> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nosleepcreative.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nosleepcreative.com/after-effects/getting-started-with-scripting.md).

# Getting started with Scripting

WIP

## Recommended readings

### Learning Javascript

* JavaScript: The Definitive Guide by David Flanagan (Just read the parts about coding; not web dev)

### References

* [**AE Scripting Guide**](http://docs.aenhancers.com/)
* [Adobe JavaScript Tools Guide (ExtendScript)](https://extendscript.docsforadobe.dev/) (contains the ScriptUI documentation)
* **ScriptUI**
  * [Interactive Dialog Builder](https://scriptui.joonas.me/)
  * [Peter Kahrel's ScriptUI documentation](https://creativepro.com/files/kahrel/indesign/scriptui.html) (recommended)
  * [Adobe JavaScript Tools Guide: ScriptUI object reference](https://extendscript.docsforadobe.dev/user-interface-tools/scriptui-object-reference/) (official, for browsing ScriptUI classes and properties)
  * **Browsing the object structure to see what exists:**
    * The ExtendScript Toolkit (ESTK) and its Object Model Viewer are discontinued and no longer run on recent macOS. Adobe’s replacement is the **ExtendScript Debugger** extension for VS Code, which does not include an Object Model Viewer, so use the references on this page instead.
    * For InDesign, [indesignjs.de](https://www.indesignjs.de/) is a community-maintained object reference.
  * **Notes**

    For a script to be dockable, you must install the scripts into the ScriptUI folder, and you must invoke it from the Window menu. Then it will open as a panel, and you can drag and drop it into the UI as you would any other panel.

### Training

* [FXPHD AFX210 Introduction to After Effects Scripting ](https://www.fxphd.com/details/196/)— highly recommended for beginners
* [FXPHD AFX226: Scripting in After Effects](https://www.fxphd.com/details/516/), MATHIAS MÖHL
* [FXPHD AFX303 Advanced Scripting for After Effects, Part 1](https://www.fxphd.com/details/539/), Feb 2017
* [FXPHD AFX304 Advanced Scripting for After Effects, Part 2](https://www.fxphd.com/details/541/) , Feb 2017
* [ExtendScript Script Writing Training, David Torno](https://www.provideocoalition.com/after-effects-extendscript-training-complete-series/)

### Others

* [After Effects Menu Command IDs](https://www.provideocoalition.com/after-effects-menu-command-ids/)
* <http://www.redefinery.com/index.php>
* [The Coding Train ](https://www.youtube.com/user/shiffman)by Daniel Shiffman

### More resource list

* [NoSleepCreative motion design coding resources](https://papaly.com/duitbetter/9kjal/motion-code)
* <https://zacklovatt.com/ae-scripting-resources>