What is UXP?

UXP provides modern JavaScript, a curated selection of UI components, and a more efficient workflow for plugin developers to create plugins. It is currently available for
Photoshop,
InDesign
and XD (although XD is due to disappear).

With UXP, we can develop and create plugins that have:

• Direct Actions – headless plugins that interface with Photoshop, the host OS, and the network, free of any UI. Great for automation without any user interface. For example, a script that runs from a command palette or toolbar button and processes a batch of images behind the scenes.
• Modal Dialogs – plugins that implement one or more modal dialogs. Good for simple user interfaces that don’t need to persist. Useful for quick interactions, such as getting user confirmation or collecting input before running a process.
• Panels – full-featured panels that look like any other panel in Photoshop. UXP panels can contain complex UIs, be resized, docked, opened and closed just like native Photoshop panels, and adapt to light/dark mode themes.

Introduction to Adobe UXP: Revolutionizing Adobe Product Development

UXP isn’t just a rebranded version of the old CEP/ExtendScript workflows. It brings modern JavaScript (ES6+), higher performance, and tighter integration with Adobe apps. Plugins feel more responsive, and with its modern JS engine, plugin logic runs faster with fewer roadblocks.

Getting Started—Tools & Workflow

To get started with UXP, Adobe offers the UXP Developer Tool, a local app that helps you prototype, debug, test and package plugins for distribution. 

Once your plugin is ready, packaging is straightforward—Adobe handles the zip or zxp packaging, and deployment through Creative Cloud Marketplace is smooth.

Leveraging Web Technologies for Creative Development

Adobe UXP represents a cutting-edge framework and set of APIs for developers. With UXP, developers can introduce new panels, dialogs, and menu commands using familiar web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

At the same time, CEP isn’t going away overnight. Adobe continues to support it, meaning developers can transition at their own pace without losing compatibility.

Enriching Development with Specialized Libraries and Tools

Libraries and tools designed for seamless interaction with Adobe applications enrich UXP, enabling access to document data and tasks such as image processing and data export.

Streamlining Plugin Distribution via Creative Cloud Marketplace

A key advantage of Adobe UXP is its facilitation for developers to share custom functionalities through the Creative Cloud marketplace. This makes it easier for users to discover and install new plugins and scripts.

Cross-Platform Plugin Compatibility

Adobe UXP plugins are cross-platform, working with Photoshop and InDesign on both Windows and Mac.

Why It Matters — Benefits for Developers & Users

UXP represents a real upgrade: better performance, modern scripting, native-feeling UI, and simple distribution. Developers get modern tools and better debugging. Designers and users get smoother, more reliable tools embedded directly in their workflows.

Conclusion: Empowering Developers and Designers with Adobe UXP

Adobe UXP equips developers and designers with a robust toolkit that simplifies customization and enhancement of Adobe products while enabling distinctive user experiences.