ae-mcp — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Connects AI assistants to an active After Effects session over MCP. It lets models inspect compositions, edit keyframes, and preview rendered frames.
claude mcp add ae-mcp -- npx -y ae-mcp-jkdgWhat ae-mcp does
This tool bridges desktop coding assistants and Adobe After Effects. Using an internal CEP panel alongside a native plug-in, the agent reads live project data and triggers ExtendScript actions. AEGP helpers pinpoint exact frame timings.
Visual feedback is built in. The server exports multi-frame previews so the assistant can verify visual output. Successful automation runs can be stored in a local tool library for replay.
The stdio connector requires the companion ZXP extension active in After Effects under Window > Extensions > ae-mcp. Rendering must also stay separate from Undo blocks, or the execution pipeline fails.
What it helps with
- generate animations and keyframe sequences from natural prompts
- inspect live composition layers, hierarchy, and properties
- render multi-frame previews to verify visual motion
- store validated animation scripts in the reusable library
Example prompts for the agent
- Build a new comp with centered text fading in over two seconds, then export a frame preview.
- Inspect all keyframes and layer properties in the currently selected composition.
- Run
ae_statusto verify the connection with the open After Effects extension.
How to install ae-mcp
Platform CLI
claude mcp add ae-mcp -- npx -y ae-mcp-jkdgPlatform CLI
codex mcp add ae-mcp -- npx -y ae-mcp-jkdgConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"ae-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"ae-mcp-jkdg"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"ae-mcp": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"ae-mcp-jkdg"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add ae-mcp npx -y ae-mcp-jkdgStep by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about ae-mcp
How to install ae-mcp in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add ae-mcp -- npx -y ae-mcp-jkdg in your terminal. You must also install the ZXP panel in After Effects and keep Window > Extensions > ae-mcp open.
What does ae-mcp do?
It exposes an active After Effects workspace to MCP clients. This lets language models examine compositions, run animation scripts, and review rendered frames.
What dependencies are required for ae-mcp?
Running After Effects is mandatory, along with the ae-mcp ZXP extension and the matching native plug-in. The connector communicates through stdio or local port 11488.
