Old Photoshop FIlter's Question

Question

I have several old plugins (8bf files) that I'm attempting to use with Photoshop CC.  I read that they needed to be in the 32bit plugins folder and that they would not show up at all in the 64bit, so I made sure that  was where I put them  However, when I launch Photoshop (either version) the plugin's don't show up.  Am I missing something?  I've gone through every menu and couldn't find anything that suggested a way to import them or even to point to a directory for them.  Any help would be much appreciated.

Answer 1

Unable to fathom why this hasn't been answered, I only came across it in looking for information on a .8bf filter set that I have installed for a few years and working which suddenly inexplicably fails to work crashing 32bit PS CC - note it is the same install I used in PS CS5 Extended. In fact, I uninstalled (removed completely) the filter now failing to work, shut down (cold start), booted up and checked the filter no longer appeared in 32bit PS CC, after ensuring it wasn't I shut the program and extracted the files from the zipped copy I have directly to the same folder location as before which was empty, opened 32bit PS CC again and it showed, attempts to use it once more failed with the same error as before. You should note though PS CS5 Extended uses the same file and I attempted to use it there after the latest failure, it functioned with no error.
Anyhow, your answer is here -
I made a folder on C Drive itself, (not in Program Files or 32 bit Program Files) I named the folder Plugins, inside it I put sub folders for every filter I install and install directly to them, I often leave a copy of the zip or extraction file (.exe) inside as well as its set up files or .8bf's. - You then have something akin to this ...... C:\Plugins\screen .... C:\Plugins\Redfield ..... C:\Plugins\MasterBlaster .... etc.
Set PS to locate this folder as an Additional Plug-Ins Folder location under "Edit .... Preferences ... Plug-Ins" inside PS itself, choosing this folder " C:\Plugins\ " using browse button if following my own example, select your own folder if you altered the location.
Note - Photoshop only offers one additional location for Plugins/Filters (other programs offer more).
The Advantages -
You can uninstall Photoshop and your plugins/filters remain installed (Takes time if you have many to install) Reinstall Photoshop and set the location again and your filters work.
You can access the filters using another program for graphics