Plug-ins

[CarolLHB]

Hi friends...

Can someone explain something to me? What exactly is a plug-in and how does it differ, or how are they the same as things like styles or effects that we may download. I've been waiting for the dawn to break over Marble Head as my algebra teacher used to say...not happenin' :lol:

Thanks!

[Carbone]

Carol,

A plug-in extends the functionality of the software. A plug-in will allow Photoshop Elements to do stuff either it wouldn't be able to do alone or that it would be hard to replicated. It usually adds stuff which is non existent in Photoshop (water mirroring effect, for example, or lighting sources, etc.) A plug-in needs a host software to function. There are plug-in for thousands of software (i.e. Photoshop, iTunes, Final Cut Pro, Ulead, etc.) It's basically a program within a program !

A layer styles is a set of parameters with sometimes canvas and other images embedded. These parameters will guide the layer style tool into doing something specific. Those are not programs, but rather recipes.

Effects are small program, writen in a language only Photoshop / Photoshop Elements understand. They dictate what tools and how to use them in order to acheive a specific result (bevel frame, sepia tone colour, etc.) Actions are limited by the available commands inside the software. In other words, they don't add functionnality, they only make use of what's available inside the software.

Hope this helps !

Ray

[Mary]

Ray - Thank you for a great explanation! I guess I knew all that but you certainly crystallized everything! :)

[CarolLHB]

Ray,
Thanks so much for the excellent explanation! I think I see the first rays of dawn!! :lol:
Apreciate your taking the time!

[Wendy]

Carol ..

Something else to bear in mind .. plug ins are platform specific whereas most other things are not :)

Wendy

[CarolLHB]

Good to know, Wendy, thanks :D .

[Carbone]

I forgot something...

Some plug-ins (Autofx for example) are capable of functionning as both a plug-in inside Photoshop and as a stand-alone software. Those are not the standards, but the possibility exists.

Ray