Code Runner User Guide

Getting Started

Installation

1. Download the Code Runner script file from your Jake In Motion account
2. Place the Code Runner.jsx file in your After Effects Scripts folder:
   • Windows: \Program Files\Adobe\Adobe After Effects #version#\Support Files\Scripts\ScriptUI Panels\
   • Mac: /Applications/After Effects #version#/Scripts/ScriptUI Panels/
3. Restart After Effects
4. Find Code Runner in Window > Scripts > Code Runner

Pro Tip: For easy access, dock Code Runner as a panel in your workspace. It's designed to live alongside your other panels and makes your workflow smoother than ever. I like keeping mine docked in the same group as the Properties panel.

First Launch

When you first open Code Runner, you'll see two sample folders to get you started:

• Scripts: Contains a friendly "Hello World" script to test things out
• Expressions: Includes a handy loopOut() expression ready to use

These samples show you exactly how Code Runner works and give you a foundation to build upon.

Importing My Starter Pack 

To jump right in and take advantage of the scripts, expressions, and presets I use regularly, I've included a folder with a .JSON file and a presets folder that contains my Code Runner collection.

You can easily import it by clicking the Import Collection (↧) button in the footer of the Code Runner panel. Navigate to the .JSON file, add the presets to the User Presets folder (or a custom folder) and choose to overwrite or append the existing button collection.

Changelog

If you've already downloaded Quick Namer, log in to your account and visit My Products to get the latest version.

1.0.0

Released: 2025-12-14

• Initial Release

Organization

Creating Your Library Structure

Code Runner uses a simple folder system that keeps everything tidy:

1. Click the Edit Mode footer button (✎) to start organizing
2. Add folders for different categories like "Animation," "Effects," or "Utilities"
3. Add scripts, expressions, and presets to each folder with button names and notes

You get to choose how you want to organize the buttons. Some people organize by button type, others by functionality. Use whatever system works best for you.

Edit Mode

Edit Mode is where you can add, rearrange, and edit buttons and folders. Toggle it on with the pencil button (✎) in the footer of the panel.

Adding Your First Button

Let's walk through adding something useful to your library:

1. Enter Edit Mode Pencil button (✎)
2. Click "Add Button" in any folder
3. Choose Script, Expression, or Preset as the button type
4. Name it something descriptive like "Select All Text Layers"
5. Add a description. This acts as the tooltip in the main panel.
6. Add your code in the large text area or navigate to a preset on your machine
7. Click Add, and the button appears in your library

For longer scripts: If you paste in code that exceeds the input length, Code Runner will prompt you to use the "Import .jsx" button to load external script files. This bypasses the text field character limit, allowing you to use the script.

A Note About Presets

Code Runner handles presets differently than scripts or expressions:

• Scripts & Expressions: Code Runner stores a copy of the code internally
• Presets: Code Runner stores only a reference to the .ffx file location on your machine

When you create a preset button, you'll navigate to and select the preset file. Code Runner remembers this file path and will always use the current version of that file when you click the button.

This means: If you update or modify the preset file later, Code Runner automatically uses the updated version - no need to reconfigure the button!

Tip: Keep your preset files organized in a dedicated folder so Code Runner can always find them. The User Presets folder Ae uses is a great place for this. If you move or rename a preset file, you'll need to update the button's file reference.

Navigating Your Library

Expand and Collapse Folders

Keep your workspace clean and focused by expanding only the folders you need:

• Click the folder icon (📁︎ or 📂︎) to expand or collapse any folder
• Expanded folders show all their contents and display with an open folder icon
• Collapsed folders hide their contents and show a closed folder icon

This is great for managing large button libraries. Code Runner will remember your expand/collapse preferences and save them with your library.

Button Colors

Within each button group, you can customize the colors of entire button groups or individual button types.

Enter edit mode (✎), click the settings button (⚙) for the group you'd like to customize, and make any changes you'd like.

Your Data and Privacy

Everything you create in Code Runner stays completely private on your machine:

• Local storage: All scripts, expressions, and settings live in your user data folder
• No cloud sync: Nothing leaves your computer unless you explicitly export it
• Full control: You own your data completely

Storage locations:

Windows: ~\users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\JakeInMotion\CodeRunner
Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/JakeInMotion/CodeRunner

Changelog

Download Latest Version

1.0.0

Updated: 2025-11-21

• Fixed an issue with the bundled Wiggle Selected script that prevented the expression from being generated.

Released: 2025-11-14

• Initial Release