The function of a Plugin is to handle files from a Production (as well as their associated data) in order to apply processing.

There are two categories of Plugins:

1. Synchronous Plugins that automatically generate a result within seconds—such as AI tag calculation, GSClipping for background removal, etc.
2. Asynchronous Plugins that send files to an external service without waiting for an immediate response—such as an FTP transfer to an external partner, DSPP, etc.

In GS, Plugins appear in the file actions menu. They are easily recognized by the “Plugin: …” label (with the exception of the FTP Plugin, which bears the name assigned to the transfer):

The execution of a Plugin is indicated by a double arrow:

• The upward arrow, when blinking, indicates that the file is being transferred to the designated service.
• The upward arrow, when steady, indicates that the service has received the file.
• The downward arrow indicates that the service has returned its result to GS.

[[gsGoodToKnow title="Keep in mind"]]

Do not confuse Plugins, which process files within Productions, with Connectors that are connected to the GS account and manage the uploading of input data (Catalog, Logistics, creation and initialization of Productions, etc.) and the downloading of output data (Publication).

[[/gsGoodToKnow]]