install
A quick one-time setup while MatterAE is in beta. A signed release is on the way, which will make this even shorter.
Beta builds are not signed yet, so After Effects needs permission to load them. You only do this once.
macOS: defaults write com.adobe.CSXS.9 PlayerDebugMode 1
Windows: add a registry key at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Adobe\CSXS.9 with PlayerDebugMode = 1
The easiest route is ZXPInstaller: download it, then drag the MatterAE .zxp onto its window. It handles the rest.
Prefer to do it by hand? Copy the MatterAE folder into your CEP extensions directory:
macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe/CEP/extensions/
Windows: C:\Users\<you>\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\CEP\extensions\
Fully quit and reopen so it picks up the new extension. If AE was already running, it will not see MatterAE until you do.
Go to Window > Extensions > MatterAE. Dock it wherever you like, select some layers, and press play.
If the panel does not appear after a restart, double-check the unsigned-extensions step and that the folder landed in the exact path above. Still stuck? Email info@ablebaker.be and include your OS and AE version.
Free Lite tier to try it for real, or the full thing for $35, one time, no subscription.