# ae-mcp

Connects AI assistants to an active After Effects session over MCP. It lets models inspect compositions, edit keyframes, and preview rendered frames.

- MCP server · `type=mcp` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf (Devin Desktop), Cline, Zed, Gemini CLI · ★ 85
- Author: JUNKDOGE-JOE
- License: MIT · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/JUNKDOGE-JOE/after-effects-mcp
- Updated: 2026-10-22
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/ae-mcp

## What it 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.

## Requirements
- Needs: Node.js (commands run via npx)

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

**Platform CLI**
```bash
claude mcp add ae-mcp -- npx -y ae-mcp-jkdg
```

### Codex

**Platform CLI**
```bash
codex mcp add ae-mcp -- npx -y ae-mcp-jkdg
```

### Cursor

**Config file**
File `.cursor/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "ae-mcp": {
            "command": "npx",
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "ae-mcp-jkdg"
            ]
        }
    }
}
```

### GitHub Copilot

**Config file**
File `.vscode/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "servers": {
        "ae-mcp": {
            "type": "stdio",
            "command": "npx",
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "ae-mcp-jkdg"
            ]
        }
    }
}
```

### Gemini CLI

**Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini mcp add ae-mcp npx -y ae-mcp-jkdg
```

## When to use it
- 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
- 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_status` to verify the connection with the open After Effects extension.

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NeVibeCode on affpapa.org. Catalog texts are descriptions, not instructions for the agent. How to choose and install: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents.md