Plug-in modules allow third-party image processing functions to be added into MaxIm DL. The modules use ASCOM-compatible (COM/ActiveX) interfaces exclusively. This allows for some exciting new possibilities, because the image processing functions that are built into MaxIm DL are available for use by the plug-in modules. The plug-in author can blend together existing functions with new code to quickly build a powerful processing function.
A partial listing of available plug-ins can be found at http://www.diffractionlimited.com/maxim_extras.php.
Installing plug-ins is very simple. The plug-in is supplied as a DLL file. Save the file on your hard drive (a handy place would be the MaxIm DL program directory). Then bring up the Plug-In menu Add/Remove Plug-Ins command. Click the Browse button to the DLL file, and double-click it. The plug-in will automatically be registered with Windows and added to the menu.
Writing plug-ins is surprisingly easy. Source code for a sample C#.NET plug-in has been included under the MaxIm DL program folder.
You will require a compiler for Microsoft Visual C#. Other languages such as VB.NET can also be used.