What It Does
pt_OpenSesame converts After Effects project files into human-readable text formats (TSV, CSV, or JSON). This lets you open projects in older After Effects versions back to CS3, edit project elements in spreadsheets, create multi-language versions, and automate template workflows without touching After Effects.
The plugin works by exporting project data into text files you can edit in Excel, Google Sheets, or any text editor. After making changes, import the modified file back into After Effects to update your project. Pair it with OpenSesame Server for fully automated rendering workflows.
Key Features
Edit List system. Build a custom export list of project elements like all text layers, specific compositions, or render queue items. Export only what you need to modify.
Backwards compatibility. Import text-based project files into any After Effects version from CS3 forward. Useful when a client needs to open your CC 2024 project in CS6. Some limitations apply: Paint, Rotobrush, Puppet Pin effects, and advanced text features like kerning or multiple styles per layer aren’t supported. Proxies and certain effect properties (Levels Histogram, standard Hue/Saturation) also can’t export, use Levels Individual Controls or Color Balance HLS instead.
Spreadsheet versioning. Export all text layers to a CSV file, send it to a client or translator for approval, then import the updated file back. Changes apply automatically across your project. Common use cases include multi-language templates for international campaigns or batch text updates for data-driven infographics.
Helper scripts. Run custom scripts before or after import to extend functionality. Change footage paths, modify property values, adjust render settings, or perform tasks difficult to handle in a text file alone. Primarily designed for OpenSesame Server automation but useful for testing template logic.
Editable keyframe data. Export keyframe times and values separated by semicolons or bars. Adjust timing or values in your spreadsheet, then reimport to update animations. The plugin preserves easing curves when changing keyframe times.
Export formats include TSV (tab-separated), CSV (comma-separated), or JSON. Choose text encoding if working with non-Latin character sets.
Who It’s For
Useful for studios managing templates across After Effects versions, motion designers creating multi-language content, or anyone automating repetitive project updates. If you maintain versioned templates or frequently swap text/footage in projects, this tool eliminates manual layer-by-layer edits.
Not designed for everyday compositing. The plugin solves specific workflow problems related to project portability and template versioning.
Pricing
Pay-what-you-want pricing. Download the trial to test functionality (effects aren’t added to imported projects in the trial version). When ready to buy, name your own price. The developer suggests a value, but you choose what to pay.