After Effects

How to Install After Effects Scripts and ScriptUI Panels

Learn where to copy .jsx and .jsxbin files, how to enable script execution preferences, and how to dock tools into your AE workspace.

Understanding ScriptUI Panels vs Run-Once Scripts

Scripts in Adobe After Effects are JavaScript files (.jsx or compiled .jsxbin) that automate repetitive tasks. They fall into two categories:

  • ScriptUI Panels: Interactive panels containing buttons, sliders, and controls that stay open and dock inside your workspace (e.g., Motion Tools V2).
  • Standard Scripts: Utility scripts designed to run once, execute an action (like renaming 100 layers), and immediately close.

Crucial Step: Enabling Scripting Permissions in Preferences

By default, Adobe blocks scripts from writing files or connecting to the network for security. If this setting is disabled, most modern scripts will fail with error alerts.

  1. Open After Effects.
  2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Scripting & Expressions (Windows) or After Effects > Settings > Scripting & Expressions (macOS).
  3. Check the box for "Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network".
  4. (Recommended) Check "Enable JavaScript Debugger" only if you are actively writing custom code.
  5. Click OK to save your preferences.

Correct Installation Directories

Copy your .jsx or .jsxbin file into the correct subfolder:

Script CategoryWindows DirectorymacOS Directory
ScriptUI Panels (Dockable)Support Files\Scripts\ScriptUI Panels\/Scripts/ScriptUI Panels/
Run-Once Utility ScriptsSupport Files\Scripts\/Scripts/

Docking Scripts into Your Workspace

Once installed and After Effects is restarted, access your tool via Window > [Your Script Name.jsx]. Grab the tab header and drag it into your preferred workspace frame (e.g., next to the Essential Graphics or Effects & Presets panel) to permanently integrate it into your editing layout.

Download Essential After Effects Scripts

Boost your animation speed with pre-tested ScriptUI panels, keyframe cloners, and anchor point utilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Modern After Effects scripts need permission to read presets, write temporary configuration cache files, and communicate with licensing daemons on your local machine.

ScriptUI panels placed in the 'ScriptUI Panels' folder appear at the bottom of the 'Window' menu in After Effects.

Yes. Go to 'File > Scripts > Run Script File...' and select any .jsx or .jsxbin file from your hard drive to execute it once.