How to Package Your Adobe CEP Extension into a ZXP File

Creating a ZXP file from your ready-made Adobe CEP extension (for Premiere, After Effects, etc.) enables easy distribution and installation. This step-by-step tutorial covers downloading ZXPSignCmd, setting it up in terminal, generating a certificate, and signing your extension. Assumes macOS/Linux terminal (Windows notes included); works for latest Adobe apps in 2026.

Why Package as ZXP?

ZXP files are signed ZIP archives that Adobe Extension Manager or third-party installers (like ZXPInstaller) recognize. Self-signing works for development and distribution—no paid cert needed.


Prerequisites

  • Ready extension folder (e.g., com.bashir.mypanel) with valid CSXS/manifest.xml.
  • Terminal/Command Prompt access.
  • ~5 minutes.

Step 1: Download ZXPSignCmd

  1. Go to https://github.com/Adobe-CEP/CEP-Resources/tree/master/ZXPSignCMD.
  2. Pick a stable release folder (e.g., 4.1.2—still reliable in 2026).
  3. Download your OS package:
    • macOS: .dmg (Intel: osx10; ARM: osx-arm64).
    • Windows: .zip.
    • Linux: .zip.
  4. Extract to ~/Desktop/signing/ (or similar).

Step 2: Set Up Terminal

Open Terminal (macOS/Linux) or CMD/PowerShell (Windows).

cd ~/Desktop/signing/4.1.2/osx10  # Adjust to your extract path
ls ZXPSignCmd                     # Verify it's there
chmod +x ZXPSignCmd               # Make executable
./ZXPSignCmd                      # Test: shows usage

Windows:

cd C:\Desktop\signing\4.1.2\win64
ZXPSignCmd.exe

If "command not found": re-check path with pwd/dir, re-extract.

Step 3: Prepare Extension Folder

Copy your extension folder into the ZXPSignCmd directory.
Example: cp /path/to/com.bashir.myextension ~/Desktop/signing/4.1.2/osx10/

Verify: ls shows ZXPSignCmd and com.bashir.myextension/.

Step 4: Generate Self-Signed Certificate

./ZXPSignCmd -selfSignedCert GB England "Name" "mail@mydomain.com" mysecurepass123 cert.p12
  • Customize country/state/org/email.
  • Password: Use strong one; note it down.
  • Outputs cert.p12.

Step 5: Sign and Package ZXP

./ZXPSignCmd -sign ./com.bashir.myextension ./myextension.zxp ./cert.p12 mysecurepass123 -tsa http://timestamp.digicert.com
  • Success: "sign successfully" + myextension.zxp appears.
  • Timestamp (-tsa) keeps it valid post-cert expiry.

Step 6: Install and Test

  • Download ZXPInstaller (aescripts.com).
  • Drag myextension.zxp to installer → select host app (e.g., Premiere 2026).
  • Restart app; check Window > Extensions.

Common Issues & Fixes

ProblemSolution
Command not foundcd correctly; chmod +x; re-download.
Permission deniedchmod +x ZXPSignCmd.
Cert errorsStrong password; no special chars.
ARM/Intel mismatchPick correct OS folder.
Signing failsVerify manifest.xml ID matches folder name.

Pro Tips for Devs

  • npm Integration: Use zxpsign or create-zxp in package.json scripts for CI/CD.
  • Multiple Hosts: List in manifest.xml; sign once.
  • Updates: Re-sign with same cert; users get notified.
  • Distribute: Share via GitHub releases or aescripts store.

Your data viz or CMS extension is now installable anywhere. Questions? Drop OS/error details in comments.

Sources: Adobe CEP GitHub, community forums (2024-2026).

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