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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
  • 1798 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 J. Monahan Jr.

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 J. Monahan Jr.
Community Manager
Kevin J. Monahan Jr.Community 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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