Frequently asked questions

Which versions of After Effects are supported?

All versions from After Effects CS6 through After Effects 2026. The MCP uses ExtendScript which is supported across all modern AE versions.

Which AI clients work with Synthetic?

Any MCP-compatible client: Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Continue, and more. If it supports MCP servers, it works with Synthetic.

Does it work on Windows and macOS?

Yes. Windows 10/11 and macOS 12+ are both fully supported.

Do I need any After Effects plugins installed?

No. The MCP connects to AE via ExtendScript — no CEP panels, no third-party plugins, no extra installs.

Where do I find my license key?

Sign in at synthetic.com.ar/auth/login and go to Dashboard → Licenses. Your key is in the format XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX.

Can I use my license on multiple computers?

Monthly plans allow 1 device. Annual plans allow 2 devices. A device is the machine running the MCP process.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes. Monthly plans can be cancelled at any time — your license stays active until the end of the billing period. Annual plans are non-refundable after 7 days.

I cancelled — do I lose access immediately?

No. Your license stays active until the end of the period you paid for. If you cancel on day 10 of a 30-day cycle, you still have access for 20 more days.

Claude says the MCP is not connected

Make sure the AE_MCP_LICENSE key in your config is correct and matches exactly what's in your dashboard. Then restart your MCP client.

Tools run but nothing happens in After Effects

After Effects must be open and not showing a blocking dialog (like a save prompt). Also make sure you have a project open — the MCP can't create comps without an active project.

After Effects wasn't found automatically

Set AE_AFTERFX_PATH in your MCP config pointing to the AfterFX.exe (Windows) or app (macOS). See the Configuration page for examples.

License validation fails with 'invalid key'

Make sure there are no extra spaces in the license key. It's a UUID in the format XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX. Copy-paste directly from the dashboard.