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

Question

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!

Kevin J. Monahan Jr. · Accepted Answer

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

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