AE Scripts Error: Folder.userData = null

[Robert_S1]

Since a couple of weeky some scripts suddenly stopped working. I was able to tackle down the problem. I created a script with just one line: 

alert(Folder.userData) // null

I am on a Macbook Pro M1 / OSX Ventura 13.2. Problem appeared in AE 22 & 23. I deleted everything and only installed 23.2.0. 

Same Script works within AI and PS and outputs:

~/Library/Application%20Support

[JG_Work_Account]

@JohnColombo , I can confirm that OneDrive syncing the 'Desktop' and 'Documents' folders on the mac is the culprit in my case. I was able to stop syncing to test this, and once I did, those folders reverted back to how they were, and the scripts now function again. 

Stopping syncing isn't a great solution as that is considered the default cloud storage for me, but just as a test I completely stopped and removed it and now it works. The folders now act as they should and aren't pointing to the OneDrive directory as my previous post.

[mikee42646193]

Exact same issue here after we rolled out OneDrive to our Mac users.

Removing the Desktop and Documents folders from OneDrive is not a viable option for many colleagues in my organization (and possibly many others) as that effectively breaks backups for them. 

I don't see such issues on Windows where we are using the same OneDrive backup feature that redirects the Desktop and Document folder.

This is not a OneDrive issue but an After Effects one.

I would therefore kindly ask that Adobe looks into this and fixes it on their side.

[JacobCrocker]

Is there any update on being able to use scripts while also using OneDrive cloud sync on a Mac? It is a deal-breaking issue for some of us.

[JG_Work_Account]

The only way I got it to work was to stop it syncing the Desktop and Documents folders on the mac. I had to work with my IT department and get permission to do so, but once that was done the problem was fixed. I'm not sure if it has been fixed on Adobe's end, but that is a Onedrive solution on how to address. See screenshot below on where this is in the UI.

[Brian34607389cd6n]

So I am also dealing with the problem on my company Mac and running AE 2024. And we do use OneDrive. I am chatting with our IT to see if I'm allow to disable that syncing setting. In the meantime, is Adobe aware of the issue and making amends to an update to solve it??

[Nate372207010pxu]

This thread is a year old, but it still works. My computer is monitored by IT at the company I work for. I followed the exact steps from JacobACrocker and it worked. Deleting the desktop folder inside of library after accessing the Go menu is exactly what needs to happen. Replace it with your own desktop folder and you're good to go. 

[JohnColombo]

Hi all,

I'm happy to inform you that a potential fix for this issue is available in the latest builds of After Effects (Beta), version 24.6.0.31 or later. Please install the latest version of the Beta build and let us know if you continue to experience this issue when using the Desktop backup features of OneDrive or Dropbox.

Thanks again for your reports on this issue,

- John, After Effects Engineering Team 

[JG_Work_Account]

Thank you @JohnColombo and to your team. I can only imagine its a complex issue not to mention working alongside 3rd parties to resolve issue. Appreciate the efforts and update to resolve this issue.