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Photoshop MCP Server

by alisaitteke
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photoshop_duplicate_layer

Creates a copy of the active Photoshop layer, making the duplicate active and returning its name and layer ID.

Instructions

Duplicate the active layer. The duplicate becomes the active layer; returns its name and, when available, its layer id.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
newNameNoName for the duplicated layer (optional)
document_idYesPhotoshop document id from photoshop_get_state / photoshop_list_documents. Send null or 0 to use the active document. A positive number activates that document before the tool runs. When no document is open, a stale id does not block the call.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changedv1.7.33
    • changedInput schema / properties / document_id / description
      Previous value: -"Photoshop document id from photoshop_get_state / photoshop_list_documents. Send null to use the active document. A number activates that document before the tool runs."New value: +"Photoshop document id from photoshop_get_state / photoshop_list_documents. Send null or 0 to use the active document. A positive number activates that document before the tool runs. When no document is open, a stale id does not block the call."
  2. Changed4 schema fields changedv1.7.32
    • addedInput schema / additionalProperties
      Added value: +false
    • changedInput schema / properties / document_id / description
      Previous value: -"Optional Photoshop document id from photoshop_get_state / photoshop_list_documents. When set, the tool activates that document before running so a UI tab switch cannot retarget the edit."New value: +"Photoshop document id from photoshop_get_state / photoshop_list_documents. Send null to use the active document. A number activates that document before the tool runs."
    • changedInput schema / properties / document_id / type
      Previous value: -"number"New value: +[
+  "number",
+  "null"
+]
    • addedInput schema / required
      Added value: +[
+  "document_id"
+]
  3. First observedv0.1.0

TDQS

A4/5.0
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare it is a non-read-only, non-destructive, non-idempotent mutation. The description adds meaningful context beyond that: the active-layer selection changes as a side effect, and the call returns the new layer's name and (when available) its id. It stops short of saying what happens if no layer is active or where the duplicate is inserted in the stack.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two short clauses, zero filler, with the core action and its result front-loaded. Every phrase carries information.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a two-parameter, no-output-schema tool, the description covers action, side effect, and return values, which is nearly everything an agent needs. Minor gaps remain around failure modes (no active layer) and duplicate placement, but nothing critical is missing.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, and the schema itself richly documents document_id (null/0 semantics, activation behavior, stale-id handling). The description adds nothing about parameters, so the baseline 3 applies – the schema is doing all the work.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

States a specific verb and resource ('duplicate the active layer') and immediately adds the observable result (the duplicate becomes active and returns its name/id). This is distinct from siblings like photoshop_create_layer or photoshop_merge_visible_layers without needing the schema.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Usage is implied by the phrase 'active layer' – the agent must first ensure a layer is selected – but the description never states prerequisites or when to prefer this over photoshop_create_layer or photoshop_apply_layer_mask workflows. No exclusions or alternatives are named.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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