A groundbreaking open-source project, After Effects Automation, is set to transform the way video production professionals and motion designers work with Adobe After Effects. Developed in Python and leveraging a seamless Python-to-JavaScript bridge, the tool automates everything from composition creation to rendering, streamlining even the most complex video projects.

Automating the Creative Process

After Effects Automation provides an extensive suite of features designed to simplify and speed up repetitive tasks. Users can now programmatically create and manage compositions, manipulate timelines, and apply custom actions with precision. Whether it’s automating text updates, swapping layers, or adding markers, the project’s rich library of extensible JavaScript actions ensures that every aspect of the composition can be controlled via a straightforward JSON configuration.

Key Features at a Glance:

  • Automated Composition & Timeline Management: Easily generate and control scenes, manage transitions, and implement complex timing without manual intervention.
  • Custom Action Support: Leverage built-in actions or extend functionality with custom JavaScript scripts to tailor the automation to unique project needs.
  • Template-Based Generation: Save time by reusing configuration templates, reducing repetitive setup for recurring projects.
  • Web-Based Configuration Editor: A user-friendly web interface allows quick edits to configuration files, making it accessible even for those less comfortable with code.
  • Cross-Version Compatibility: Fully tested with Adobe After Effects 2024 and the beta of Adobe After Effects 2025, with potential compatibility across all CC versions thanks to its ExtendScript foundation.

A Seamless Integration for Professionals

Developed with flexibility in mind, After Effects Automation is perfect for batch processing and automated video production workflows. Its Python-to-JavaScript integration enables direct scripting within After Effects, ensuring that adjustments are applied swiftly and accurately. The robust configuration system—driven by JSON files—provides full control over project settings, scene timing, and even resource management, making it a must-have tool for studios aiming to reduce manual overhead and improve consistency.

Getting Started

Installation is straightforward via Pip:

pip install after-effects-automation

Alternatively, developers can clone the repository from GitHub and install it in development mode for customization and contributions. Detailed instructions, alongside troubleshooting tips, are provided in the project’s comprehensive README.

Community-Driven Innovation

The project, hosted on GitHub by jhd3197, embraces the open-source spirit. With continuous improvements such as the recent update to version 0.0.2, the community is invited to contribute, report issues, and extend its functionality. Licensed under the MIT License, After Effects Automation encourages collaboration and adaptation, promising ongoing evolution in the rapidly changing landscape of digital video production.

As studios and independent creators alike seek more efficient workflows, this new tool is poised to become an indispensable asset in the creative toolkit, empowering users to push the boundaries of automated video production.

For more details and to get involved, visit the GitHub repository.