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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.

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Extensibility with UXP

The Unified eXtensibility Platform – UXP is the next generation of plugin APIs, for Photoshop v22.0 and beyond.

UXP Scripts

Write scripts in modern JavaScript to automate workflows.

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 OptionUse CaseSkill LevelProgramming Language(s)Photoshop Minimum versionUnder Active Development by AdobeAssociated 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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