Photoshop API v2 — General Availability
Photoshop API v2 is now generally available. This release introduces major improvements in scalability, flexibility, and programmability, enabling teams to build production-grade, high-volume content workflows.
If you've worked with v1, you likely encountered limitations around file size, embedded assets, and rigid workflows. v2 addresses these gaps and introduces a more extensible foundation for modern content pipelines.
What's New
Linked Smart Objects
Photoshop API v2 adds support for linked smart objects, a foundational improvement for content supply chains.
In v1, embedded smart objects created several challenges:
- PSD files increased in size quickly and often exceeded the 2GB limit.
- Assets were duplicated across files instead of reused.
- Updating assets downstream was difficult to manage and govern.
With linked smart objects:
- Assets are referenced instead of embedded.
- File sizes remain manageable, even in large-scale workflows.
- Updates propagate across templates and variants.
- Teams can centralize and govern shared assets.
This enables more efficient, maintainable, and scalable content systems.
Increased File Size Limits
Maximum file size increased from 2GB to 5GB.
This allows for significantly more complex documents and removes a key limitation for enterprise use cases.
UXP Scripting (JavaScript Automation)
Photoshop API v2 introduces support for UXP scripting, allowing developers to execute JavaScript directly within Photoshop workflows.
This adds a programmable layer to automation and unlocks advanced use cases:
- Copy fitting and dynamic text adjustments.
- Conditional logic based on inputs or metadata.
- Automated recoloring and localization.
- Trapping and print-specific adjustments.
- Compliance and brand rule enforcement.
Previously, these scenarios required custom workarounds or waiting for new API capabilities.
With UXP scripting:
- Teams can define and maintain their own logic.
- Business rules can be embedded directly into workflows.
- Automation becomes extensible rather than fixed.
This significantly expands what can be built with the API.
More Powerful Action Workflows
- Support for Generative Fill, Generative Expand, and additional actions.
- Adobe action files are now published and customizable.
- Outputs can be dynamically generated at runtime without predefining assets.
Richer Document Intelligence
- Artboards are now first-class objects with full metadata (size, presets, background).
- Ability to extract embedded smart objects without opening Photoshop.
- Expanded layer metadata including text settings, blend ranges, and layout details.
Expanded Creative Control
- Improved smart object workflows with support for SVG and linked assets.
- New replacement and transformation capabilities.
- Enhanced text rendering for complex and multilingual content.
- Improved color management with ICC profile support.
Built for Scale
- Support for files up to 5GB.
- Longer processing times for complex jobs.
- Improved error handling with more actionable responses.
- Flexible storage options for both prototyping and production workflows.
Migration Notice
Photoshop API v1 will reach end of life on July 31, 2026.
Teams should begin planning migration to v2 to take advantage of the new capabilities and avoid disruption.