Working from the command-line

Last updated on Oct 6, 2022

Learn how to use the command-line to list, install, and remove ZXP, CCX or XDX plugins for your Adobe app on Windows and macOS.

You have the option of installing and removing plugins using the Unified Plugin Installer Agent (UPIA). This command-line tool is automatically installed with the Creative Cloud desktop app version 5.5 and above. XDX and CCX installation is supported with Creative Cloud desktop app version 5.7 and above.

Unified Plugin Installer Agent command-line basics

Follow these steps to manage plugins from the command-line:

Open the command-line:
- Windows: Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.
- macOS: Open Terminal by double-clicking its icon in the Applications/Utilities folder.
Navigate to the Unified Plugin Installer Agent application folder. You can copy and paste the file paths below directly into the Command Prompt (Windows) or the Terminal (macOS):
- Windows:
cd "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe Desktop Common\RemoteComponents\UPI\UnifiedPluginInstallerAgent"
- macOS:
cd "/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe Desktop Common/RemoteComponents/UPI/UnifiedPluginInstallerAgent/UnifiedPluginInstallerAgent.app/Contents/MacOS"
On the command-line, enter the executable as follows:
- Windows: UnifiedPluginInstallerAgent.exe
- macOS: ./UnifiedPluginInstallerAgent

After the executable, enter the desired command.

The following list describes the available commands. Note that these commands only work in the User mode and if you are signed in to the Creative Cloud desktop app.

Command on Windows	Command on macOS	Required Arguments	Description
/help	--help		Displays help information of the command-line.
/install	--install	file path	Installs a plugin.
/remove	--remove	Plugin_name	Removes a plugin.
/list	--list	all/<Product_name>	Lists plugins that are installed on your device for all products/a given product. This command also works when you're signed out. It lists plugins that were installed when you were signed out.
/version			Returns the version number of the Unified Plugin Installer Agent.

The following table describes the list of available arguments:

Arguments	Description
file path	Specifies the name and location of the package file in ZXP, CCX or XDX format.
Plugin_name	Specifies the name of the plugin (as specified in the list response).
Product_name	Specifies the name of the product that uses the plugin.

Install a plugin from the command-line

Ensure that you have the ZXP, CCX or XDX file of the plugin that you want to install.
Enter a command, specifying your own argument value:
- Windows:
UnifiedPluginInstallerAgent.exe /install c:\myfile.ccx
- macOS:
./UnifiedPluginInstallerAgent --install /myfolder/mysubfolder/myfile.ccx
Test the plugin to make sure that everything works as intended.