Need to Download After Effects 2021 (v18) for Plugin Compatibility

The process can be a bit tricky since Adobe no longer lists older versions like 2021 by default in the Creative Cloud Desktop App. Normally, you can find previous versions by opening the Creative Cloud app, locating After Effects, clicking on the three dots next to it, and selecting "Other versions." If After Effects 2021 appears there, you can install it directly. Just be sure to go into Preferences > Apps > Advanced options and uncheck "Remove older versions" if you want to keep multiple versions installed.

However, if After Effects 2021 is not listed, don’t worry it’s still possible to get it. Adobe only shows the most recent and one prior major version in the Creative Cloud app. To access older versions like 2021, you'll need to contact Adobe Customer Support and request the offline installer for After Effects v18. They can provide a direct download link once they verify your subscription. Another method is to start a free 14-day trial of Creative Cloud for Teams, which gives you access to the Admin Console. From there, you can build and download custom installer packages, including older versions like AE 2021, even if you don’t purchase the Teams plan afterward.