Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network.
  4. Click OK.

2. Run Standalone Scripts (.jsx or .jsxbin)

If you have a one-off script file that you do not need permanently integrated into your workspace:

  1. Go to File > Scripts > Run Script File...
  2. Browse to the location of your .jsx or .jsxbin file.
  3. Select the file and click Open. The script executes immediately.

3. Install and Run Dockable ScriptUI Panels

ScriptUI panels are scripts designed to live inside dockable panels within your After Effects interface.

Installation Paths:

Place your .jsx or .jsxbin files into the designated ScriptUI Panels folder:

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

Launching the Panel:

  1. Restart After Effects if it was open during installation.
  2. Go to the top menu and click Window.
  3. Scroll toward the bottom of the dropdown list to locate your script name.
  4. Click the script name to open it as a dockable panel within your workspace.

4. Install and Run Extension Panels

Extensions (typically packaged as .zxp files) use HTML5 and JavaScript to provide rich, complex user interfaces.

Installing Extensions:

Extensions cannot simply be pasted into a folder; they typically require an installer:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop: Extensions acquired through the Adobe Exchange install automatically.
  • Third-Party Installers: For third-party .zxp files, use an open-source utility such as aescripts + aeplugins manager, ZXP Installer, or Anastasiy’s Extension Manager to install the file.

Launching Extensions:

  1. Restart After Effects after installation.
  2. Go to Window > Extensions.
  3. Select your installed extension from the list.
  4. The extension will open as a floating window, which can be dragged and docked anywhere in your workspace.