One of the oldest and most valuable graphic arts software categories is the plug-in, a small program designed to add features to a host application. You might hear plug-ins referred to as extensions. Quark calls them XTensions.
Plug-ins to programs like InDesign, QuarkXPress, Photoshop or Acrobat can facilitate database publishing or variable-data printing; add effects to text and graphics; optimize a layout file for print production; add small but helpful interface tweaks and many more. The list is endless. If you have ever said to yourself, “There must be a way to do [x],” chances are there’s a plug-in for it. One Photoshop plug-in called Permanent Press (www.misterretro.com) makes digital artwork look as if you printed it on a vintage printing press.
Some plug-ins have proved so popular that host application companies incorporated them into later versions. For example, for years, ALAP’s XPert Tools were invaluable productivity and feature additions to QuarkXPress. XPert Tools allow you to perform such tasks as scale multiple objects and link and unlink text boxes from a palette. Quark has since acquired ALAP, and XPert Tools are now available from the Quark site.
Photoshop is one of the most “plugged in” applications. Companies, such as Nik Software (www.niksoftware.com), offer plug-ins that help enhance image quality, improve color correction and add filters and effects beyond what Photoshop offers natively.
Adobe’s InDesign is almost entirely built on plug-ins. That is, even many of its native features are plug-ins. This makes it easy to add third-party plug-ins and toggle them on and off from a plug-ins palette.
There are several plug-in “outlets” (so to speak). The PowerXChange (www.ThePowerXChange.com) and XChange International (www.xchangeuk.com) are two good sources for plug-ins for any application. Many plug-ins and XTensions are available as shareware or as open source software.
There are some cautions about plug-ins. Having too many can slow down system performance, application performance or both. Effects and tweaks added to files using plug-ins might require that other users working on that file have the same plug-ins. As your print provider, we might also need them.
Plug-ins can provide you with tremendous creative power. But as always, be sure to consult with us if you have any questions about submitting jobs created using plug-ins. |
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