Switching After Effects Version Guide

The efficient way to swap between major After Effects versions (e.g. 2024 → 2025).
Note: Minor build updates auto-inherit settings; this guide is for switching across years.
Tip: Install the new version alongside the old, confirm it works, then uninstall the previous version if you want.

1. Common Plugins

Plugins installed in the Common Plugins folder are automatically shared across all AE versions:

Windows:
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Common\Plug-ins\7.0\MediaCore
macOS:
/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Common/Plug-ins/7.0/MediaCore

2. Local Plugins

Some plugins are installed in version-specific folders. To migrate them:

  1. Go to your AE version's plugin folder:
    Windows:
    C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe After Effects [year]\Support Files\Plug-ins
    macOS:
    /Applications/Adobe After Effects [year]/Plug-ins/
  2. Copy all plugin files except these folders:
    • AdobePSL
    • Cineware by Maxon
    • Effects
    • Extensions
    • Format
    • Keyframe
  3. Paste them into a temporary folder (like your Desktop), then copy to the same path in the new AE version.

3. Presets

User presets are stored in version-specific folders. To migrate:

  • Copy everything from:
    Documents\Adobe\After Effects [old year]\User Presets
  • Paste into:
    Documents\Adobe\After Effects [new year]\User Presets

4. Scripts & Extensions

Scripts and extensions installed in non-yeared paths (like Scripts or Scripts/ScriptUI Panels) will automatically carry over. Only versioned folders need manual migration.

— End of Switching AE Version Guide —Browse other guides in the sidebar for more solutions!