Stability and Adobe collaborate on 'OpenLayer' — an open spec for layer-aware generative outputs

Tech · 6 min read

Stability AI and Adobe jointly unveiled OpenLayer, a proposed open specification for exporting generative outputs with layer semantics, metadata, and editability preserved. The spec defines a common JSON schema for layer metadata (role, semantics, edit constraints), vector primitives, and linkage to style tokens. OpenLayer targets interoperability between generative engines and creative software such as Photoshop, Figma, and Illustrator.

Both companies stressed that OpenLayer is community-driven and designed to accommodate different export targets, including PSD, SVG, and Lottie. The goal is to avoid vendor lock-in and reduce the friction currently caused by flat raster outputs from generative models. Early adopters in the creative tooling ecosystem committed to building importers and exporters that comply with the spec.

OpenLayer's reception from designers and developers was largely positive, citing potential improvements in asset reusability. Some observers warned that adoption will hinge on participation from major players and the practicality of mapping legacy formats. Stability and Adobe pledged to host reference implementations and to collaborate with open-source tooling to accelerate uptake.