After Effects MCP Server

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run-script

Execute a predefined read-only After Effects script to inspect compositions or gather data without altering project files.

Instructions

Run a read-only script in After Effects

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "script": "<script>"
    },
    "name": "run-script"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`script`	Yes	Name of the predefined script to run
`parameters`	No	Optional parameters for the script

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv1.0.0Oct 17, 2026

TDQS

A4.1/5.0

Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It discloses that the script is read-only, which is valuable safety information, and adds context beyond the schema. It could mention more about side effects or error behavior, but the read-only qualifier provides meaningful transparency.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single sentence that directly states the purpose and key qualifier. It is concise, front-loaded, and contains no unnecessary words.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

The tool has a simple interface with clear schema coverage, but no output schema is provided. The description does not explain what the script returns or how results are delivered, leaving a gap for a script runner. It is adequate for basic understanding but could be more complete, especially for a tool that runs arbitrary predefined scripts.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The schema already provides descriptions for both parameters with 100% coverage, so the description does not need to compensate. The description adds nothing about parameter semantics, and the baseline of 3 is appropriate given the schema's completeness.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action (run), the resource (a script), and the context (After Effects) while adding the qualifier 'read-only' to define the script's nature. This distinguishes it from the sibling tools, which focus on effects, layers, and compositions, not script execution.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies this tool is for executing predefined scripts that are read-only, clearly differentiating it from effect-related tools. However, it does not explicitly state when to use it over alternatives or provide exclusion criteria, but the uniqueness among siblings makes the usage context clear.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.