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AEAfter Effects

Dataclay Templater Bot

by Dataclay·Workflow

Images © Dataclay. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Templater Bot earns its place for turning a single After Effects composition into large batches of data-driven videos, with connectors for Google Sheets, JSON, and Google Drive plus a CLI for pipeline automation.

What is Dataclay Templater Bot?

Dataclay Templater Bot is an After Effects plugin from Dataclay for producing data-driven video versions, from around 15 up to 15,000 or more, based on a connected data source. It automates content swapping across project files, letting a studio turn a master composition into many unique variations that several artists can work on concurrently.

The plugin connects to data sources including Google Sheets, local JSON files, and Google Drive. It supports generative AI text layers, dynamic subtitles with SRT editing, and Adobe's MoGRT and Essential Graphics formats. A command-line interface lets you fold Templater into an existing automated production pipeline, and you can run scripts after individual render jobs or once all jobs finish. Projects can be prepared to render on a separate studio machine running Templater Pro or Templater Bot, or built as templates compatible with Templater Pro for distribution.

Version 3.7.5 adds support for processing multiple targets in one job, previewing connected data without a project open, and compatibility with After Effects 2026 and Windows ARM. It is listed as compatible with a wide range of After Effects releases, from CS5 through 2025.

Who is Dataclay Templater Bot best for?

Dataclay Templater Bot is best for studios and teams producing large batches of unique, data-driven video versions from a master After Effects composition.

How much does Dataclay Templater Bot cost?

Dataclay Templater Bot is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Generates unique video versions from a connected data source, from around 15 to 15,000 or more
  • Connects to Google Sheets, local JSON files, and Google Drive
  • Supports generative AI text layers, dynamic subtitles with SRT editing, and Adobe's MoGRT and Essential Graphics formats
  • Command-line interface for integrating into an existing automated production pipeline
  • Runs scripts after individual render jobs or once all render jobs complete
  • Processes multiple targets in a single job
  • Prepares projects to render on a separate machine running Templater Pro or Templater Bot, or as templates compatible with Templater Pro

Tags

#After Effects#automation#data-driven video#templating#batch rendering#Dataclay#workflow

Frequently asked questions

What After Effects versions does Dataclay Templater Bot support?

Dataclay Templater Bot is listed as compatible with a broad range of After Effects versions, from CS5 through the 2025 release, covering CS5.5, CS6, CC, and the yearly versions between CC 2014 and 2025. The 3.7.5 update, dated January 2026, added compatibility with After Effects 2026 and with After Effects on Windows ARM. That range covers older studio machines as well as current installs. Check Dataclay's page for the current compatibility list before installing.

What data sources can Dataclay Templater Bot connect to?

Dataclay Templater Bot pulls content from several data sources. It connects to Google Sheets, processes local JSON files, and includes a Media Connector and File Picker for Google Drive. Using that data, it generates unique video versions by swapping content across an After Effects project. Recent updates also let you preview connected data without a project open and process multiple targets in a single job. See the developer's documentation for setup details on each connector.

Can Dataclay Templater Bot run from the command line?

Dataclay Templater Bot includes a command-line interface, so you can integrate it into an existing automated production pipeline. You can run a script after every render job or once all render jobs complete, for tasks such as uploading finished videos to a server. Version 3.7.5 added a default font option to the CLI and lets QUE Meter accounts with credits use the command line. Projects can also be prepared to render on a separate studio machine running Templater Pro or Templater Bot.

Is Dataclay Templater Bot free?

Dataclay Templater Bot is listed as free in this catalog. Licensing terms and any paid options are best confirmed on Dataclay's own page, since the tool includes features such as the QUE Meter for pay-per-output and a floating license setup that may carry their own terms. For current pricing and license details, check the developer's page before relying on it for production work.

Alternatives to Dataclay Templater Bot

Also in Workflow for After Effects.

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