Many core features in InDesign are actually implemented through plug-ins. When you launch the application, you may notice the words Caching plug-ins on the InDesign startup screen ‚ this is when the plug-ins load. Structuring the software this way lets Adobe update or modify a finite area of the software, then distribute a new plug-in, instead of updating and distributing the entire application. Go to the Adobe Web site ( www.adobe.com ) periodically to look for both fixes and new plug-ins. There's also a directory of plug-ins at this book's companion Web site ( www.INDDcentral.com ).
The default plug-ins are stored in a folder called Plug-Ins inside your InDesign application folder. If you open the Plug-Ins folder, as shown in Figure 36-1, you'll notice the plug-ins have been consolidated into special-purpose folders such as Filters and Text. You should leave the default plug-ins alone, for the most part.
QuarkXPress User ‚ | QuarkXPress users might be accustomed to removing XTensions to reduce launch time and consume less RAM. Don't use this technique with InDesign. Many core features of the application ‚ such as the text handling ‚ are implemented through plug-ins, and the program may not work at all if you remove required plug-ins. |