Opening a document from a different application

[i73]

Originally I wrote a C++ SDK plugin that would contain a external function that would open a document, the problem is I'm unable to pass or get the Photoshop memory address (Application) from a .dll for me to use sSPBasic suite, to open a document.

So I am looking for a way to do it with JS, I just need to open a document from C# OpenDocumentInPhotoshop("FilePath"). But I have a few questions, I have not used Javascript too much, so I don't know the limitations.

1. Would I be able to invoke a Open document function from C# either with command line or some other pipe?

2. Does PS treat scripts like plugins? Do they have to be triggered or can they be fired off anytime?

3. Does this sound possible?

[SuperMerlin · Accepted solution]

I haven't done much with c# but...

Basics  C sharp:-

dynamic app = Activator.CreateInstance(Type.GetTypeFromProgID("Photoshop.Application"));

app.Load(@"D:/pictures/fileName.jpg");

This is late binding so will select the latest version of Photoshop.

Yes you should be able to pass the file path via args.

[i73]

SuperMerlin, I spent 6 hours trying to pipe this in with c++ and all it took was you. Man I owe you a beer, thank you so much! Take care!!!

[i73]

SuperMerlin​ I have a follow up question for you, how did you end up getting the COM from Photoshop, was there documents on it?

Thanks again!

[SuperMerlin]

I,am not sure what you are asking here, using "Late Binding" dosen't use COM in the normal way, it is more akin to JavaScript so there is no auto completing of code and No Interop DLL is required.

It also only selects the latest version.

I.E:-

if (app.Documents.Count == 0) return;

MessageBox.Show(app.ActiveDocument.ActiveLayer.Name);

You can use script listen code with some slight modifcations ...

MessageBox.Show(isVis().ToString());

/// <summary>

        /// returns if active Layer is visible

        /// </summary>

        /// <returns></returns>

        static Boolean isVis()

        {

            dynamic app = Activator.CreateInstance(Type.GetTypeFromProgID("Photoshop.Application"));

            ps.ActionReference ref1 = new Photoshop.ActionReference();

            ref1.PutEnumerated(app.CharIDToTypeID("Lyr "), app.CharIDToTypeID("Ordn"), app.CharIDToTypeID("Trgt"));

            return app.ExecuteActionGet(ref1).GetBoolean(app.CharIDToTypeID("Vsbl"));

        }

Sorry if I have got it totally wrong.

Edit:- I have a couple of helper files to help with conversion from scriptListner to COM format or Late Binding format.

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