npx @adobe/create-uxp-plugin
Creating a plugin with UDT follows a structured, highly productive lifecycle. Step 1: Create a New Plugin
Go to the Adobe UXP Developer Tool download page (via the Creative Cloud desktop app or direct download). Install it like any other Creative Cloud application. Once opened, you will see a blank dashboard with sections for “Add Plugin,” “Manage,” and “Logs.”
| Feature | CEP (Legacy) | UXP (Modern) | |---------|--------------|---------------| | Technology | Node.js + Chromium (separate process) | Isolated JavaScript engine + shared process | | UI Framework | Any (Bootstrap, jQuery, React) | Spectrum Web Components (mandatory for distribution) | | Performance | Slower panel load, higher memory | Faster, shared resource model | | Cross-version compatibility | Fragile, breaks with app updates | Stable, version-checked APIs | | API surface | Inconsistent across apps | Unified API with app-specific extensions | | Security | Low (full Node.js access) | High (capability-based permissions) | | Live reload | Third-party tools | Built-in UDT watch mode | adobe uxp developer tools
Inspect the DOM, debug JavaScript using breakpoints, analyze network requests, and view console logs exactly like standard web development.
: Use console.log() frequently; UDT captures these logs even if the host app UI is hidden.
As of 2026, UXP is the mandatory standard for new plugin development. Key advantages include: Once opened, you will see a blank dashboard
If you are a veteran CEP developer, you know the pain: slow startup times, separate debugging windows, and inconsistent theming.
Native support for ES6+, async/await, promises, and modern modules out of the box.
Instantly loads a plugin into Photoshop for testing without needing to restart the application. Key advantages include: If you are a veteran
Generate new plugins instantly from built-in templates (React, Spectrum CSS, vanilla JS).
For advanced environments, UXP tools can be driven via the command line ( uxp-plugin-actions ). Integrate these commands into your custom Webpack or Vite build steps to automate reloading during complex builds. Conclusion
Select . UDT will monitor your project directory for file modifications. The moment you save an update in your text editor (like VS Code), the plugin UI refreshes automatically. Step 3: Debugging Like a Web Developer