# Key Concepts

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

*   **User Interface** — Pre-built editors optimized for different use cases
*   **Engine Interface** — Core rendering and processing engine

![The different layers CE.SDK is made of, see description below.](/docs/cesdk/_astro/layers._NZlSdtG_Zyol2N.webp)

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[#](#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[#](#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](node/what-is-cesdk-2e7acd/) 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

**Server-side export with the CE.SDK Renderer** When exporting complex graphics and videos, the [CE.SDK Renderer](renderer/cesdk-renderer-overview-7f3e9a/) can make use of GPU acceleration and video codecs on Linux server environments.

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

## User Interface Components[#](#user-interface-components)

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

*   **Photo editing** — Advanced image editing tools and filters
*   **Video editing** — Timeline-based video editing and effects
*   **Design editing** — Layout and graphic design tools (similar to Canva)
*   **2D product design** — Apparel, postcards, and custom product templates

More configurations are coming based on customer needs.

## UI Customization[#](#ui-customization)

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

*   Apply **custom color schemes** and branding to match your product
*   Add **custom asset libraries** with your own fonts, images, graphics, videos, and audio

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

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[Source](https:/img.ly/docs/cesdk/vue/key-capabilities-dbb5b1)