Tutorial

How to Install Scripts in
After Effects

There are two ways to use scripts: run them directly, or install them as dockable panels. Here's how to do both.

Method 1: Run Directly (Quick)

This is the fastest way to use a script. No installation required.

Download and extract your script's .zip file.
In After Effects, go to File → Scripts → Run Script File...
Navigate to the .jsx file and click Open.
The script will run immediately.

When to use this method

Perfect for one-off tasks or trying out a new script. The script won't stay in your menus; you'll need to run it again each time.

Method 2: Install as Dockable Panel

For scripts you use frequently, install them as dockable panels. They'll appear in your Window menu and can be docked alongside other panels.

Locate the .jsx script file.
Copy it to your ScriptUI Panels folder:

Windows:
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe After Effects [version]\Support Files\Scripts\ScriptUI Panels

Mac:
/Applications/Adobe After Effects [version]/Scripts/ScriptUI Panels
Restart After Effects.
Find your script in Window → [Script Name].

Pro Tip

Once installed, you can dock the script panel anywhere in your workspace, save it as part of a custom workspace, and it will be there every time you open After Effects.

Enable Script Permissions

If you see an error about "scripts not allowed to write files," you need to enable script permissions:

Go to Edit → Preferences → Scripting & Expressions (Windows) or After Effects → Preferences → Scripting & Expressions (Mac).
Check "Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network".
Click OK and try running the script again.

Try These Scripts

Ready to put this into practice? Here are some scripts to try:

Ankorss: Free anchor point management script. Perfect for learning the installation process.
Our animated handwriting scripts: These come with both a script file and project file.