what is an action vs. plug in?

[lblongs]

I am lookin gat presets. plug ins and action sets.......and am confused by everything that's out there. What is the difference between them? I've heard many say they don't run many actions but do use alot of plug ins or presets.......help!

[OsmosisStudios]

A plugin is a software package that uses the Photoshop framework to run where as the actions, presets and so on are custom made photoshop files made USING photoshop that people are distributing.

[acedrew]

Presets are simple "maps of setting" you can apply to particular tools built into photoshop.
Actions are ways to automate common modifications to files, using mainly the built in tools of PS
Plug-Ins typicall extend the functionality of PS in a meaningful way, providing tools not available in PS otherwise or streamlining the process of applying certain modifications.

Andrew Rodgers
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