Photoshop is extensible like never before
The creative world runs on Photoshop—and with Photoshop APIs and SDKs, developers can take it even further. Build plugins and integrations that harness the power of the world’s best image editing and graphic design software to transform creative workflows for users everywhere.
Extensibility with UXP
The Unified eXtensibility Platform – UXP is the next generation of plugin APIs, for Photoshop v22.0 and beyond.
UXP Plugins
Build performant plugins with modern HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. UXP is the next generation of APIs, for Photoshop v22.0 and beyond.
UXP Hybrid Plugins
Build powerful plugins using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS alongside C++.
The Photoshop API
Use Photoshop, Lightroom, and Sensei together to create web or server-based workflows to cut out images, reflow banner ads, and more.
The Photoshop Actions API is now live
Experience the power of Photoshop Actions in the cloud via our brand new API. This feature will allow you to automate imaging workflows by enabling playback of Photoshop Actions on one or many images via the cloud.
Extending Prior Versions of Photoshop
If you're working with Photoshop 2020 (v.21) or earlier, try CEP, ExtendScript, and/or the C++ SDK.
ExtendScript, VB Script, and AppleScript
Write scripts using ExtendScript, Visual Basic Script, or AppleScript.
CEP and ExtendScript
Build classic extensions with CEP using HTML, CSS, and JS. Automate in-app workflows with ExtendScript, based on ECMAScript 3.
C++ SDK
Build powerful, low-level integrations using the C++ based Photoshop Plug-in and Connection SDK. Create filters, provide support for additional image formats, create new selectors, and more.
Which one is right for me?
With so many choices, it can be a little hard to decide.
| Extensibility Option | Use Case | Skill Level | Programming Language(s) | Photoshop Minimum version | Under Active Development by Adobe | Associated File Extension | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UXP Scripts | Speed up repetitive tasks. | Beginner | JavaScript (ECMAScript >6) | 23.5 | Yes | PSJS | |
UXP Plugins | Build panels or other integrations to aid your Photoshop workflow. Store local data. | Intermediate | JavaScript, HTML, CSS | 22.0 | Yes | CCX | |
UXP Hybrid Plugins | Build native apps with UXP components. | Advanced | C++, JavaScript, HTML, CSS | 24.2 | Yes | CCX | |
Photoshop API | Edit thousands of Photoshop documents in the cloud. | Intermediate | Any modern language making a REST API call | n/a | Yes | n/a | |
Scripting with ExtendScript | Speed up repetitive tasks. | Beginner | JavaScript (ECMAScript 3) | CS3 | No | JSX | |
CEP Panels | Build panels or other integrations to aid your Photoshop workflow. | Intermediate | Extendscript, based on JavaScript (ECMAScript 3), HTML, CSS | 14.0 to 20.0 | No | ZXP | Not compatible with M1, M2, or Windows ARM |
C++ SDK | Build powerful and fast plug-ins. | Advanced | C++ | CS3 | No | DLL, EXE, DMG | |
Generator | Generate image assets automatically, send messages to other apps, or control Photoshop. | Intermediate | JavaScript, NodeJS | 14.1 | No | n/a | Interim solution while UXP built imaging APIs |
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