About aePipeline

aePipeline streamlines VFX shot pipelines in After Effects by automating comp construction, versioning, rendering and matte generation. AutoComp builds compositions from plates and can align a reference QuickTime even when filenames differ. QueueUp manages render settings, includes a filename safety check, and routes outputs. matteMaker sets up matte renders, compensates for the slate, and outputs Alpha‑only ProRes 422 mattes. The New Client Wizard guides users through slate and preview toggles, output folders, handles, start frame, company name, CDL folder and custom template locations, as well as AutoComp resolution and scale settings. versionUp prompts for notes when creating new versions and includes a backup feature. Conditions and rules allow custom behavior such as applying a different LUT for night shots. A compact Less Mode reduces the UI size. The free, open‑source fnord CDL plugin is bundled; copy CDL.aex to the Mediacore folder and restart After Effects. Supported versions are After Effects 2026, 2025, 2024 and 2023.

Features

• AutoComp builds comps from plates and matches a reference QuickTime to its plate even when the file names differ
• QueueUp handles render settings with a filename safety check plus output paths and routing
• matteMaker sets up matte shots, compensates for the slate, and renders Alpha-only ProRes 422 mattes
• New Client Wizard covering slate and preview toggles, output folders, handles, start frame, company name, CDL folder, and template folders
• versionUp with a note prompt, plus a backup feature
• Conditions and rules such as a different LUT for night shots, with contains, width, and aspect ratio options
• Less Mode for a tiny UI

Best for

After Effects artists who need to automate shot setup, version control, rendering and matte output in VFX pipelines.