I was wondering if its possible to create an automation plugin from a script? Has anyone ever done that?
I do realize that many automation plugins begin from listener code. Although I don't recall them being made from functional scripts?
Photoshop Script To Plugin
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Mike Hale
Photoshop Script To Plugin
Not sure what you mean by 'automation plugin' or the part about scriptlistener code and 'functional scripts'.
If you mean something that can be recorded and played by using actions then yes, you can write a script that functions as a plug-in.
Scriptlistener( Action Manager ) code is used to add functionally not supported by the Photoshop Object Model. Whether a 'functional script' has some scriptlistener code depends on if the task being scripted can be done with the Object Model alone. If 'functional' means the ability to do a task as efficiency as possible then having scriptlistener can make the script more 'functional'.
At any rate, an example of the type of plug-in script I'm talking about is 'Fit Image'. And it contains no scriptlistener.
If you mean something that can be recorded and played by using actions then yes, you can write a script that functions as a plug-in.
Scriptlistener( Action Manager ) code is used to add functionally not supported by the Photoshop Object Model. Whether a 'functional script' has some scriptlistener code depends on if the task being scripted can be done with the Object Model alone. If 'functional' means the ability to do a task as efficiency as possible then having scriptlistener can make the script more 'functional'.
At any rate, an example of the type of plug-in script I'm talking about is 'Fit Image'. And it contains no scriptlistener.
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undavide
Photoshop Script To Plugin
Mike,
possibly Colorguy refers to the kind of "automation plugins" that you can build with the Photoshop SDK.
I'm not too much into regular PS SDK, but apparently you can code Import, Export, Automation and Filters plugins (maybe I forget something in the list).
These are actual binary files that you build for instance with XCode (on Mac). I knew that Automation plugins' inner "core" is ActionManager code, but I've been told that to code them is... not really straightforward.
Anyway it would be really interesting to know more about them - I dropped the topic some time ago because I couldn't push more that 24 hours in a single day, alas but maybe someone else can show actual code, besides the examples in the SDK.
Oh, should I mention that official documentation for Automation Plugins is from 1996? These are the times when one looks ad GIMP and starts wondering why on earth is Photoshop so developers-unfriendly...
Davide
possibly Colorguy refers to the kind of "automation plugins" that you can build with the Photoshop SDK.
I'm not too much into regular PS SDK, but apparently you can code Import, Export, Automation and Filters plugins (maybe I forget something in the list).
These are actual binary files that you build for instance with XCode (on Mac). I knew that Automation plugins' inner "core" is ActionManager code, but I've been told that to code them is... not really straightforward.
Anyway it would be really interesting to know more about them - I dropped the topic some time ago because I couldn't push more that 24 hours in a single day, alas but maybe someone else can show actual code, besides the examples in the SDK.
Oh, should I mention that official documentation for Automation Plugins is from 1996? These are the times when one looks ad GIMP and starts wondering why on earth is Photoshop so developers-unfriendly...
Davide
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Mike Hale
Photoshop Script To Plugin
Yes, those type of plug-in are written in C/C++. I understand that so is Photoshop itself. I think that is what most people think of when they hear 'plug-in'. Adobe does have a Photoshop SDK forum where you can get help and see other examples. I don't think we have any members that write that type of plug-in.
I think that it's all Action Manager 'under the hood' with the scripting languages being a layer on top.
I think that it's all Action Manager 'under the hood' with the scripting languages being a layer on top.
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undavide
Photoshop Script To Plugin
Just for my curiosity, I've tried to open an automation example in XCode.
Besides the fact that (apparently) I haven't the required OSX SDK installed, well, it's too steep a learning curve to me. I don't think the problem would be the language (one can learn an extra language) but it looks like one of those operations where there's kind-of an infinite "pre-requisite chain" (the language, XCode, API, etc), and not a clear, defined entry door.
If you set up a trip on your way to building plugins, difficulties are less disturbing if you know exactly at which point of the map you're at. Apparently, the map is not well known either
That's where documentation is really a measure of a company's will to help and grow a community of developers. Not the case of PS...
End of the rants!
Cheers
Davide
Besides the fact that (apparently) I haven't the required OSX SDK installed, well, it's too steep a learning curve to me. I don't think the problem would be the language (one can learn an extra language) but it looks like one of those operations where there's kind-of an infinite "pre-requisite chain" (the language, XCode, API, etc), and not a clear, defined entry door.
If you set up a trip on your way to building plugins, difficulties are less disturbing if you know exactly at which point of the map you're at. Apparently, the map is not well known either
That's where documentation is really a measure of a company's will to help and grow a community of developers. Not the case of PS...
End of the rants!
Cheers
Davide
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Colorguy
Photoshop Script To Plugin
Yes, I am referring to automation plugins built using the Photoshop SDK. The only information I can find is an outdated and vague Automation Tutorial PDF included with an older SDK. You'd think concise and updated documentation would be available?
I remember a few years back attempting to build a plugin with Visual Studio using Listener Code and that turned into a huge nightmare, mostly due to lack of documentation. The most clear example of building automation plugins I've found uses the old CodeWarrior. I have yet to locate XCode examples.
I do know of one person who's very talented in building automation plugins, although I'd have more luck getting help or rudimentary advice from a brick wall than this guy.
I remember a few years back attempting to build a plugin with Visual Studio using Listener Code and that turned into a huge nightmare, mostly due to lack of documentation. The most clear example of building automation plugins I've found uses the old CodeWarrior. I have yet to locate XCode examples.
I do know of one person who's very talented in building automation plugins, although I'd have more luck getting help or rudimentary advice from a brick wall than this guy.
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undavide
Photoshop Script To Plugin
If you download the Photoshop CS6 SDK there are few automation plugins examples, as XCode Projects. I'm afraid that the latest documentation available is (I've to correct what I've written before) from the year 2000.
If you happen to squeeze some juice out from the skilled brick you've mentioned, please share
Davide
If you happen to squeeze some juice out from the skilled brick you've mentioned, please share
Davide
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Colorguy
Photoshop Script To Plugin
Yep, the last reference to automation plugins from Adobe was from the version 6.0 days, circa 2000. The same old dusty PDF is still being distributed to this day with the CS6 SDK. This must be very secretive information for the privileged only. LOL! I've been looking at the XCode automation examples but with nothing else to turn to, the development process isn't exactly crystal clear.
I've just about given up hope for further help on their development as I've probably spent the better part of a month over several years searching. I find the lack of info quite amazing.
The number of developers globally with in-depth knowledge regarding this must be small as I've listed several projects over the years on sites such as Freelancer and receive but a few bids, and at times receive none. I have also paid through the nose to get simple plugins made from Listener code I've provided.
If I can ever provide further insight on development, will gladly post it here.
I've just about given up hope for further help on their development as I've probably spent the better part of a month over several years searching. I find the lack of info quite amazing.
The number of developers globally with in-depth knowledge regarding this must be small as I've listed several projects over the years on sites such as Freelancer and receive but a few bids, and at times receive none. I have also paid through the nose to get simple plugins made from Listener code I've provided.
If I can ever provide further insight on development, will gladly post it here.
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Mike Hale
Photoshop Script To Plugin
I could be wrong but I think the documentation you are finding is available anyone willing to register for an Adobe ID. As I understand it Adobe has a partner program for third party plug-in developers. To have access to up to date documentation you( or your company ) has to be a partner.
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undavide
Photoshop Script To Plugin
Mike Hale wrote:I could be wrong but I think the documentation you are finding is available anyone willing to register for an Adobe ID. As I understand it Adobe has a partner program for third party plug-in developers. To have access to up to date documentation you( or your company ) has to be a partner.
Yes Mike, there are several partnership programs (with a bouquet of different offers/fees), starting from the Solution Parner Program to the Enterprise Developer Program (I know because I'm a former Solution Partner subscriber, in the times when Extension Builder wasn't for sale but only given as a benefit to Adobe partners - confusing times... ). These programs, imho, are halfway between technical and commercial.
What is - to my experience - "less true" is that Partners have access to updated documentation. There are extra resources, but the ones I've been exposed to are partner recordings, NDA meetings and marketing stuff (logos, copy, etc). I'm afraid the docs are just the ones we know.
If Colorguy wants to try it (I won't, but if he wants...) there's a Technology Partner Program I've just recently discovered: that should be more focused on tech stuff - sort of there's an Adobe guy that directly supports you on specific projects ("How do I put this function in there so that the plug communicates with this other chunk of code?" and so on).
Of course it's a paid program, you can ask for info to the Technology Partners helpdesk, which is techpart at adobe dot com.
If you're willing to try, share with us what they say
Kind regards
Davide
UPDATE
========
You can find info on Technology Partner program here.
Three levels, Gold (7,495 USD), Silver (2.495 USD), Bronze (495 USD) - depending on the one you pick up, you've limited/unlimited support cases, software, training, etc.
Yes Mike, there are several partnership programs (with a bouquet of different offers/fees), starting from the Solution Parner Program to the Enterprise Developer Program (I know because I'm a former Solution Partner subscriber, in the times when Extension Builder wasn't for sale but only given as a benefit to Adobe partners - confusing times... ). These programs, imho, are halfway between technical and commercial.
What is - to my experience - "less true" is that Partners have access to updated documentation. There are extra resources, but the ones I've been exposed to are partner recordings, NDA meetings and marketing stuff (logos, copy, etc). I'm afraid the docs are just the ones we know.
If Colorguy wants to try it (I won't, but if he wants...) there's a Technology Partner Program I've just recently discovered: that should be more focused on tech stuff - sort of there's an Adobe guy that directly supports you on specific projects ("How do I put this function in there so that the plug communicates with this other chunk of code?" and so on).
Of course it's a paid program, you can ask for info to the Technology Partners helpdesk, which is techpart at adobe dot com.
If you're willing to try, share with us what they say
Kind regards
Davide
UPDATE
========
You can find info on Technology Partner program here.
Three levels, Gold (7,495 USD), Silver (2.495 USD), Bronze (495 USD) - depending on the one you pick up, you've limited/unlimited support cases, software, training, etc.