Install plugins and extensions for Creative Cloud apps (2024)

Learn how to install and manage new plugins or extensions using the Stock & Marketplace tab in your Creative Cloud desktop app. Also, learn how to install ZXP files of your extensions using the Unified Plugin Installer Agent (UPIA) tool and ExMan command-line tool.

Install plugins or extensions using the Creative Cloud desktop app

You can install plugins or extensions (also called add-ons) for Creative Cloud applications from the Creative Cloud desktop app. Adobe Extension Manager is no longer available to install plugins.

For Adobe teams and enterprise Creative Cloud users

You can install plugins using your Business Profile or your Personal Profile. However, note the following:

If you install plugins using your Personal Profile, you can use these plugins when you're signed into yourBusiness Profile.
If you install plugins using your BusinessProfile, you cannot use these plugins when you're signed into your PersonalProfile. You'll need to install the plugins separately using your Personal Profile.

Learn how to manage Adobe Profiles.

Before you install a plugin or extension, make sure that you have installed the Creative Cloud app to which you are adding it. For example, if you are installing an extension for Photoshop, install Photoshop first.

DownloadtheCreative Cloud desktop app.
Go to theStock & Marketplacetab, and then selectPlugins.(If you have a Creative Cloud for education subscription, go to theMarketplacetab, and then selectAll pluginsin the left sidebar.)

Don't see the Stock & Marketplace tab? Currently, thistab is not available in the Creative Cloud desktop app installed on Windows computers with ARM processors.
Search for your plugin.
When you find a plugin you'd like to install, selectGetor Learn more.

Note:Some plugins require you to purchase them. Select Buy for these plugins and then follow the onscreen instructions to install them.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the install.
After you’ve successfully installed a plugin or extension, if youcan’t locate it, go to My Exchange, select the extension, and navigate to the sectionWhere to find it.

You can install ZXP files of the required extensions using the Unified Plugin Installer Agent (UPIA) tool and the ExMan command-line tool.If you don't have the ZXP file of the extension you are trying to install, navigate toMy Exchange, find your extension, and selectInstallation Help.

This opens the download instructions for your extension. You can download the extension using the download button in step 3. If you still can’t locate the ZXP file, contact the extension vendor. The vendor’s contact information can be found on their partner profile page on theAdobe Exchange website.

How to install extensions using UPIA tool

The UPIA command-line tool is automatically installed with the Creative Cloud desktop app version 5.5 and later. Learn how toinstall your extensions using the UPIA command-line tool.

How to install extensions using ExMan command-line tool

Before you begin, ensure that your version of the application supports the extension. Choose your operating system below and follow the steps to install extensions.For more information, seeWorking from the command-line.

Select Operating System

Download theExMan command-line toolZIP file.
Extract the files to a location on your computer. In the example below, the files are extracted toC:\Exmancmd_Win.
Download the ZXP file of the extension and copy it to the same location.
Type cmd in Windows search.Right-clickCommand Promptand selectRun as administrator.

Note:Close the application related to the extension before you proceed with the installation.
In the command prompt, navigate to the folder containing your extracted files. In our example, the location isC:\Exmancmd_Win. To navigate to this location, run the commandcdC:\Exmancmd_Win

Note:Commands are case-sensitive. While typing in the command, ensure that you use the correct case.
To install the extension, runthe commandExManCmd.exe/install <extension-filename.zxp>
Run the commandExManCmd.exe/list allto verify that the extension has been installed.
To locate the installed extension in the Adobe app, follow the instructions given in the extension's user guide.

Download the ZXP file of the extension you are trying to install. Copy the file to the desktop.
Download theExMan command-line toolDMG file.
Double click the downloaded DMG file and copy theContentsfolder to the desktop.

See Also
How to Create a Windows Icon: 2 Easy Step-by-Step Methods
Open Finder and go toApplications -> Utilities ->Terminal. Double-click Terminal.
Type the commandxattr -dr com.apple.quarantineanddrag the fileExManBridgeTalkCmdfromDesktop -> Contents -> MacOSon to the terminal, and then press Return.
Alternatively, type the commandxattr -dr com.apple.quarantine Desktop/Contents/MacOS/ExManBridgeTalkCmdand press Return.

Note:Commands are case-sensitive. While typing in the command, ensure that you use the correct case.
Go toDesktop > Contents > MacOS anddouble-clickExManCmd.

Do you get a warning that ExManCmd can't be opened?

Go toSystem Preferences > Security& Privacy and selectOpen Anyway. You can now double-clickExManCmd.
Go back toApplications >Utilities >Terminaland double-clickTerminal.
Entercd ~/Desktopto navigate to the desktop.
Run the command./Contents/MacOS/ExManCmd --install <extension-filename.zxp>to install the extension.

If you run into permission issues, you can run the command using elevated privileges
a. Prefixsudoto the command. For example, in this case, usesudo./Contents/MacOS/ExManCmd --install <extension-filename.zxp>
b. Enter your password at the prompt and pressReturn. It's possible that you don't see the cursor moving or the text being entered as you type.
Run the command./Contents/MacOS/ExManCmd -- list allto verify that the extension has been installed.
To locate the installed extension in the Adobe app, follow the instructions given in the extension's user guide.

Download the ZXP file of the extension you are trying to install. Copy the file to the desktop.
Download the ExMan command-line tool DMG file.
Double click the downloaded DMG file and copy theContentsfolder to the desktop.
Open Finder and go toApplications > Utilities >Terminal. Double-click Terminal.
Enter cd ~/Desktop to navigate to the desktop.

Note:Commands are case-sensitive. While typing in the command, ensure that you use the correct case.
Run the command./Contents/MacOS/ExManCmd --install <extension-filename.zxp>to install the extension.

If you run into permission issues, you can run the command using elevated privileges
a. Prefixsudoto the command. For example, in this case, usesudo./Contents/MacOS/ExManCmd --install <extension-filename.zxp>
b. Enter your password at the prompt and pressReturn. It's possible that you don't see the cursor moving or the text being entered as you type.
Run the command./Contents/MacOS/ExManCmd -- list allto verify that the extension has been installed.
To locate the installed extension in the Adobe app, follow the instructions given in the extension's user guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find solutions to some common errors that you might encounter when installing plugins or extensions.

Open the Creative Cloud desktop app.
Go toStock & Marketplace>Plugins. (If you are a Creative Cloud for education subscriber, go to Marketplace > Manage plugins.)

Don't see the Stock & Marketplace tab? Currently, thistab is not available in the Creative Cloud desktop app installed on Windows computers with ARM processors.
UnderPluginsin the left sidebar, selectManage plugins.
Select the More actions iconfor your plugin or extension, and then select Uninstall.

If you are trying to install your plugin or extension on a Windows computer with an ARM processor, you won't be able to view the Stock & Marketplace tab in the Creative Cloud desktop app.

We are working to ensure plug-in support for Windows computers that use ARM processors.In the meantime, we recommend that you install and run your plug-ins on Windows computers that use Intel processors.

Some plugins or extensions are installed as panels inside the Creative Cloud apps, while some others are installed in the form of zipped files. To know where you can find your installed plugin or extension, go to the Adobe Exchange website and select your plugin or extension. Scroll down to the bottom of the web page and navigate to the section Where to Find it. This section provides the location details of the plugin or extension after it has been installed.