While Adobe does provide an all-inclusive solution for photo editing and digital graphics work it also supports the use of software programs designed to add additional features to Photoshop.
These software programs are usually called plug-ins. They are available from Adobe as well as other third party software companies.
Several special effects plug-ins come preinstalled with Photoshop and are automatically available inside the Photoshop plug-ins folder.
Photoshop tutorials like Photoshop Fast Track can teach you how to find new plug-ins and install them to Photoshop.
Photoshop plug-ins allow you to actually add the features available in other photo editing programs to Photoshop without having to open and use the other program.
You can find Photoshop plug-ins that allow you to use various filters for the purpose of special effects or tint or tonal adjustments.
These plug-ins work just like the filters you can purchase to add to your camera lens. You can find plug-ins that will turn your photo to black and white, increase or decrease contrast, soften details, enrich black tones, increase or decrease saturation, restore details or make an...