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

• https://estk.aenhancers.com/index.html (Contains ScriptUI documentation)

• ScriptUI

  • Interactive Dialog Builder

  • Peter Kahrel's ScriptUI documentation (recommended)

  • Adobe Javascript Tools Guide (not as good, but official)

  • Two ways to browse the object structure to see what exists:

    • Use the generated web pages at http://jongware.mit.edu/, eg.

      • ScriptUI - http://jongware.mit.edu/scriptuihtml/Sui/index_1.html

      • Illustrator (CS6) - http://jongware.mit.edu/iljscs6html/iljscs6/

      • InDesign (CS6) - http://jongware.mit.edu/idcs6js

      • Photoshop (CS5) - http://jongware.mit.edu/pscs5js_html/psjscs5/

    • Open up the Adobe Extendscript Toolkit (ESTK, on a Mac it's in Applications > Utilities > Adobe Utilities...), then open Help > Object Model Viewer, choosing "ScriptUI classes" from the top left drop down menu.Or look at the Javascript Tools Guide, + the Intro to Scripting guide in the help menu

  • 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 — highly recommended for beginners
• FXPHD AFX226: Scripting in After Effects, MATHIAS MÖHL
• FXPHD AFX303 Advanced Scripting for After Effects, Part 1, Feb 2017
• FXPHD AFX304 Advanced Scripting for After Effects, Part 2 , Feb 2017
• ExtendScript Script Writing Training, David Torno

Others

• After Effects Menu Command IDs
• http://www.redefinery.com/index.php

• The Coding Train by Daniel Shiffman

More resource list

• NoSleepCreative motion design coding resources
• https://zacklovatt.com/ae-scripting-resources

FAQs

What are some recommended scripts to use?

Type	Scripts
Free	FX Console Ease & Whizz Laber Maker Project Cleaner Buttcapper RepositionAnchorPoint EaseCopy Saber
Paid	Flow Ray Dynamic Color Ray Dynamic Texture Overlord Gifgun Kbar or Quick Menu

Why should I learn scripting?

I know how to use expressions but how to get to the next level?

I usually recommend people to watch FXPhd training on Introduction to After Effects Scripting. From there on, you should be confident enough to pave your own path; yes it is that magical.

How do I learn automation?

Automation is a concept; there is no standard technique. You need to have the foundations of coding and scripting to create your automation workflow.