Attribute
Last updated on
Oct 4, 2026
Find available plugin types and access locations for extending Photoshop functionality.
When evaluating plugin options or verifying which plugin types your workflow requires, use this reference to identify the four distinct plugin categories available for Adobe Photoshop and their respective access points.
Plugin categories
UXP plugins
|
|
Details |
|
Access location |
Plugin Marketplace (via Creative Cloud desktop app or Plugins menu in Photoshop) |
|
Description |
Modern plugins built on the Universal Extensibility Platform (UXP) that integrate directly into Photoshop's interface with enhanced performance and security |
|
Management |
Install, disable, and uninstall through the Plugin Marketplace interface. |
|
Access method |
Plugins > plugin name |
|
Distribution |
Exclusively through the Creative Cloud Plugin Marketplace, with required approval |
Examples:
- Slack for Photoshop
- Trello for Photoshop
- Adobe Substance 3D Viewer (beta)
Classic CEP extension panels
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Access location |
Plugin Marketplace or Adobe Exchange |
|
Description |
Extension panels created using the Common Extensibility Platform (CEP), representing the previous generation of Photoshop extensions. |
|
Management |
Install through Plugin Marketplace or Adobe Exchange |
|
Access method |
Window > Extensions (Legacy) |
|
Distribution |
Available through Plugin Marketplace and Adobe Exchange, with direct developer distribution options |
Note
CEP extensions are legacy technology. Adobe recommends developers migrate to UXP for new plugin development.
Traditional third-party plugins
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Access location |
Plugin manufacturer websites |
|
Description |
File-system plugins installed directly to designated plugin folders, including filters, effects, and specialized tools |
|
Management |
Install using manufacturer-provided installers. |
|
Access method |
Filter menu or relevant menus and panels depending on plugin type. |
|
Distribution |
Developers distribute through their own websites and installation mechanisms. |
Installation locations:
- Version-specific location: Loads plugins only for a specific Photoshop version
- Shared Creative Cloud location: Loads plugins across all installed Photoshop versions
Tip
Install traditional plugins to the Shared Creative Cloud location to avoid reinstalling between Photoshop version updates.
Optional file format plugins
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Access location |
Adobe download pages |
|
Description |
Adobe-provided plugins that add support for specialized file formats not included in the default Photoshop installation |
|
Management |
Install by downloading the files from the Adobe support pages and placing them in the Photoshop plugin folder. |
|
Access method |
Format options appear in File > Open and File > Save As after installation. |
|
Distribution |
Exclusively from Adobe as optional downloads |
Available formats:
- Alias PIX format
- SGIRGB format
- SoftImage format
- HSB & HSL color space formats
- Electric Image format
- Wavefront RLA format
Plugin folder locations
Version-specific folders
macOS: /Applications/Adobe Photoshop [version]/Plug-ins/
Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [version]\Plug-ins\
Shared Creative Cloud folder
macOS: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Plug-Ins/CC/
Windows: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Plug-Ins\CC\
Note
Third-party plugin manufacturers determine installation locations. Consult the manufacturer's documentation for specific installation paths.
Discovery and access methods
|
Plugin Type |
Discovery Method |
Access Method |
|
UXP plugins |
Plugin Marketplace search |
Plugins menu |
|
CEP extension panels |
Plugin Marketplace or Adobe Exchange |
Window > Extensions (Legacy) |
|
Traditional third-party |
Manufacturer website |
Filter menu or integrated locations |
|
Optional file formats |
Adobe support pages |
File menu options after installation |
Related information
For step-by-step instructions on installing and managing marketplace plugins, see Plugins Marketplace for Photoshop.
For detailed information about optional file format plugins, see Optional file format plugins.
For troubleshooting plugin issues, see Photoshop plugins troubleshooting.
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