How To Enable Automatic Code Completion for Expressions in After Effects?

While expressions are the lifeblood of complex and dynamic animations in After Effects, the workflow can feel clunky compared to traditional programming environments. One feature sorely missed by many users is automatic code completion, a functionality that suggests relevant functions and properties as you type your expression. While After Effects itself doesn't offer built-in autocomplete, there are workarounds and alternative solutions to consider.

This article delves into the current state of code completion for After Effects expressions and explores various approaches to streamline your coding experience.

The Reality of After Effects Expressions: A Bare Bones Approach

The current Expressions Editor in After Effects, introduced in the Spring 2019 update, offers some improvements over its predecessor but lacks true automatic code completion. Here's what you get:

• Context-Sensitive Menus: When you access a property using the pickwhip and Alt-click (Option-click on Mac), a context menu appears with relevant properties you can directly reference in your expression. This provides a basic level of suggestion but doesn't offer dynamic completion as you type.

Workarounds and Third-Party Hacks: Filling the Gap

The lack of native autocomplete can be a hurdle for some users. Here are alternative solutions to consider:

• Embrace External Code Editors: For complex expressions, consider venturing outside of After Effects and utilizing a dedicated code editor like Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text. These editors offer robust code completion functionalities specifically designed for JavaScript (the language used for After Effects expressions). You can write your expression in the external editor, leveraging its completion features, and then copy and paste it back into After Effects.
• Third-Party Plugins Offer Assistance: The After Effects plugin community comes to the rescue with various options that aim to bridge the code completion gap. Here are a couple of popular choices:
  • AExpressions: This plugin provides a comprehensive solution, including automatic code completion for functions, properties, and even user-defined variables. It also offers additional features like linting (automatic error checking) and code formatting, further enhancing your coding experience.
  • DuIK Toolkit: While not solely focused on code completion, DuIK Toolkit includes a feature called "Expression Helper" that offers basic completion for keywords and properties within the After Effects Expressions Editor.

Important Considerations for Third-Party Plugins:

• Compatibility is Key: Plugins may not always be compatible with the latest version of After Effects. Ensure the plugin you choose is actively maintained and supports your current software version to avoid compatibility headaches.
• Cost can be a Factor: Some plugins are free, while others require a purchase. Evaluate your needs and weigh the cost against the benefits before investing in a plugin.
• Complexity Adds Up: Installing and managing plugins can add complexity to your workflow. Consider your comfort level with additional software before diving into third-party solutions.

Beyond Completion: Best Practices for Writing Efficient Expressions

Even without automatic code completion, there are practices you can adopt to write expressions more efficiently and reduce the need for constant lookups:

• Leverage the After Effects Documentation: The After Effects Help Center offers comprehensive documentation for its expression language, including detailed information on functions and properties. Utilize this resource to familiarize yourself with available options.
• Maintain a Cheat Sheet: Create a personal cheat sheet that lists commonly used functions and properties. This can be a physical document or a digital note that you can easily reference while writing expressions.
• Embrace Code Snippets: Develop a library of reusable expression snippets for common tasks like easing, random effects, or layer interactions. This saves you time from writing the same code repeatedly.

Conclusion: A Look Towards the Future of Expression Editing

While the current state of code completion in After Effects might not be ideal, there are workarounds and alternative solutions available. By leveraging external code editors, exploring third-party plugins cautiously, and adopting best practices for writing efficient expressions, you can significantly enhance your After Effects expression workflow.

Here are some additional thoughts and considerations for the future:

• The Power of the After Effects Community: The After Effects community is a vibrant hub of passionate users and developers. There's a constant buzz of innovation, and feature requests for built-in code completion are a common theme. It's possible that future updates to After Effects might introduce this functionality, making the coding experience even more streamlined.
• Beyond Completion: Exploring Alternative Workflow Enhancements: While code completion is a valuable tool, other features could further enhance the expression writing experience. Imagine functionalities like real-time syntax error checking, code refactoring tools, or built-in unit testing capabilities for expressions. These advancements could revolutionize the way expressions are written and debugged in After Effects.

In conclusion, while automatic code completion isn't currently built into After Effects, the tools and techniques discussed in this article can empower you to write expressions efficiently and creatively. By embracing these methods and staying informed about potential future developments, you can transform your workflow from a manual process to a more intuitive and efficient experience. Remember, the key lies in finding a solution that best suits your comfort level and workflow preferences. With dedication and a touch of ingenuity, you can unlock the full potential of expressions in After Effects and bring your animation concepts to life.