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valera_9213
Participating Frequently
April 28, 2025
Answered

Need help creating a CEP plugin for After Effects 2025 (JavaScript + API access)

  • April 28, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 1733 views

I want to create my own CEP plugin for After Effects 2025 that will use the scripting API, but I have never built plugins before.
To start, I’m trying to create a simple test plugin with minimal logic — for example, swapping selected layers inside a composition.

Following advice from GPT, I set up the suggested folder structure:
- myTestPlugin/
- index.html
- main.js
- style.css
- CSXS/
- manifest.xml


I placed this plugin folder into the following directory (Windows 11):
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\CEP\extensions\

 

After restarting After Effects 2025, the plugin did not appear.
I expected it to show up under Window > Extensions (Legacy) inside After Effects.

 

Could you please guide me on the correct way to set up and create a basic CEP plugin for After Effects 2025?
Am I missing any important steps (such as enabling debug mode, setting manifest version, or signing the extension)?

Thank you very much!



Correct answer Kevin-Monahan

Hi Valera,

Thanks for the message. I'm Kevin from Adobe Support, a moderator here. I hope a product team member, a community member or an Adobe Expert can answer your specific question.  In the meantime, have you checked out this primer? https://adobe.ly/4juJ2X3. I hope it helps. Let me know. Sorry for the hassle.

 

Thanks,

Kevin

 

1 reply

Kevin-Monahan
Community Manager
Kevin-MonahanCommunity ManagerCorrect answer
Community Manager
April 28, 2025

Hi Valera,

Thanks for the message. I'm Kevin from Adobe Support, a moderator here. I hope a product team member, a community member or an Adobe Expert can answer your specific question.  In the meantime, have you checked out this primer? https://adobe.ly/4juJ2X3. I hope it helps. Let me know. Sorry for the hassle.

 

Thanks,

Kevin

 

Kevin Monahan - Sr. Community and Engagement Strategist – Adobe Pro Video and Audio
    V
    valera_9213Author
    Participating Frequently
    April 28, 2025

    Thank you very much! I will be happy to read it.

    V
    victor_6537
    Participant
    May 20, 2025

    Hello, I would like to know if the link https://blog.developer.adobe.com/how-to-create-your-first-adobe-panel-in-6-easy-steps-f8bd4ed5778 helps you solve your problem. I also want to create an extension, but I'm not able to do it.

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