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Carl Holmgren
Carl Holmgren
Inspiring
April 20, 2022
Answered

After Effects: Auto Switching to Mercury Software Only

  • April 20, 2022
  • 6 replies
  • 5690 views

Hi there!

I have a problem where After Effects keep switching to Mercury Software Only by itself without me switching it. Yes, I'm always using Mercury GPU Acceleration (CUDA). No idea why it does this and it's quite annoying.

I tried searching around for solutions but I can't seem to find one or maybe it's just me who's encountering this.

Any ways to turn this off? I mean the auto switching. I don't want this option or want this to happen all the time as it slows down my workflow.

Thanks in advance!

PS: Please see attached for more info or let me know if there are any other information that I should provide to get this fixed.

    Correct answer Trevor Bobyk

    Been having this problem for years. I Just double check my settings if I notice a drop in performance 

    6 replies

    G
    gabriel5E9E
    Inspiring
    April 29, 2025

    I've found that, when I use an AE template (logo reveal, text effect or almost anything), it auto switch to "mercury sofware only". 
    Everytime I insert a new AEP file, I "double check" the preferences to switch it back to Mercury GPU Acceleration (CUDA)

    A
    appgalaxy
    Participant
    March 18, 2025

    I've faced this issue before—After Effects auto-switching to Mercury Software Only can really slow down workflow. In my experience, it often happens due to outdated drivers or GPU compatibility issues. Keeping drivers updated and tweaking AE settings helped me fix it. While working on projects for Pixellab App I realized how important GPU acceleration is for smooth performance. Anyone else found a reliable fix for this

    G
    gabriel5E9E
    Inspiring
    January 22, 2025

    Any fix on this? Facing this in after effects 25.1 with macbook pro m3 max. 
    Very annoying, every project I need to keep checking my Project Settings. 
    Even using a file as a template, with previously setted to "mercury gpu acceleration metal", it switchs back to mercury software only. 
    Very annoying.

    T
    Trevor BobykCorrect answer
    Participant
    May 27, 2023

    Been having this problem for years. I Just double check my settings if I notice a drop in performance 

      Carl Holmgren
      Carl HolmgrenAuthor
      Inspiring
      June 28, 2023

      Kinda annoying but gotta deal with it.

      K
      KANCHIPATI33244573ix92
      Participant
      October 29, 2023

      hello dude, did you find the solution. i'm facing this problem. i can't even preview the project. it is so frustrating. please tell the solution if you know any

      Carl Holmgren
      Carl HolmgrenAuthor
      Inspiring
      April 20, 2022

      PS: I'm using multiple plug-ins and scripts. Do those affect the problem I'm encountering?

      ShiveringCactus
      Community Expert
      ShiveringCactusCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      April 20, 2022

      I'd be shocked if a plugin can force a change to render settings.  Do any of the scripts have output controls?

      Carl Holmgren
      Carl HolmgrenAuthor
      Inspiring
      April 20, 2022

      An extension that I'm using called Motion Factory does it a lot.

      ShiveringCactus
      Community Expert
      ShiveringCactusCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      April 20, 2022

      That's very strange.  I've not heard of that before.  Have you tried resetting your preferences?  

      Hold down CTRL/CMD + SHIFT + ALT/OPTION(?) when starting AE.  A dialogue should pop up asking if you want to delete your preferences.  

      Carl Holmgren
      Carl HolmgrenAuthor
      Inspiring
      April 20, 2022

      Yes, did that. I've experienced this on a couple of versions as well of AE and still the same. No updates about it either.

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