Go to and select the broken project file.
Older projects using expressions may clash with the modern JavaScript engine.
Post your exact workflow and the contents of the AE Console (Window > Console) to the Adobe Community forums or r/AfterEffects. Include which plugins and fonts your project uses. Avoid sharing the AEP file publicly unless stripped of client data. Go to and select the broken project file
If the error occurs upon launching After Effects, a script in your startup folder is likely the culprit.
If the error persists in Safe Mode, the AEP file itself is damaged. Here is how to perform surgery on the file. Include which plugins and fonts your project uses
: Projects or templates created in older versions of After Effects may use expressions that the modern JavaScript engine cannot interpret. Missing or Outdated Plugins : If a project uses third-party tools like Boris FX Continuum Red Giant Universe
Cut the recently installed .ffx files and paste them onto your desktop to isolate them. Relaunch the program and check if the error disappears. 3. Clear Cache and Reset Preferences If the error persists in Safe Mode, the
Look for a .jsx or .aefx file that needs to be copied into the ScriptUI Panels folder mentioned above. 5. Clear Cache and Reset Preferences
If the error prevents you from opening your .aep file, you can often bypass the corrupted property check during startup by importing the file as footage. Launch and create a completely blank project.
Look for the layer with an expression error (the stopwatch icon will turn red).