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JuniorRamos29
JuniorRamos29
Known Participant
May 14, 2021
Answered

What's the diference between Template vs Extension vs Plugin?

  • May 14, 2021
  • 1 reply
  • 878 views

Are there any guidelines from Adobe of what we can call a template, extension, plugin, etc.?

 

If I have a package of scripts with some functionalities (e.g.: read a text file and generate all the keyframes and effects) that runs over a specific project, can I call the set package of scripts + project, an extension? I mean, can I sell it as an extension? Or this is just a template?

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Correct answer Roland Kahlenberg

Extensions are newer alternatives to Scripts and imply a UI which today, means the UI is a CEP which resides in Window>Extensions. So, if it's a CEP, then it's going to reside in Windows>Extensions. If it's a Script, then it's going to reside within the Window Menu and be called from there or via File>Run>Script.

We also have MoGRTs which is essentially a template file format. However, you can certainly design advanced features within a MoGRT that you will normally only find in Plugins, Scripts and CEPs.

1 reply

R
Community Expert
Rick GerardCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 15, 2021

A package of animation presets is just that, a package of animation presets. I have created a couple hundred of these that I should probably package up and sell. They would be worth a lot more if I turn them into scripts.

 

A plug-in is created using the free SDK. It should be reviewed by Adobe and thoroughly tested on multiple platforms. That requires a fairly extensive knowledge of coding and a bunch of volunteers for testing. If you are developing plug-ins it's a very good idea to also develop an installer.

 

Scripts are created using the extended script tool kit and can involve user interface panels are just run entirely in the background. They are usually access through the window menu. It's a lot easier to create scripts than it is to create a plug-in.

 

Extensions fall somewhere between scripts and plug-ins. 

A template is nothing more than an After Effects composition saved as a template. If you plan on selling them it's a real good idea to include some documentation and a list of third-party effects that may be required to complete the project.

 

I hope this helps.

 

JuniorRamos29
JuniorRamos29Author
Known Participant
May 15, 2021

Hi Rick. 
Thanks for the reply.

So, I developed a mini-app using extendscript and javascript.
Basically, there's a panel to load a portable game notation (PGN) for chess, and then it generates all the animation moves and other effects, based on the game notation.

Since it's not a single script, and I need to run javascript also, I'd like to use something like the CEP (or UXP) support under the extensions folder.
Could I call this kind of application an extension if it is made to run over a specific project with some pre-created compositions, and not with any project created by a user?

Roland Kahlenberg
Roland KahlenbergCorrect answer
Legend
May 15, 2021

Extensions are newer alternatives to Scripts and imply a UI which today, means the UI is a CEP which resides in Window>Extensions. So, if it's a CEP, then it's going to reside in Windows>Extensions. If it's a Script, then it's going to reside within the Window Menu and be called from there or via File>Run>Script.

We also have MoGRTs which is essentially a template file format. However, you can certainly design advanced features within a MoGRT that you will normally only find in Plugins, Scripts and CEPs.

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