Combination file format and filter plug-in?

[_Grit_O_Brien_]

I am working with a file format plug-in. After reading in an image, I want to apply a filter to it. Is it possible to apply the filter from within the file format plug-in?

Alternatively, is there a means by which one plug-in can start another plug-in?

[Tom Ruark]

You will need to control this all via an automation plug-in. You will need three plug-ins.

1. The automation plug-in (AMP) will be a listener plug-in and 'listen' for eventOpen with your file format as the class. These needs to happen at Photoshop launch. (See Listener example)

2. User will open your file and your file format plug-in will run.

3. Your AMP will get called with the 'eventOpen' 'classMyPlugIn' or whatever you set up.

4. AMP will now call your filter plug-in.

[_Grit_O_Brien_]

Thanks, I now have this running with my automation plug-in 'listening' for eventOpen. But I'm not clear on how to specify my file format as the class. Do you know of any documentation or samplecode that explains this?

[Tom Ruark]

You will need to look at the eventOpen descriptor for your class. Check out SimpleFormat example to see how it is seen during the eventOpen.

[_Grit_O_Brien_]

Thanks again! My automation plugin is now up and running smoothly.

One last question: what is the easiest/preferred way of sending user data from one plug-in to another? What type event? In my case, I want to send user data from my file format plugin, to my listener plugin.

[Tom Ruark]

Whatever you put in your file format descriptor should be seen in your listener plug-in. use the listener example and make sure it is picking up your file format plug-in.