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photoshop_move_layer

Move the active layer in Adobe Photoshop by a specified horizontal and vertical pixel offset, optionally targeting a document by ID.

Instructions

Move the active layer by specified offset

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
deltaXYesHorizontal offset in pixels (can be negative)
deltaYYesVertical offset in pixels (can be negative)
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"
      +]
    • changedInput schema / required
      Previous value: -[
      -  "deltaX",
      -  "deltaY"
      -]New value: +[
      +  "deltaX",
      +  "deltaY",
      +  "document_id"
      +]
  3. First observedv0.1.0

TDQS

C2.6/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

Annotations declare readOnlyHint=false, destructiveHint=false, idempotentHint=false, and the description adds nothing beyond them. It does not disclose that repeated calls compound the offset (consistent with idempotentHint=false), nor that a layer must already be active/selected for the tool to act on, which is the key operational prerequisite.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

A single front-loaded sentence with zero filler. It is efficient, though the brevity comes at the cost of the missing behavioral detail noted elsewhere.

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

Completeness2/5

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

For a mutation tool with no output schema, the description omits how the active layer is established, what happens when no layer is selected, and how this differs from the five other layer-move siblings. The schema covers parameters well, but the description leaves real operational questions unanswered.

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 already explains deltaX/deltaY as pixel offsets that can be negative and document_id's activation behavior. The description's 'specified offset' phrase adds no syntax, units, or semantics beyond that, so the baseline 3 applies.

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

Purpose3/5

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

States a clear verb+resource (move the active layer) and implies relative movement via 'by specified offset'. However, it does not distinguish itself from the many move siblings (photoshop_move_layer_to_position, _to_top, _to_bottom, _up, _down); an agent cannot tell from the description alone whether this is relative or absolute positioning.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

No when-to-use guidance, no prerequisites, and no mention of the alternative move tools. The agent must infer that this is the relative-offset variant versus the absolute-position sibling.

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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