mcp-aftereffects — Claude Code MCP server
Connects an AI agent to an open Adobe After Effects project so it can inspect comps, edit layers, save work, and render frames.
claude mcp add mcp-aftereffects -- npx -y @kumoproductions/mcp-aftereffectsWhat mcp-aftereffects does
mcp-aftereffects connects an MCP client to a running Adobe After Effects session. The agent can inspect project structure, compositions, and layers, then change properties, effects, masks, text, shapes, keyframes, and expressions. It can save projects, create backups, and render frames for review.
The setup requires Windows or macOS, Adobe After Effects 2024, 2025, or 2026, Node.js 24+, and an MCP-compatible client. Turn on Preferences → Scripting & Expressions → Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network in After Effects; with this setting off, operations will not work correctly. On macOS, the client or terminal may also need permission to control After Effects.
A read-only configuration allows project inspection and frame rendering without edits. Project details such as comp names, expressions, keyframes, and footage paths may be sent to the AI service in use, so NDA work calls for a check of that service’s retention policy and the MCP client logs.
What it helps with
- inspect an After Effects project
- spot issues in compositions and layers
- change effects, masks, or keyframes
- save a project and create a backup
- render a frame after an edit
Example prompts for the agent
- Inspect the open After Effects project and list problems in its compositions and layers.
- Change the text layer and add keyframes for a motion effect.
- Create a project backup, then render a frame to review the changes.
How to install mcp-aftereffects
Platform CLI
claude mcp add mcp-aftereffects -- npx -y @kumoproductions/mcp-aftereffectsPlatform CLI
codex mcp add mcp-aftereffects -- npx -y @kumoproductions/mcp-aftereffectsConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"mcp-aftereffects": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@kumoproductions/mcp-aftereffects"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"mcp-aftereffects": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@kumoproductions/mcp-aftereffects"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add mcp-aftereffects npx -y @kumoproductions/mcp-aftereffectsStep 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 mcp-aftereffects
How do I install mcp-aftereffects in Claude Code?
Launch After Effects and open the project you want to operate on. Then run claude mcp add mcp-aftereffects -- npx -y @kumoproductions/mcp-aftereffects and connect the server in Claude Code.
What does mcp-aftereffects do?
This MCP server lets an AI agent inspect and edit Adobe After Effects projects. It covers compositions, layers, effects, masks, text, keyframes, project saves, backups, and frame rendering.
What must be enabled in After Effects?
Enable Preferences → Scripting & Expressions → Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network. On macOS, also grant the MCP client or terminal permission to control After Effects.
