New Riders Publishing-a division of Macmillan Computer Publishing-is a publisher of books and CD-ROMs for computer graphics users. Tim Forcade and his company, Forcade Associates, has worked on numerous books and CD projects for publication by New Riders. Tim Forcade initiated the Plug-in Reference Project by proposing a visual reference book aimed at summarizing and demonstrating the use of all the known plug-in programs for 3D Studio-a 3D animation program in widespread use. These plug-ins were used to extend 3D Studio's capabilities by adding numerous special effects and utilities for artists and animators. At the time there wasn't even a complete list of these programs much less a concise guide to their use.

	Forcade Associates designed and produced a 300 page book and CD-ROM which references over 250 plug-in programs for use with 3D Studio.

Project Scope
We contracted with New Riders to design, and produce a 300 page, full color reference book and CD-ROM of sample animation and plug-ins. Using dealer, email, and developer channels worldwide, we located over 250 plug-in programs. Over a four month period, Forcade Associates reviewed and cataloged each candidate plug-in to verify its usability and to identify its salient features and tools.

These plug-ins ranged from simple image processing programs to animated dynamic motion simulators. Many of them had no user documentation and some provided no developer contact information. With the programs in hand we tested each by placing it in production and based on this experience, produced an illustrated entry for each plug-in. Each entry contains a written summary of the plug-in's essential characteristics and use. There is also a complete list of the plug-in parameters along with concise definitions for each. Illustrations include program dialogs and multiple images created by applying each plug-in.

	Forcade Associates designed and produced all the content for a 300 page book and CD-ROM which references over 250 plug-in programs for use with 3D Studio.