Advanced Troubleshooting
If none of the above solutions work, you can try some advanced troubleshooting techniques:
Conclusion
This error usually happens when After Effects tries to load a pseudo-effect, script, or preset that it doesn't recognize or that was created for a different version. It’s common when using older templates or third-party plugins like Red Giant Universe.
🛠️ How to Fix: "Asked to Create Unknown Property of Type" Error in After Effects
If you're seeing this pop-up, After Effects is basically looking for a "Pseudo Effect" or a specific plugin parameter it can't find. Here’s how to clear it:
Update Legacy Expressions: This is often the quickest fix if you're using an older template. Go to File > Scripts > Update Legacy Expressions.jsx. Advanced Troubleshooting If none of the above solutions
Check Your Plugins: This error frequently points to a missing third-party effect (like Magic Bullet Looks or Red Giant). Make sure all the plugins used in your project or preset are actually installed.
Switch the Expression Engine: If expressions are the culprit, try changing the engine. Go to File > Project Settings > Expressions and toggle between JavaScript and Legacy ExtendScript.
Identify the "Troublemaker" Script: If it happens on startup, a script in your UI folder might be outdated. Try moving your scripts out of the Scripts/ScriptUI Panels folder and adding them back one by one to find the one causing the crash.
Reset Preferences: If all else fails, a corrupt preference file might be the cause. Hold Ctrl+Alt+Shift (Windows) or Cmd+Opt+Shift (Mac) while launching AE to reset them. asked to create unknown property of type - Adobe Community
The After Effects error "asked to create unknown property of type" (often followed by "Pseudo") typically occurs when the software encounters a project, template, or preset that uses a custom effect (pseudo-effect) or a plugin that is not currently installed or is outdated. How to Fix the Error Update Legacy Expressions
If you are using an older template in a newer version of After Effects, Adobe's internal changes may cause conflicts. Conclusion This error usually happens when After Effects
Action: Go to File > Scripts > Update Legacy Expressions.jsx. This can often resolve issues where expressions are trying to call properties that have changed in newer software versions. Identify and Reinstall Missing Plugins/Presets
This error is frequently linked to specific third-party tools like Magic Bullet Looks or custom Master Properties/Dropdown Controls.
Action: If the project was created on another machine, ensure all third-party plugins used in that project are installed on your current system. Import into a New Project
If the project file itself is corrupted or stuck in a loop, importing it as a piece of footage into a fresh project can bypass the launch error.
Action: Open a new, blank AE project, then go to File > Import > File and select your problematic .aep file. Remove Conflict-Causing Scripts Some scripts loaded at startup can trigger this error.
Action: Temporarily move scripts out of your ScriptUI Panels folder to see if the error persists. You can find this folder in the Adobe After Effects installation directory under Support Files/Scripts/ScriptUI Panels. Rename Conflicting Pseudo-Properties This is a data mismatch or corruption error
If you are the one creating the preset, ensure that the names in your pseudo-effect do not conflict with After Effects' internal naming structure (e.g., avoid using general terms like "Layer" as a custom property name). Drafting a Feature: "Property Resolver"
To prevent this in the future, a "Property Resolver" feature could be proposed to Adobe:
Automatic Dependency Check: Upon opening, the system would scan for all custom pseudo-effects and prompt a download/link for missing ones.
Property Mapping Tool: If a property is "unknown," a UI window would allow the user to manually map that legacy property to a new or existing one, rather than just throwing an error and resetting the project.
Safe-Mode Opening: A dedicated "Safe Open" that strips all non-native effects to allow project recovery without crashing. If you'd like to try a specific fix, let me know:
Did this happen when opening a template or creating your own preset? Are you using any third-party plugins? Which version of After Effects are you currently running? asked to create unknown property of type - Adobe Community
This is a data mismatch or corruption error. It typically occurs in three scenarios: