How to Package Your Adobe CEP Extension into a ZXP File

a brief guide to create zxp extensions

Creating a ZXP file from your ready-made Adobe CEP extension (for Premiere Pro, 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.

Assumptions:

  • macOS or Linux terminal (Windows notes included)
  • Works with the latest Adobe apps in 2026

Why Package as ZXP?

ZXP files are signed ZIP archives that Adobe Extension Manager or third-party installers (such as ZXPInstaller) recognize. Self-signing is sufficient for both development and distribution—no paid certificate required.

Prerequisites

  • A ready extension folder (e.g. com.bashir.mypanel) with a valid CSXS/manifest.xml
  • Terminal / Command Prompt access
  • ~5 minutes of your time

Step 1: Download ZXPSignCmd

  1. Go to: https://github.com/Adobe-CEP/CEP-Resources/tree/master/ZXPSignCMD
  2. Choose a stable release (e.g. 4.1.2 — still reliable in 2026).
  3. Download the correct package for your OS
  4. Extract it somewhere convenient

Step 2: Set Up Terminal

macOS / Linux:

cd ~/Desktop/signing/4.1.2/osx10
chmod +x ZXPSignCmd
./ZXPSignCmd


Step 3: Prepare the Extension Folder

Copy your extension folder into the ZXPSignCmd directory.

Step 4: Generate a Self-Signed Certificate

./ZXPSignCmd -selfSignedCert GB England "Name" "mail@mydomain.com" mysecurepass123 cert.p12


Step 5: Sign and Package the ZXP

./ZXPSignCmd -sign ./com.bashir.myextension ./myextension.zxp ./cert.p12 mysecurepass123 -tsa http://timestamp.digicert.com


Step 6: Install and Test

  1. Download ZXPInstaller from aescripts.com
  2. Drag myextension.zxp into the installer
  3. Choose the target app
  4. Restart the Adobe app
  5. Check: Window > Extensions