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Create masks
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Layer masks
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Layer masks
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Remove objects and fill space
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Adjust color
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Color profiles
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- Adjust image color and tone
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Save files
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Fix the Generator error when launching Adobe Photoshop
Last updated on
Oct 4, 2026
Learn how to fix the Generator error in Adobe Photoshop by checking security settings, removing conflicting plug-ins, and reviewing logs.
Generator is a Node.js application that handles communication between Photoshop and Generator plug-ins. It provides the asset creation logic for Export As and Image Assets.
When you launch Photoshop or select File > Export > Export As, a dialog appears stating, "There is a problem with Generator. Please quit Photoshop and try again. If the problem persists, remove any third-party plug-ins or try reinstalling Photoshop."
Try the following solutions in order.
Security software blocks Generator
Security or antivirus software may block communication from the Generator on port 8010 or prevent the node process from running.
Add Photoshop to the list of allowed applications.
Make sure port 8010 is open for the Generator.
Add node.exe to the list of allowed applications at C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop <version>\node.exe on Windows.
On macOS, allow the node process at /Applications/Adobe Photoshop <version>/Adobe Photoshop <version>.app/Contents/MacOS/node.
On Windows, allow Photoshop to access controlled folders.
Restart Photoshop, then select File > Export > Export As to test Generator.
A third-party plug-in conflicts with Generator
Third-party plug-ins in the Photoshop Generator folder may be incompatible with your current version or conflict with the default Image Assets plug-in.
Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop <version>\Plug-ins\Generator
macOS: /Applications/Adobe Photoshop <version>/Plug-ins/Generator
Create a temporary folder on your desktop named Disabled Generator Plug-ins.
Move third-party plug-in folders to the temporary folder. Leave the default Image Assets plug-in in the Generator folder.
Start Photoshop and select File > Export > Export As.
If the error is gone, add the plug-ins back one at a time and restart Photoshop after each addition until the error returns.
Leave the default Image Assets plug-in in the Generator folder. Move only plug-ins that you installed separately.
The generator fails to start, and you do not need it
If you do not use Export As or Image Assets, turn off Generator as a workaround.
Start Photoshop.
On Windows, select Edit > Preferences > Plug-ins. On macOS, select Photoshop > Settings > Plug-ins.
Deselect Enable Generator.
Select OK, then restart Photoshop.
Selecting File > Export > Export As turns Generator on again. If you need Export As, resolve the Generator error instead of leaving Generator turned off.
Generator logs show startup errors
Generator logs can contain information about plug-ins that fail to load or system issues that prevent Generator from starting.
On Windows, navigate to C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop <version>\Logs\Generator.
On macOS, navigate to /Users/<username>/Library/Logs/Adobe/Adobe Photoshop <version>/Generator.
Open the most recent Generator log and look for error messages.
If the Generator folder does not exist, verify that you have write permission for the parent folder.
If you need additional help, use the Adobe Log Collector Tool to collect diagnostic logs.
Windows AppData and macOS Library folders are hidden by default. Instructions for showing hidden files and folders in Windows can help you locate the Windows logs.
Generator errors occur on Apple Silicon
If the generator continues to fail on a Mac with Apple silicon, running Photoshop with Rosetta can help determine whether native-mode compatibility is causing the issue.
Quit Photoshop.
In Finder, open Applications and locate Adobe Photoshop.
Control-click Adobe Photoshop, then select Get Info.
Select Open using Rosetta, then start Photoshop and test the Generator.
If the error persists, provide the Generator logs when contacting Adobe Support for help. For Export As issues unrelated to the Generator, use the troubleshooting guidance for export and save operations.
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