diff --git a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension.zxp b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension.zxp
index 50fda416f8..358e9740d3 100644
Binary files a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension.zxp and b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension.zxp differ
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/CSXS/manifest.xml b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/CSXS/manifest.xml
index 9f65720ef0..0057758320 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/CSXS/manifest.xml
+++ b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/CSXS/manifest.xml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
-<ExtensionManifest Version="8.0" ExtensionBundleId="com.openpype.AE.panel" ExtensionBundleVersion="1.0.25"
+<ExtensionManifest Version="8.0" ExtensionBundleId="com.openpype.AE.panel" ExtensionBundleVersion="1.0.26"
 		ExtensionBundleName="com.openpype.AE.panel" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
 	<ExtensionList>
 		<Extension Id="com.openpype.AE.panel" Version="1.0" />
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/index.html b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/index.html
index 291965559f..480b814a57 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/index.html
+++ b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/index.html
@@ -104,6 +104,39 @@
       });
     </script>
 
+    <script type=text/javascript>
+      $(function() {
+        $("a#create-placeholder-button").bind("click", function() {
+          RPC.call('AfterEffects.create_placeholder_route').then(function (data) {
+          }, function (error) {
+              alert(error);
+          });
+        });
+      });
+    </script>
+
+    <script type=text/javascript>
+      $(function() {
+        $("a#update-placeholder-button").bind("click", function() {
+          RPC.call('AfterEffects.update_placeholder_route').then(function (data) {
+          }, function (error) {
+              alert(error);
+          });
+        });
+      });
+    </script>
+
+    <script type=text/javascript>
+      $(function() {
+        $("a#build-workfile-button").bind("click", function() {
+          RPC.call('AfterEffects.build_workfile_template_route').then(function (data) {
+          }, function (error) {
+              alert(error);
+          });
+        });
+      });
+    </script>
+
     <script type=text/javascript>
             $(function() {
               $("a#experimental-button").bind("click", function() {
@@ -127,9 +160,15 @@
             <div><a href=# id=loader-button><button class="hostFontSize">Load...</button></a></div>
             <div><a href=# id=publish-button><button class="hostFontSize">Publish...</button></a></div>
             <div><a href=# id=sceneinventory-button><button class="hostFontSize">Manage...</button></a></div>
+            <div><a href=# id=separator0><button class="hostFontSize">&nbsp;</button></a></div>
             <div><a href=# id=setresolution-button><button class="hostFontSize">Set Resolution</button></a></div>
             <div><a href=# id=setframes-button><button class="hostFontSize">Set Frame Range</button></a></div>
             <div><a href=# id=setall-button><button class="hostFontSize">Apply All Settings</button></a></div>
+            <div><a href=# id=separator1><button class="hostFontSize">&nbsp;</button></a></div>
+            <div><a href=# id=create-placeholder-button><button class="hostFontSize">Create placeholder</button></a></div>
+            <div><a href=# id=update-placeholder-button><button class="hostFontSize">Update placeholder</button></a></div>
+            <div><a href=# id=build-workfile-button><button class="hostFontSize">Build Workfile from template</button></a></div>
+            <div><a href=# id=separator3><button class="hostFontSize">&nbsp;</button></a></div>
             <div><a href=# id=experimental-button><button class="hostFontSize">Experimental Tools...</button></a></div>
         </div>
 
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/js/main.js b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/js/main.js
index ffc41f0937..643671b3e1 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/js/main.js
+++ b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/js/main.js
@@ -107,6 +107,17 @@ function main(websocket_url){
             });
     });
 
+    RPC.addRoute('AfterEffects.add_item', function (data) {
+        log.warn('Server called client route "add_item":', data);
+        var escapedName = EscapeStringForJSX(data.name);
+        return runEvalScript("addItem('" + escapedName +"', " +
+                                     "'" + data.item_type + "')")
+            .then(function(result){
+                log.warn("get_items: " + result);
+                return result;
+            });
+    });
+
     RPC.addRoute('AfterEffects.get_items', function (data) {
         log.warn('Server called client route "get_items":', data);
         return runEvalScript("getItems("  + data.comps + "," +
@@ -118,6 +129,15 @@ function main(websocket_url){
             });
     });
 
+    RPC.addRoute('AfterEffects.select_items', function (data) {
+        log.warn('Server called client route "select_items":', data);
+        return runEvalScript("selectItems("  + JSON.stringify(data.items) + ")")
+            .then(function(result){
+                log.warn("select_items: " + result);
+                return result;
+            });
+    });
+
 
     RPC.addRoute('AfterEffects.get_selected_items', function (data) {
         log.warn('Server called client route "get_selected_items":', data);
@@ -280,7 +300,7 @@ function main(websocket_url){
    RPC.addRoute('AfterEffects.add_item_as_layer', function (data) {
        log.warn('Server called client route "add_item_as_layer":', data);
        return runEvalScript("addItemAsLayerToComp(" + data.comp_id + ", " +
-                                                  data.item_id + "," +
+                                                      data.item_id + "," +
                                                   " null )")
            .then(function(result){
                log.warn("addItemAsLayerToComp: " + result);
@@ -288,6 +308,16 @@ function main(websocket_url){
            });
    });
 
+   RPC.addRoute('AfterEffects.add_item_instead_placeholder', function (data) {
+    log.warn('Server called client route "add_item_instead_placeholder":', data);
+    return runEvalScript("addItemInstead(" + data.placeholder_item_id + ", " +
+                                             data.item_id + ")")
+        .then(function(result){
+            log.warn("add_item_instead_placeholder: " + result);
+            return result;
+        });
+});
+
    RPC.addRoute('AfterEffects.render', function (data) {
     log.warn('Server called client route "render":', data);
     var escapedPath = EscapeStringForJSX(data.folder_url);
@@ -312,6 +342,20 @@ function main(websocket_url){
             });
     });
 
+    RPC.addRoute('AfterEffects.add_placeholder', function (data) {
+        log.warn('Server called client route "add_placeholder":', data);
+        var escapedName = EscapeStringForJSX(data.name);
+        return runEvalScript("addPlaceholder('" + escapedName +"',"+
+                                              data.width + ',' +
+                                              data.height + ',' +
+                                              data.fps + ',' +
+                                              data.duration + ")")
+            .then(function(result){
+                log.warn("add_placeholder: " + result);
+                return result;
+            });
+    });
+
      RPC.addRoute('AfterEffects.close', function (data) {
         log.warn('Server called client route "close":', data);
         return runEvalScript("close()");
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/jsx/hostscript.jsx b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/jsx/hostscript.jsx
index 7d0b20bbb4..bc443930df 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/jsx/hostscript.jsx
+++ b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/extension/jsx/hostscript.jsx
@@ -112,6 +112,32 @@ function getActiveDocumentFullName(){
     return _prepareError("No file open currently");
 }
 
+
+function addItem(name, item_type){
+    /**
+     * Adds comp or folder to project items.
+     *
+     * Could be called when creating publishable instance to prepare
+     * composition (and render queue).
+     *
+     * Args:
+     *      name (str): composition name
+     *      item_type (str): COMP|FOLDER
+     * Returns:
+     *      SingleItemValue: eg {"result": VALUE}
+     */
+    if (item_type == "COMP"){
+        // dummy values, will be rewritten later
+        item = app.project.items.addComp(name, 1920, 1060, 1, 10, 25);
+    }else if (item_type == "FOLDER"){
+        item = app.project.items.addFolder(name);
+    }else{
+        return _prepareError("Only 'COMP' or 'FOLDER' can be created");
+    }
+    return _prepareSingleValue(item.id);
+
+}
+
 function getItems(comps, folders, footages){
     /**
      * Returns JSON representation of compositions and
@@ -139,6 +165,24 @@ function getItems(comps, folders, footages){
 
 }
 
+function selectItems(items){
+    /**
+     * Select all items from `items`, deselect other.
+     *
+     * Args:
+     *      items (list)
+     */
+    for (i = 1; i <= app.project.items.length; ++i){
+        item = app.project.items[i];
+        if (items.indexOf(item.id) > -1){
+            item.selected = true;
+        }else{
+            item.selected = false;
+        }
+    }
+
+}
+
 function getSelectedItems(comps, folders, footages){
     /**
      * Returns list of selected items from Project menu
@@ -280,12 +324,12 @@ function setLabelColor(comp_id, color_idx){
     }
 }
 
-function replaceItem(comp_id, path, item_name){
+function replaceItem(item_id, path, item_name){
     /**
      * Replaces loaded file with new file and updates name
      *
      * Args:
-     *    comp_id (int): id of composition, not a index!
+     *    item_id (int): id of composition, not a index!
      *    path (string): absolute path to new file
      *    item_name (string): new composition name
      */
@@ -295,7 +339,7 @@ function replaceItem(comp_id, path, item_name){
     if (!fp.exists){
         return _prepareError("File " + path + " not found.");
     }
-    var item = app.project.itemByID(comp_id);
+    var item = app.project.itemByID(item_id);
     if (item){
         try{
             if (isFileSequence(item)) {
@@ -311,7 +355,7 @@ function replaceItem(comp_id, path, item_name){
             fp.close();
         }
     }else{
-        return _prepareError("There is no composition with "+ comp_id);
+        return _prepareError("There is no item with "+ item_id);
     }
     app.endUndoGroup();
 }
@@ -821,6 +865,67 @@ function printMsg(msg){
     alert(msg);
 }
 
+function addPlaceholder(name, width, height, fps, duration){
+    /** Add AE PlaceholderItem to Project list.
+     *
+     * PlaceholderItem chosen as it doesn't require existing file and
+     * might potentially allow nice functionality in the future.
+     *
+     */
+    app.beginUndoGroup('change comp properties');
+    try{
+        item = app.project.importPlaceholder(name, width, height,
+                                             fps, duration);
+
+        return _prepareSingleValue(item.id);
+    }catch (error) {
+        writeLn(_prepareError("Cannot add placeholder " + error.toString()));
+    }
+    app.endUndoGroup();
+}
+
+function addItemInstead(placeholder_item_id, item_id){
+    /** Add new loaded item in place of load placeholder.
+     *
+     * Each placeholder could be placed multiple times into multiple
+     * composition. This loops through all compositions and
+     * places loaded item under placeholder.
+     * Placeholder item gets deleted later separately according
+     * to configuration in Settings.
+     *
+     * Args:
+     *      placeholder_item_id (int)
+     *      item_id (int)
+    */
+    var item = app.project.itemByID(item_id);
+    if (!item){
+        return _prepareError("There is no item with "+ item_id);
+    }
+
+    app.beginUndoGroup('Add loaded items');
+    for (i = 1; i <= app.project.items.length; ++i){
+        var comp = app.project.items[i];
+        if (!(comp instanceof CompItem)){
+            continue
+        }
+
+        var i = 1;
+        while (i <= comp.numLayers) {
+            var layer = comp.layer(i);
+            var layer_source = layer.source;
+            if (layer_source && layer_source.id == placeholder_item_id){
+                var new_layer = comp.layers.add(item);
+                new_layer.moveAfter(layer);
+                // copy all(?) properties to new layer
+                layer.property("ADBE Transform Group").copyToComp(new_layer);
+                i = i + 1;
+            }
+            i = i + 1;
+        }
+    }
+    app.endUndoGroup();
+}
+
 function _prepareSingleValue(value){
     return JSON.stringify({"result": value})
 }
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/launch_logic.py b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/launch_logic.py
index 77c2b0b6ca..ea71122042 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/launch_logic.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/launch_logic.py
@@ -357,3 +357,33 @@ class AfterEffectsRoute(WebSocketRoute):
 
         # Required return statement.
         return "nothing"
+
+    def create_placeholder_route(self):
+        from openpype.hosts.aftereffects.api.workfile_template_builder import \
+            create_placeholder
+        partial_method = functools.partial(create_placeholder)
+
+        ProcessLauncher.execute_in_main_thread(partial_method)
+
+        # Required return statement.
+        return "nothing"
+
+    def update_placeholder_route(self):
+        from openpype.hosts.aftereffects.api.workfile_template_builder import \
+            update_placeholder
+        partial_method = functools.partial(update_placeholder)
+
+        ProcessLauncher.execute_in_main_thread(partial_method)
+
+        # Required return statement.
+        return "nothing"
+
+    def build_workfile_template_route(self):
+        from openpype.hosts.aftereffects.api.workfile_template_builder import \
+            build_workfile_template
+        partial_method = functools.partial(build_workfile_template)
+
+        ProcessLauncher.execute_in_main_thread(partial_method)
+
+        # Required return statement.
+        return "nothing"
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/pipeline.py b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/pipeline.py
index 27aee8c7ce..5566ca9e5b 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/pipeline.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/pipeline.py
@@ -10,6 +10,10 @@ from openpype.pipeline import (
     register_creator_plugin_path,
     AVALON_CONTAINER_ID,
 )
+from openpype.hosts.aftereffects.api.workfile_template_builder import (
+    AEPlaceholderLoadPlugin,
+    AEPlaceholderCreatePlugin
+)
 from openpype.pipeline.load import any_outdated_containers
 import openpype.hosts.aftereffects
 
@@ -116,6 +120,12 @@ class AfterEffectsHost(HostBase, IWorkfileHost, ILoadHost, IPublishHost):
         item["id"] = "publish_context"
         self.stub.imprint(item["id"], item)
 
+    def get_workfile_build_placeholder_plugins(self):
+        return [
+            AEPlaceholderLoadPlugin,
+            AEPlaceholderCreatePlugin
+        ]
+
     # created instances section
     def list_instances(self):
         """List all created instances from current workfile which
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/plugin.py b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/plugin.py
index 29705cc5be..aa940c0c98 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/plugin.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/plugin.py
@@ -1,7 +1,11 @@
+import six
+from abc import ABCMeta
+
 from openpype.pipeline import LoaderPlugin
 from .launch_logic import get_stub
 
 
+@six.add_metaclass(ABCMeta)
 class AfterEffectsLoader(LoaderPlugin):
     @staticmethod
     def get_stub():
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/workfile_template_builder.py b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/workfile_template_builder.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..5a97afcef1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/workfile_template_builder.py
@@ -0,0 +1,271 @@
+import os.path
+import uuid
+import shutil
+
+from openpype.pipeline import registered_host
+from openpype.tools.workfile_template_build import (
+    WorkfileBuildPlaceholderDialog,
+)
+from openpype.pipeline.workfile.workfile_template_builder import (
+    AbstractTemplateBuilder,
+    PlaceholderPlugin,
+    LoadPlaceholderItem,
+    CreatePlaceholderItem,
+    PlaceholderLoadMixin,
+    PlaceholderCreateMixin
+)
+from openpype.hosts.aftereffects.api import get_stub
+from openpype.hosts.aftereffects.api.lib import set_settings
+
+PLACEHOLDER_SET = "PLACEHOLDERS_SET"
+PLACEHOLDER_ID = "openpype.placeholder"
+
+
+class AETemplateBuilder(AbstractTemplateBuilder):
+    """Concrete implementation of AbstractTemplateBuilder for AE"""
+
+    def import_template(self, path):
+        """Import template into current scene.
+        Block if a template is already loaded.
+
+        Args:
+            path (str): A path to current template (usually given by
+            get_template_preset implementation)
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: Whether the template was successfully imported or not
+        """
+        stub = get_stub()
+        if not os.path.exists(path):
+            stub.print_msg(f"Template file on {path} doesn't exist.")
+            return
+
+        stub.save()
+        workfile_path = stub.get_active_document_full_name()
+        shutil.copy2(path, workfile_path)
+        stub.open(workfile_path)
+
+        return True
+
+
+class AEPlaceholderPlugin(PlaceholderPlugin):
+    """Contains generic methods for all PlaceholderPlugins."""
+
+    def collect_placeholders(self):
+        """Collect info from file metadata about created placeholders.
+
+        Returns:
+            (list) (LoadPlaceholderItem)
+        """
+        output = []
+        scene_placeholders = self._collect_scene_placeholders()
+        for item in scene_placeholders:
+            if item.get("plugin_identifier") != self.identifier:
+                continue
+
+            if isinstance(self, AEPlaceholderLoadPlugin):
+                item = LoadPlaceholderItem(item["uuid"],
+                                           item["data"],
+                                           self)
+            elif isinstance(self, AEPlaceholderCreatePlugin):
+                item = CreatePlaceholderItem(item["uuid"],
+                                             item["data"],
+                                             self)
+            else:
+                raise NotImplementedError(f"Not implemented for {type(self)}")
+
+            output.append(item)
+
+        return output
+
+    def update_placeholder(self, placeholder_item, placeholder_data):
+        """Resave changed properties for placeholders"""
+        item_id, metadata_item = self._get_item(placeholder_item)
+        stub = get_stub()
+        if not item_id:
+            stub.print_msg("Cannot find item for "
+                           f"{placeholder_item.scene_identifier}")
+            return
+        metadata_item["data"] = placeholder_data
+        stub.imprint(item_id, metadata_item)
+
+    def _get_item(self, placeholder_item):
+        """Returns item id and item metadata for placeholder from file meta"""
+        stub = get_stub()
+        placeholder_uuid = placeholder_item.scene_identifier
+        for metadata_item in stub.get_metadata():
+            if not metadata_item.get("is_placeholder"):
+                continue
+            if placeholder_uuid in metadata_item.get("uuid"):
+                return metadata_item["members"][0], metadata_item
+        return None, None
+
+    def _collect_scene_placeholders(self):
+        """" Cache placeholder data to shared data.
+        Returns:
+            (list) of dicts
+        """
+        placeholder_items = self.builder.get_shared_populate_data(
+            "placeholder_items"
+        )
+        if not placeholder_items:
+            placeholder_items = []
+            for item in get_stub().get_metadata():
+                if not item.get("is_placeholder"):
+                    continue
+                placeholder_items.append(item)
+
+            self.builder.set_shared_populate_data(
+                "placeholder_items", placeholder_items
+            )
+        return placeholder_items
+
+    def _imprint_item(self, item_id, name, placeholder_data, stub):
+        if not item_id:
+            raise ValueError("Couldn't create a placeholder")
+        container_data = {
+            "id": "openpype.placeholder",
+            "name": name,
+            "is_placeholder": True,
+            "plugin_identifier": self.identifier,
+            "uuid": str(uuid.uuid4()),  # scene_identifier
+            "data": placeholder_data,
+            "members": [item_id]
+        }
+        stub.imprint(item_id, container_data)
+
+
+class AEPlaceholderCreatePlugin(AEPlaceholderPlugin, PlaceholderCreateMixin):
+    """Adds Create placeholder.
+
+    This adds composition and runs Create
+    """
+    identifier = "aftereffects.create"
+    label = "AfterEffects create"
+
+    def create_placeholder(self, placeholder_data):
+        stub = get_stub()
+        name = "CREATEPLACEHOLDER"
+        item_id = stub.add_item(name, "COMP")
+
+        self._imprint_item(item_id, name, placeholder_data, stub)
+
+    def populate_placeholder(self, placeholder):
+        """Replace 'placeholder' with publishable instance.
+
+        Renames prepared composition name, creates publishable instance, sets
+        frame/duration settings according to DB.
+        """
+        pre_create_data = {"use_selection": True}
+        item_id, item = self._get_item(placeholder)
+        get_stub().select_items([item_id])
+        self.populate_create_placeholder(placeholder, pre_create_data)
+
+        # apply settings for populated composition
+        item_id, metadata_item = self._get_item(placeholder)
+        set_settings(True, True, [item_id])
+
+    def get_placeholder_options(self, options=None):
+        return self.get_create_plugin_options(options)
+
+
+class AEPlaceholderLoadPlugin(AEPlaceholderPlugin, PlaceholderLoadMixin):
+    identifier = "aftereffects.load"
+    label = "AfterEffects load"
+
+    def create_placeholder(self, placeholder_data):
+        """Creates AE's Placeholder item in Project items list.
+
+         Sets dummy resolution/duration/fps settings, will be replaced when
+         populated.
+         """
+        stub = get_stub()
+        name = "LOADERPLACEHOLDER"
+        item_id = stub.add_placeholder(name, 1920, 1060, 25, 10)
+
+        self._imprint_item(item_id, name, placeholder_data, stub)
+
+    def populate_placeholder(self, placeholder):
+        """Use Openpype Loader from `placeholder` to create new FootageItems
+
+        New FootageItems are created, files are imported.
+        """
+        self.populate_load_placeholder(placeholder)
+        errors = placeholder.get_errors()
+        stub = get_stub()
+        if errors:
+            stub.print_msg("\n".join(errors))
+        else:
+            if not placeholder.data["keep_placeholder"]:
+                metadata = stub.get_metadata()
+                for item in metadata:
+                    if not item.get("is_placeholder"):
+                        continue
+                    scene_identifier = item.get("uuid")
+                    if (scene_identifier and
+                            scene_identifier == placeholder.scene_identifier):
+                        stub.delete_item(item["members"][0])
+                stub.remove_instance(placeholder.scene_identifier, metadata)
+
+    def get_placeholder_options(self, options=None):
+        return self.get_load_plugin_options(options)
+
+    def load_succeed(self, placeholder, container):
+        placeholder_item_id, _ = self._get_item(placeholder)
+        item_id = container.id
+        get_stub().add_item_instead_placeholder(placeholder_item_id, item_id)
+
+
+def build_workfile_template(*args, **kwargs):
+    builder = AETemplateBuilder(registered_host())
+    builder.build_template(*args, **kwargs)
+
+
+def update_workfile_template(*args):
+    builder = AETemplateBuilder(registered_host())
+    builder.rebuild_template()
+
+
+def create_placeholder(*args):
+    """Called when new workile placeholder should be created."""
+    host = registered_host()
+    builder = AETemplateBuilder(host)
+    window = WorkfileBuildPlaceholderDialog(host, builder)
+    window.exec_()
+
+
+def update_placeholder(*args):
+    """Called after placeholder item is selected to modify it."""
+    host = registered_host()
+    builder = AETemplateBuilder(host)
+
+    stub = get_stub()
+    selected_items = stub.get_selected_items(True, True, True)
+
+    if len(selected_items) != 1:
+        stub.print_msg("Please select just 1 placeholder")
+        return
+
+    selected_id = selected_items[0].id
+    placeholder_item = None
+
+    placeholder_items_by_id = {
+        placeholder_item.scene_identifier: placeholder_item
+        for placeholder_item in builder.get_placeholders()
+    }
+    for metadata_item in stub.get_metadata():
+        if not metadata_item.get("is_placeholder"):
+            continue
+        if selected_id in metadata_item.get("members"):
+            placeholder_item = placeholder_items_by_id.get(
+                metadata_item["uuid"])
+            break
+
+    if not placeholder_item:
+        stub.print_msg("Didn't find placeholder metadata. "
+                       "Remove and re-create placeholder.")
+        return
+
+    window = WorkfileBuildPlaceholderDialog(host, builder)
+    window.set_update_mode(placeholder_item)
+    window.exec_()
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/ws_stub.py b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/ws_stub.py
index 576c997f49..f5b96fa63a 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/ws_stub.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/api/ws_stub.py
@@ -35,6 +35,8 @@ class AEItem(object):
     instance_id = attr.ib(default=None)  # New Publisher
     width = attr.ib(default=None)
     height = attr.ib(default=None)
+    is_placeholder = attr.ib(default=False)
+    uuid = attr.ib(default=False)
 
 
 class AfterEffectsServerStub():
@@ -220,6 +222,16 @@ class AfterEffectsServerStub():
               )
         return self._to_records(self._handle_return(res))
 
+    def select_items(self, items):
+        """
+            Select items in Project list
+        Args:
+            items (list): of int item ids
+        """
+        self.websocketserver.call(
+            self.client.call('AfterEffects.select_items', items=items))
+
+
     def get_selected_items(self, comps, folders=False, footages=False):
         """
             Same as get_items but using selected items only
@@ -240,6 +252,21 @@ class AfterEffectsServerStub():
                                         )
         return self._to_records(self._handle_return(res))
 
+    def add_item(self, name, item_type):
+        """
+            Adds either composition or folder to project item list.
+
+            Args:
+                name (str)
+                item_type (str): COMP|FOLDER
+        """
+        res = self.websocketserver.call(self.client.call
+                                        ('AfterEffects.add_item',
+                                         name=name,
+                                         item_type=item_type))
+
+        return self._handle_return(res)
+
     def get_item(self, item_id):
         """
             Returns metadata for particular 'item_id' or None
@@ -316,7 +343,7 @@ class AfterEffectsServerStub():
 
         return self._handle_return(res)
 
-    def remove_instance(self, instance_id):
+    def remove_instance(self, instance_id, metadata=None):
         """
             Removes instance with 'instance_id' from file's metadata and
             saves them.
@@ -328,7 +355,10 @@ class AfterEffectsServerStub():
         """
         cleaned_data = []
 
-        for instance in self.get_metadata():
+        if metadata is None:
+            metadata = self.get_metadata()
+
+        for instance in metadata:
             inst_id = instance.get("instance_id") or instance.get("uuid")
             if inst_id != instance_id:
                 cleaned_data.append(instance)
@@ -534,6 +564,47 @@ class AfterEffectsServerStub():
         if records:
             return records.pop()
 
+    def add_item_instead_placeholder(self, placeholder_item_id, item_id):
+        """
+            Adds item_id to layers where plaeholder_item_id is present.
+
+            1 placeholder could result in multiple loaded containers (eg items)
+
+            Args:
+                placeholder_item_id (int): id of placeholder item
+                item_id (int): loaded FootageItem id
+        """
+        res = self.websocketserver.call(self.client.call
+                                        ('AfterEffects.add_item_instead_placeholder',  # noqa
+                                         placeholder_item_id=placeholder_item_id,  # noqa
+                                         item_id=item_id))
+
+        return self._handle_return(res)
+
+    def add_placeholder(self, name, width, height, fps, duration):
+        """
+            Adds new FootageItem as a placeholder for workfile builder
+
+            Placeholder requires width etc, currently probably only hardcoded
+            values.
+
+            Args:
+                name (str)
+                width (int)
+                height (int)
+                fps (float)
+                duration (int)
+        """
+        res = self.websocketserver.call(self.client.call
+                                        ('AfterEffects.add_placeholder',
+                                         name=name,
+                                         width=width,
+                                         height=height,
+                                         fps=fps,
+                                         duration=duration))
+
+        return self._handle_return(res)
+
     def render(self, folder_url, comp_id):
         """
             Render all renderqueueitem to 'folder_url'
@@ -632,7 +703,8 @@ class AfterEffectsServerStub():
                           d.get('file_name'),
                           d.get("instance_id"),
                           d.get("width"),
-                          d.get("height"))
+                          d.get("height"),
+                          d.get("is_placeholder"))
 
             ret.append(item)
         return ret
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/plugins/load/load_background.py b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/plugins/load/load_background.py
index 260e780be0..e7c29fee5a 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/plugins/load/load_background.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/plugins/load/load_background.py
@@ -1,17 +1,15 @@
 import re
 
 from openpype.pipeline import get_representation_path
-from openpype.hosts.aftereffects.api import (
-    AfterEffectsLoader,
-    containerise
-)
+from openpype.hosts.aftereffects import api
+
 from openpype.hosts.aftereffects.api.lib import (
     get_background_layers,
     get_unique_layer_name,
 )
 
 
-class BackgroundLoader(AfterEffectsLoader):
+class BackgroundLoader(api.AfterEffectsLoader):
     """
         Load images from Background family
         Creates for each background separate folder with all imported images
@@ -21,6 +19,7 @@ class BackgroundLoader(AfterEffectsLoader):
         For each load container is created and stored in project (.aep)
         metadata
     """
+    label = "Load JSON Background"
     families = ["background"]
     representations = ["json"]
 
@@ -48,7 +47,7 @@ class BackgroundLoader(AfterEffectsLoader):
         self[:] = [comp]
         namespace = namespace or comp_name
 
-        return containerise(
+        return api.containerise(
             name,
             namespace,
             comp,
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/plugins/load/load_file.py b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/plugins/load/load_file.py
index 2ddc9825e5..33a86aa505 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/plugins/load/load_file.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/aftereffects/plugins/load/load_file.py
@@ -1,14 +1,11 @@
 import re
 
 from openpype.pipeline import get_representation_path
-from openpype.hosts.aftereffects.api import (
-    AfterEffectsLoader,
-    containerise
-)
+from openpype.hosts.aftereffects import api
 from openpype.hosts.aftereffects.api.lib import get_unique_layer_name
 
 
-class FileLoader(AfterEffectsLoader):
+class FileLoader(api.AfterEffectsLoader):
     """Load images
 
     Stores the imported asset in a container named after the asset.
@@ -64,7 +61,7 @@ class FileLoader(AfterEffectsLoader):
         self[:] = [comp]
         namespace = namespace or comp_name
 
-        return containerise(
+        return api.containerise(
             name,
             namespace,
             comp,
diff --git a/openpype/pipeline/workfile/workfile_template_builder.py b/openpype/pipeline/workfile/workfile_template_builder.py
index 896ed40f2d..e8519fbbc5 100644
--- a/openpype/pipeline/workfile/workfile_template_builder.py
+++ b/openpype/pipeline/workfile/workfile_template_builder.py
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ about it's progress.
 
 import os
 import re
+import platform
 import collections
 import copy
 from abc import ABCMeta, abstractmethod
@@ -761,7 +762,9 @@ class AbstractTemplateBuilder(object):
                 "with host '{}'"
             ).format(task_name, task_type, host_name))
 
-        path = profile["path"]
+        current_platform = platform.system().lower()
+        # backward compatibility for single platform version
+        path = profile["path"].get(current_platform) or profile["path"]
 
         # switch to remove placeholders after they are used
         keep_placeholder = profile.get("keep_placeholder")
@@ -1673,12 +1676,14 @@ class PlaceholderCreateMixin(object):
             )
         ]
 
-    def populate_create_placeholder(self, placeholder):
+    def populate_create_placeholder(self, placeholder, pre_create_data=None):
         """Create placeholder is going to create matching publishabe instance.
 
         Args:
             placeholder (PlaceholderItem): Placeholder item with information
                 about requested publishable instance.
+            pre_create_data (dict): dictionary of configuration from Creator
+                configuration in UI
         """
 
         legacy_create = self.builder.use_legacy_creators
@@ -1736,7 +1741,8 @@ class PlaceholderCreateMixin(object):
                     creator_plugin.identifier,
                     create_variant,
                     asset_doc,
-                    task_name=task_name
+                    task_name=task_name,
+                    pre_create_data=pre_create_data
                 )
 
         except:  # noqa: E722
diff --git a/openpype/settings/defaults/project_settings/aftereffects.json b/openpype/settings/defaults/project_settings/aftereffects.json
index 9be8a6e7d5..e0edbf807c 100644
--- a/openpype/settings/defaults/project_settings/aftereffects.json
+++ b/openpype/settings/defaults/project_settings/aftereffects.json
@@ -37,5 +37,8 @@
     "workfile_builder": {
         "create_first_version": false,
         "custom_templates": []
+    },
+    "templated_workfile_build": {
+        "profiles": []
     }
 }
diff --git a/openpype/settings/entities/schemas/projects_schema/schema_project_aftereffects.json b/openpype/settings/entities/schemas/projects_schema/schema_project_aftereffects.json
index d4f52b50d4..033206c81e 100644
--- a/openpype/settings/entities/schemas/projects_schema/schema_project_aftereffects.json
+++ b/openpype/settings/entities/schemas/projects_schema/schema_project_aftereffects.json
@@ -117,6 +117,10 @@
                 "workfile_builder/builder_on_start",
                 "workfile_builder/profiles"
             ]
+        },
+        {
+            "type": "schema",
+            "name": "schema_templated_workfile_build"
         }
     ]
 }
diff --git a/openpype/settings/entities/schemas/projects_schema/schemas/schema_templated_workfile_build.json b/openpype/settings/entities/schemas/projects_schema/schemas/schema_templated_workfile_build.json
index 7bab28fd88..88e14e5661 100644
--- a/openpype/settings/entities/schemas/projects_schema/schemas/schema_templated_workfile_build.json
+++ b/openpype/settings/entities/schemas/projects_schema/schemas/schema_templated_workfile_build.json
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
                         "key": "path",
                         "label": "Path to template",
                         "type": "path",
-                        "multiplatform": false,
+                        "multiplatform": true,
                         "multipath": false
                     },
                     {
diff --git a/website/docs/admin_hosts_aftereffects.md b/website/docs/admin_hosts_aftereffects.md
index e3a09058da..974428fe06 100644
--- a/website/docs/admin_hosts_aftereffects.md
+++ b/website/docs/admin_hosts_aftereffects.md
@@ -37,3 +37,18 @@ Set regex pattern(s) to look for in a Task name to skip `frameStart`, `frameEnd`
 * `Frames Per Task` - number of sequence division between individual tasks (chunks)
 making one job on farm.
 
+## Worfkile Builder
+
+Obsolete way how to present artist with a template when they are working on new task.
+
+## Templated Workfile Build Settings
+
+This more advanced way allows creating more elaborate workfile templates with placeholders for loaded items or to create publishable item via Creator.
+
+Workfile template must be prepared separately via Tray and in the host, then its location could be set for combination of:
+- `Task types` (specific template for `animation`, different for `layout` etc.)
+- `Task names` (regex supported )
+
+Additional options:
+- `Keep placeholders` - when template gets populated should placeholders be deleted? (In most cases yes.)
+- `Create first version` - if template should be used and populated for version `v001` of a workfile automatically
diff --git a/website/docs/artist_hosts_aftereffects.md b/website/docs/artist_hosts_aftereffects.md
index d415a1d47d..d53d8b965e 100644
--- a/website/docs/artist_hosts_aftereffects.md
+++ b/website/docs/artist_hosts_aftereffects.md
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ sidebar_label: AfterEffects
 -   [Load](artist_tools_loader)
 -   [Publish](artist_tools_publisher)
 -   [Manage](artist_tools_inventory)
--   [Subset Manager](artist_tools_subset_manager)
 
 ## Setup
 
@@ -176,3 +175,43 @@ Both previous settings are triggered at same time.
 ### Experimental tools
 
 Currently empty. Could contain special tools available only for specific hosts for early access testing.
+
+
+### Workfile builder section
+
+Next 3 menu items handle creation and usage advanced workfile builder. This could be used to prepare workfile template with placeholders for loaded items and publishable items.
+This allow to build template with layers for guides, any text layers and layer for image content which get dynamically populated when template is used an populated by an artist.
+
+#### Create placeholder
+
+Load or Create placeholders could be used to provide dynamic content or preparation steps for publish.
+
+##### Load Placeholder
+
+This one provide way how to load particular representation for particular subset for particular asset for particular task.
+Eg. Whenever artist start `animation` task they want to load `png` representation of `imageMain` subset of current context's asset.
+
+![Load placeholder](assets/aftereffects_load_placeholder.png)
+
+#### Create Placeholder
+
+This allows to create new composition and when populated it will be enhanced with metadata for publish instance which will be created.
+
+![Create placeholder](assets/aftereffects_create_placeholder.png)
+
+
+### Example
+
+This is how it looks when `Load placeholder` was used to create `LOADERPLACEHOLDER` item which is added as a layer into `CREATEPLACEHOLDER` composition
+created by `Create placeholder`.
+
+![Prepared template](assets/aftereffects_prepared_template.png)
+
+Load placeholder was configured to load `image` family, subset with name `imageMain` and `png` representation.
+
+Any additional layers could be added into composition, when `Build Workfile from template` will be used by an artist, load placeholders will be replace
+by loaded item(s).
+
+![Prepared template](assets/aftereffects_populated_template.png)
+
+Same prepared template could be used for any asset, in each case correct asset according to context will be used automatically.
diff --git a/website/docs/assets/aftereffects_create_placeholder.png b/website/docs/assets/aftereffects_create_placeholder.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..e81fee349f
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diff --git a/website/docs/assets/aftereffects_load_placeholder.png b/website/docs/assets/aftereffects_load_placeholder.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..4a7c08c639
Binary files /dev/null and b/website/docs/assets/aftereffects_load_placeholder.png differ
diff --git a/website/docs/assets/aftereffects_populated_template.png b/website/docs/assets/aftereffects_populated_template.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..2a71fd0070
Binary files /dev/null and b/website/docs/assets/aftereffects_populated_template.png differ
diff --git a/website/docs/assets/aftereffects_prepared_template.png b/website/docs/assets/aftereffects_prepared_template.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..f50c53ecf7
Binary files /dev/null and b/website/docs/assets/aftereffects_prepared_template.png differ