Can't Export to Media Encoder In Character Animator

[scm28]

I'm getting an error saying "install Media Encoder" when I try to export from Character Animator to Media Encoder so I can use transparant backgrounds.  All of my apps are updated to the latest version and yes, I have Media Encoder on my Mac Computer.  I need a fix ASAP!! 

[TheOriginalGC]

To confirm, you are using the same version number of ME and CH?

[scm28]

Yes, that works, thanks for the response.  Thankfully I coincidentally figured that out on my own the other day was able to get my project out on time after several hours of misery and tension being stuck - drag it into ME.  Adobe's constant widepread neverending bugs and aggressive apathy towards those of us who depend upon them to get work done are just wearing my patience raw.  I'm not even sure the issue is fixed yet days later.  

[David Arbor]

If you are running the same versions of both CH and AME, then you can try dragging a comp directly from CH's Project panel to AME.

It's also possible that Dynamic Link or another shared process is stuck and restarting your computer could fix the issue.

[scm28]

As mentioned in my post, I'm running the latest versions of both programs and I always restart my computer before the dreaded last resort of coming here begging strangers for help and hoping for a response in order to get my work done.  However, I don't know if this matters but the latest version of CA is 2024 while the "latest" version of ME is 2025. If these are somehow incompatible then what am I supposed to do?   

[TheOriginalGC]

If you ever need to install an earlier version of an Adobe app, you can do so from the Creative Cloud Desktop by selecting the program and clicking on the three dots in the lower left corner. From the menu that pops up, select "Other Versions"

[David Arbor]

I think you might have just found the problem. The latest version of Character Animator, is in fact, 25.0, and that would explain why you had the issue. 

[scm28]

I literally opened creative cloud and hit "check for updates" about 10X over the past 4 days.  What happens is that I keep CA in my dock, and the result of yet another bug and or silly policy because a few outliers might want it, Adobe for some unknown (to me) reason sometimes keeps older versions of programs on my computer as separate programs rather than updating the one that's there too (and I've looked this up over the years and have no decent resolution) so when I click to open it the 2024 version comes up (but doesn't show up in my launcher, only 2025 does but I have to manually launch that) ..... SMH.  Beyond frustrating.  The UX dept ought to at this point have a solid understanding about workflow and mac users. 

[David Arbor]

2024 and 2025 are separate versions, so despite the word "Update," it's technically more like an upgrade. In the past, I've noticed that the option to uninstall old versions is based on your previous choices, so some apps I need to have multiple versions installed and the box to uninstall old versions remained unchecked from one year to the next.

You can also go into the prefs of the Creative Cloud Desktop app and see what your settings are for each app. I have auto-update turned off entirely, but when you turn it on you get these options. 

To your last point, because 2024 and 2025 are separate versions, you won't get an icon added to your Dock on macOS or your Taskbar on Windows—the same for most software. 

[scm28]

It would be helpful for us to get notified when these versions change.  I, like many users, use automatic update and keep my icons in my dock so when this happens the only way we figure it out is from a bug.  Apple might have a flag show up for a second or two but if we miss it it causes too much chaos to not do something more substantial and visible.  

[David Arbor]

The Creative Cloud app is typically full of updates letting you know when things are new, but if you never open it, then I guess you wouldn't see any of them. For your reference, Adobe MAX happens in the fall (it just ended last week) and the new major versions (in this case, 2025) of every app are released then. Otherwise, it's your typical monthly dot releases. So we can assume 2025.1 will come out next month or in December and the new icon you now have in your dock will open that version.