Adobe Common Extensibility Platform (CEP)
Ignite your creativity with powerful extensions and plugins for Adobe Creative Cloud applications built on the Common Extensibility Platform.
What Is CEP?
The Adobe Common Extensibility Platform (CEP) is Adobe's established framework for building HTML-based extensions across Creative Cloud applications. CEP enables developers to create rich, interactive panels using standard web technologies — HTML, CSS, and JavaScript — that run inside an embedded Chromium browser within the host application.
CEP extensions communicate with the host application through ExtendScript, providing deep integration with application functionality. While Adobe is transitioning to UXP for newer applications, CEP remains the primary extension framework for many Creative Cloud products and continues to be widely used in production environments.
CEP Capabilities
Build feature-rich extensions using familiar web technologies.
Web Technologies
Build with HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. Use any web framework — React, Vue, Angular — to create modern, responsive extension interfaces.
Rich User Interfaces
Create visually rich, interactive panels with drag-and-drop, animations, data visualisations, and complex form interfaces that feel native to Adobe applications.
Multi-Application Support
CEP works across the entire Creative Cloud suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and more.
Network & API Access
Connect to REST APIs, web services, databases, and cloud platforms directly from your extension. Integrate with any web-based system.
ExtendScript Integration
Deep application integration through ExtendScript. Access the full scripting API of the host application for document manipulation and automation.
Node.js Runtime
CEP includes an integrated Node.js runtime, enabling server-side capabilities, file system access, and use of the vast npm package ecosystem.
Our CEP Services
Custom CEP Extension Development
Build bespoke CEP extensions with rich HTML/JavaScript interfaces that integrate deeply with Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
CEP to UXP Migration
Plan and execute the migration of existing CEP extensions to Adobe's newer UXP framework, preserving functionality while gaining performance benefits.
Extension Maintenance & Updates
Keep your CEP extensions working with the latest Creative Cloud versions. We handle compatibility updates, bug fixes, and feature enhancements.
System Integration
Connect your CEP extensions to enterprise systems including DAM, PIM, CMS, ERP, and custom web services for seamless data flow.
Supported Applications
CEP extends the full range of Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
Design Applications
Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and XD. Build panels for design automation, asset management, and workflow integration.
Video & Motion
Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Prelude. Create editing panels, effects browsers, and production management tools.
Web & Publishing
Dreamweaver, Animate, and Bridge. Build content management panels, publishing workflows, and asset organisation tools.
CEP & UXP: Planning for the Future
While CEP continues to be supported across many Creative Cloud applications, Adobe is progressively adopting UXP as the next-generation extension framework. Mapsoft can help you determine the right strategy for your extensions — whether that means continuing to develop with CEP, migrating to UXP, or building hybrid solutions that bridge both platforms.
Learn About UXP →
Build Powerful Creative Cloud Extensions
Whether you need a new CEP extension or want to modernise an existing one, our team delivers reliable, polished results.