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Plugin Setup Guide

Get up and running in under 5 minutes

1

Download the Plugin

Download the FreeCPU plugin package (.zxp file) and install it using the Adobe Exchange panel or ZXP Installer.

How to install .zxp
Tip: After installing, restart After Effects for the plugin to appear.
2

Connect Your Account

Open the FreeCPU panel in After Effects (Window → Extensions → FreeCPU), click the settings icon, and paste your API key.

Create an account or log in to get your API key.

3

Start Your First Render

Open your After Effects project, select a composition in the Project panel, then click "Start Render" in the FreeCPU panel.

  1. aOpen your .aep project in After Effects
  2. bSelect the composition you want to render
  3. cChoose your render settings (format, quality)
  4. dClick "Start Render" — your project uploads and rendering begins
  5. eWatch progress in real-time, then download when complete

Pro Tips

  • •Collect files before rendering to avoid missing assets
  • •The plugin auto-detects required third-party plugins
  • •Use the cost estimator to preview render costs before starting
  • •WebSocket monitoring shows real-time frame progress