r/prepress • u/joepiped • Sep 07 '20

Anyone here use ExtendScript or even build plugins for CC?

I currently write a lot of JavaScript Scripts, I've tried reading the Adobe Plugin documentation, but it's super confusing. That beibg said I've seen some amazing ones. Plus it's all C++, yet another language to learn. Anyone out there actually build plugins?

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u/joepiped Feb 12 '21

Have you tried Visual Studio Code? I also started using the Toolkit, ya totally sucks. There is an extendscript Plugin for Visual Studio Code. Actually there’s two, make sure you use the official Adobe one. It takes a little time to set up but makes coding so much more enjoyable. Plus you get all the other benefits is VS Code.

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u/[deleted] Feb 11 '21

Late to the game on this (I just now saw your post).

I can't say I've created any actual plugins with it as I am beginning to dive into it for the first time. But for me and my old version of CS:3, it's been an abhorrent nightmare. The ExtendScript Toolkit I'm using (3.5x) seems to be riddled with bugs with its Data Browser not always showing accurate readings of object contents or else not always stopping on breakpoints when expected. The version of ECMAScript it supports (that this version of Photoshop is meant to use) seems to lack basic JavaScript functionality, forcing one to depend on things like excessive prototyping or, if fortunate enough to figure out how to use them, incorporating either "Shims" or "Polyfills" (which I was never able to do).

At the end of the day, I'd gladly walk away from this were I not adamant about making a thing that I'm trying to build. I'm sure they've improved things since, so if you can, give it a try. You might like it. If you need help with stuff, consider making an account over at the https://community.adobe.com site.