Meet Adobe Generator: Real-time asset generation from Photoshop CC

Web designers, screen designers, and anyone who needs to extract image assets out of a Photoshop document: I think you’ll dig this.

Generator allows you to create image assets in real time as you work, eliminating the tedious steps of copying, slicing and exporting each layer manually, and saving you hours of time. Simply add a file extension to the name of your layer or layer group, and Photoshop will automatically create a JPG, PNG or GIF from the contents of that layer. If you make a change to that layer, the file is immediately updated. This means that you now have a folder of images that are always up-to-date with your Photoshop design.

This update is available right now (via the CC app or by choosing Help->Updates within Photoshop). Check it out:

Here’s the crazy part: Generator is open-source (right here on GitHub), based on Node.js, so you can extend it (and Photoshop) in all kinds of interesting ways. Check out this video from the The Engine Co., who used Generator to write a plug-in for their Loom gaming engine that allows game designers to change the UI of a game in Photoshop while the game is being played:

Check out the Photoshop team blog for additional details. [YouTube vid 1, 2]

7 thoughts on “Meet Adobe Generator: Real-time asset generation from Photoshop CC

  1. what is this?
    do i have to install soemthing beside PS.. like the extension manager etc?
    whyo are so many people complaining they don´t get the indesign 9.1 update?
    this cloud stuff is not working as it seems.
    i don´t want an extra program to update stuff!!
    i want to update from within the software.. is that so complicated?
    hell….

  2. Another great aspect of Generator is that if you have a complicated layered file you can put the layers into a group and put .jpg at the end of that group name. As you are editing the layers in that group Generator creates a final composite image automatically as you are working and making changes. This is just a great hassle free way of getting work out fast and up to date without a million version numbers. Especially when the final composite image isn’t linked/placed into other Adobe software . Sometimes its the little things that please us most.

  3. What a fantastic time saver! This is why the CC is amazing, new features available immediately.
    Two questions:
    Does this use the save for web mojo (i.e. smaller file sizes for same settings or is it just the same as saving a jpg with the save as menu?
    Also is there a complete listing of supported tags somewhere?

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