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Key Concepts

CE.SDK is built on two distinct technical layers that work together seamlessly:

The different layers CE.SDK is made of, see description below.

This intentional separation gives you powerful advantages:

  1. Cross-platform consistency – The engine is cross-compiled to native web, iOS, Android, and Node.js, ensuring identical output everywhere
  2. Custom UI – Build your own UI for simpler tools and workflows
  3. Headless automation – Run the engine independently for automations and batch processing, both client-side and server-side

Creative Engine#

The Creative Engine powers all core editing operations. It handles rendering, processing, and manipulation across images, layouts, text, video, audio, and vectors.

What the Engine Does:

  • Maintains the scene file (your structured content)
  • Renders the canvas in real-time
  • Handles block positioning and resizing
  • Applies filters and effects to images
  • Manages text editing and typography
  • Controls templates with role-based permissions
  • Displays smart guides and snap lines

Every engine capability is exposed through a comprehensive API, letting you build custom UIs, workflows, and automations.

Headless / Engine only#

Use the engine without any UI for powerful automation scenarios:

Client-side automation Perfect for in-browser batch operations and dynamic content generation without server dependencies.

Server-side automation with Node.js Use the Node.JS SDK for following scenarios:

  • High-resolution processing – Edit on the client with preview quality, then render server-side with full-resolution assets
  • Bulk generation – Create a large volume of design variations for variable data printing
  • Non-blocking workflows – Let users continue designing while exports process in the background

Plugin development When building CE.SDK plugins, you get direct API access to manipulate canvas elements programmatically.

User Interface Components#

CE.SDK includes pre-built UI configurations optimized for different use cases:

More configurations are coming based on customer needs.

UI Customization#

While UI configurations provide a solid foundation, you maintain control over the user experience:

The plugin architecture lets you add custom buttons and panels throughout the interface, ensuring the editor feels native to your product.