Server Configuration
Describes the environment variables required to run the server.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| AE_USE_FILE_BRIDGE | Yes | Enables the file-based communication bridge for reliability between the MCP server and After Effects. | true |
Capabilities
Features and capabilities supported by this server
| Capability | Details |
|---|---|
| tools | {} |
| resources | {} |
Tools
Functions exposed to the LLM to take actions
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| ping | Test connectivity with After Effects CEP extension |
| get_ae_version | Get After Effects version information |
| create_project | Create a new After Effects project |
| open_project | Open an existing After Effects project file |
| save_project | Save the current After Effects project |
| close_project | Close the current After Effects project |
| get_project_info | Get information about the current After Effects project |
| import_footage | Import footage (video, image, or audio) into the project |
| create_composition | Create a new composition in the current project |
| modify_composition | Modify properties of an existing composition |
| duplicate_composition | Duplicate an existing composition |
| delete_composition | Delete a composition from the project |
| list_compositions | List all compositions in the current project |
| get_composition_info | Get detailed information about a specific composition |
| add_solid_layer | Add a solid color layer to a composition. Note: New layers are added on TOP (Layer 1). For backgrounds, create them last or use reorder_layers. |
| add_text_layer | Add a text layer to a composition |
| add_shape_layer | Add a shape layer to a composition with customizable properties |
| modify_layer_properties | Modify transform properties of a layer |
| duplicate_layer | Duplicate a layer within a composition |
| delete_layer | Delete a layer from a composition |
| reorder_layers | Change the order of layers in a composition |
| set_keyframe | Set a keyframe for a layer property |
| apply_effect | Apply an effect to a layer |
| add_null_layer | Add a null object layer to a composition |
| add_adjustment_layer | Add an adjustment layer to a composition |
| add_camera_layer | Add a camera layer to a composition |
| add_light_layer | Add a light layer to a composition |
| set_layer_parent | Set parent-child relationship between layers |
| set_layer_blend_mode | Set the blending mode of a layer |
| set_track_matte | Set track matte for a layer |
| set_layer_3d | Enable or disable 3D for a layer |
| modify_layer_3d_properties | Modify 3D properties of a layer |
| set_layer_quality | Set the quality/sampling of a layer |
| set_motion_blur | Configure motion blur for a layer |
| set_layer_visibility | Control layer visibility settings |
| set_time_remapping | Enable time remapping for a layer |
| animate_time_remap | Set time remap keyframes for a layer (automatically enables time remapping) |
| get_layer_info | Get detailed information about a layer |
| set_expression | Set an expression on a layer property |
| get_expression | Get the expression from a layer property |
| remove_expression | Remove an expression from a layer property |
| enable_expression | Enable or disable an expression on a property |
| batch_set_expressions | Set multiple expressions at once for better performance |
| convert_keyframes_to_expression | Convert keyframed animation to an expression |
| add_expression_control | Add an expression control effect to a layer |
| link_properties_with_expression | Link two properties together using an expression |
| add_wiggle_expression | Add a wiggle expression to a property |
| add_loop_expression | Add a loop expression to a property |
| execute_script | Execute a custom ExtendScript in After Effects |
| save_expression_preset | Save an expression as a preset for reuse |
| apply_expression_preset | Apply a saved expression preset to a property |
| add_mask | Add a mask to a layer |
| add_rectangular_mask | Add a rectangular mask to a layer |
| add_elliptical_mask | Add an elliptical mask to a layer |
| modify_mask_path | Modify the path of an existing mask |
| set_mask_properties | Set properties of a mask |
| delete_mask | Delete a mask from a layer |
| get_mask_info | Get information about masks on a layer |
| animate_mask_path | Animate a mask path with keyframes |
| add_shape_path | Add a path to a shape layer |
| modify_shape_path | Modify an existing shape path |
| create_shape_from_path | Create a shape layer from a custom path |
| convert_mask_to_shape | Convert a mask to a shape layer path |
| add_text_layer_advanced | Add a text layer with advanced formatting options |
| modify_text_properties | Modify text formatting properties |
| add_text_animator | Add a text animator to animate individual characters |
| convert_text_to_shape | Convert text layer to shape layer (create outlines) |
| create_text_on_path | Create text that follows a path |
| set_keyframe_advanced | Set a keyframe with interpolation options |
| apply_easy_ease | Apply Easy Ease to selected keyframes |
| set_keyframe_velocity | Set velocity (speed graph) for keyframes |
| set_temporal_ease | Set temporal ease (bezier handles) for keyframes |
| set_spatial_tangent | Set spatial tangents for position keyframes (motion path) |
| set_keyframe_interpolation_type | Set interpolation type for keyframes |
| create_animation_curve | Create an animation with custom curve |
| copy_keyframes | Copy keyframes from one property to another |
| offset_keyframes | Offset keyframes in time |
| scale_keyframe_timing | Scale the timing of keyframes (stretch or compress animation) |
| reverse_keyframes | Reverse the order of keyframes |
| apply_animation_preset | Apply predefined animation presets |
| add_to_render_queue | Add a composition to the render queue |
| start_render | Start rendering all items in the render queue |
| pause_render | Pause the current render process |
| stop_render | Stop the current render process |
| get_render_queue | Get the status of all items in the render queue |
| clear_render_queue | Remove all items from the render queue |
| export_frame | Export a single frame from a composition |
| batch_render | Add multiple compositions to render queue with same settings |
| batch_execute | Execute multiple commands in parallel. Commands are sent to After Effects simultaneously for faster processing. |
| batch_keyframes | Set multiple keyframes at once for better performance |
| batch_create_layers | Create multiple layers at once. IMPORTANT: Layers are created in order - first item becomes Layer 1 (top), last item becomes bottom layer. Create backgrounds LAST! |
| batch_modify_layer_properties | Modify properties of multiple layers at once for better performance |
Prompts
Interactive templates invoked by user choice
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
No prompts | |
Resources
Contextual data attached and managed by the client
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Current Project | Information about the currently open After Effects project |
| Compositions | List of all compositions in the current project |
| Render Queue | Current render queue status and items |