Extending the Elvis 5 functionality with plug-ins

The functionality of Elvis 5 Server and its client applications can be extended through the use of plug-ins. This makes it possible to schedule regularly occurring tasks in Elvis Server, or add buttons, menus or panels to the Basic Web client, Pro client and/or the Brand portal.

Plug-in types

Various types of plug-ins exist:

• Schedule plug-ins are automated server tasks that require no user interaction. They are typically used to:
• Integrate external systems in Elvis Server
• Import assets (including from other DAM systems)
• Export assets
• Move or delete assets based on metadata values

For more information, see Scheduling tasks in Elvis 5 with Schedule plug-ins.

• Action plug-ins are used for adding custom menus and buttons to the Pro client and/or Brand portal with which windows or tabs can be opened that contain specific features or integrations. Examples of using them include:
• Converting images or videos to a different format
• Creating approval workflows
• Searching external sources
• Printing assets on a contact sheet

For more information, see Adding custom functionality to Elvis 5 by using Action plug-ins.

Sample plug-ins

To get you started, various sample plug-ins are provided with Elvis Server. These show typical use cases such as an upload portal, a Web CMS integration, contact sheets, reports, and more.

For more information, see Elvis 5 sample plug-ins.

Installing and managing plug-ins

For information about installing and managing plug-ins, see Installing and managing plug-ins in Elvis 5.

Plug-in overview

All plug-ins are located in the <Elvis Config>/plugins folder (available after Elvis server is started for the first time). It contains several sub folders:

• active - all activated plug-ins
• active/internal - all default internal plug-ins
• disabled - all disabled plug-ins
• plugin_base - the shared plug-in code base
• samples - all default sample plug-ins

Document history

• 1 October 2018: Renamed from 'Elvis 5 plug-ins - introduction'.
• 1 October 2018: General re-write.