Chapter 36: Using Plug-Ins

Overview

The InDesign team engineered the software to be extensible ‚ meaning you can extend its capabilities by adding more software. To do this, you use plug-ins, which are small software modules, often developed by third parties. If you're a Photoshop user, you might be familiar with plug-ins such as Kai's Power Tools; or if you're a QuarkXPress user , you're probably familiar with the concept of add-on software through XTensions. Even if you're new to publishing, you may have purchased add-on software for your operating system, such as a custom screen saver or virus-protection software.

Extensible programs solve the one- size -fits-all nature of most software, letting you customize your tools to your workflow. If InDesign doesn't meet a need of yours ‚ say, indexing, table editing, or imposition ‚ you can look for a plug-in that does.