Let's talk about Plug-Ins... ...and AddOns

Frequently Asked Questions regarding XnView (including Answers)

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helmut
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Let's talk about Plug-Ins... ...and AddOns

Post by helmut »

Plug-Ins provide add-on functionality to a program. In context of XnView plug-ins are basidcally used for reading and writing specific file formats. Information about the various plug-ins for XnView appears below.

What are Plug-Ins for?
Plug-Ins are extensions to an existing program. They can add specific, well-defined funtionality to a program.
For XnView there are basically three types of plug-ins:

1 - XnView Plug-Ins
Most of the XnView Plug-Ins will add support for a specific file format (e.g., "Xjp2.dll" for JPG2000 support). Most file formats are built into XnView and no plug-in is needed, but you will need a plug-in for some file formats (e.g. JPG2000). So if the list of XnView's formats claims that a certain format is supported but it does not work on your computer, look at the list again to see whether a specific plug-in is needed. Some plug-ins provide read support for a particular file extension but not write support, others provide both read and write support. The text file "pugins.txt" which is located in the XnView program directory contains a short description of each XnView plugin.

2 - Adobe 8BF Plug-Ins
The Adobe 8BF Plug-Ins are a special type of plug-in that will add new filters and effects to XnView. The Adobe 8BF plug-ins are further discussed in separate FAQ "Integrating Adobe filters".

3 - Extra Plug-ins
XnView has an open plug-in interface which allows any developer to write a plug-in and add functionality to XnView, e.g., support for SWF files. These plug-ins are called Extra plug-ins. You will find more info on the Extra plugins in the topic "Extra Plugins"

Which plug-ins are installed?
It's easy to find out which plug-ins are installed on your computer. In the "Plug-Ins Information" dialog, you will see the list of plug-ins recognized by XnView and the name of the plug-ins folder:
1.) Start XnView
2.) Open menu "Info > Plug-Ins-Information"

Where are the plug-ins located?
The plug-ins are single files. Most of the XnView plug-ins come in DLL libraries and are located in the sub folder "PlugIns" in the program directory of XnView. So typically plug-ins are in "C:\Program Files\XnView\PlugIns". XnView displays the name of the plug-ins folder in the dialog "Plug-Ins-Information", see previous section for more info.

Where do I get plug-ins from?
The XnView plug-ins are provided by the author of XnView and are available on the XnView download page. And topic "Addons/Plugins/..." provides a complete list. But please read on before searching and downloading plug-ins.

XnView comes in various packages (Minimal, Standard, Complete).
- In the Minimal package, no plug-ins are included.
- In the Standard package, plug-ins for JPG 2000 and MPEG (first frame) are included.
- In the Complete package, all plug-ins available are included.

The next section describes how to add additional plug-ins to an existing installation - in case you have downloaded minimal or standard package of XnView.

How can I add a plug-in?
If you have downloaded and installed the complete package, you have all the plug-ins already (see above).

If you have downloaded and installed the minimal or standard package and installed, already and now want to add additional plug-ins, that's easy. From the XnView Download page, download the Plugins v1.80 Setup. Execute the setup to install the plug-ins.

There's also a ZIP archive available. You have to unzip the files to the XnView program directory to "install" the plugins.

XnView loads available plug-ins at startup, so you will have to restart XnView after installing the plug-ins (It's recommended to close any running programs before installing new software.)

Removing specific plug-ins
As we know by now, plug-ins are single files that add specific functionality. You can add plug-ins by simply placing these in the PlugIns directory. The same applies for removing: If you will never use JPG2000 for reading and writing files, you can remove the appropriate plug-in. This will speed up XnView a bit when starting. Rather than removing the plug-ins it's recommended to rename them (e.g., from xxx.dll to xxx.dl$) so that the extension is no longer ".dll").

Trouble Shooting :bugconfirmed: :bug: :bugfixed:
  • Use XnView's Plug-Ins Information to verify whether plug-ins/add-ons are installed properly (see section 'Which plug-ins are installed?' above)
  • If a Plug-In is not recognized by XnView, typically the plug-in files are not in the correct directory. Double-check that plug-in files have been unpacked in the subfolder "Plugins".
  • XnView loads available plug-ins and AddOns at startup, make sure that you exit and restart XnView after installing the AddOns or Plug-Ins.
Related topics
- Addons/Plugins/...
- "Extra Plugins"
- What is needed for a minimal installation?
- Integrating Adobe filters
- Plugins not recognized after unzipping in Plugins director
User avatar
helmut
Posts: 8705
Joined: Sun Oct 12, 2003 6:47 pm
Location: Frankfurt, Germany

Re: Let's talk about Plug-Ins

Post by helmut »

A longer time ago AddOns have become available for XnView. AddOns are very much like plug-ins, typically they add a new functionality with new dialogs to XnView. E.g. ZIP archive support or FTP upload are two examples.

Which AddOns are installed?
In the "Plug-Ins and AddOns Information" dialog, you will see the list of plug-ins recognized by XnView and the name of the plug-ins folder:
1.) Start XnView
2.) Open menu "Info > Plug-Ins-Information". You will see the list of installed plug-ins.
3.) Select "Addons" in the drop downlist to list all installed AddOns.

Where are the AddOns located?
The AddOns consist of one or multiple files. All AddOns must be stored in the AddOn subfolder, e.g. "C:\Program Files\XnView\AddOn". If installed properly, XnView will list the AddOn in the dialog "Plug-Ins-Information", see previous section.

Where do I get AddOns from?
PlugIns and AddOns are available on the XnView download page. And topic "Addons/Plugins/..." provides a complete list.

XnView loads available plug-ins and AddOns at startup, so you will have to restart XnView after installing the AddOn (It's recommended to close any running programs before installing new software.).


Trouble shooting for AddOns
  • Check the points in the above trouble shooting for PlugIns.
  • Make sure you create a subfolder "AddOn" and unpack the AddOn files into this subfolder. Please note that the folder name is "AddOn", there's no plural "s" in the folder name.
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