Add macOS Core Image Filters as Native Object Effects in InDesign (e.g., Vibrancy, Gaussian Blur, Glass Distortion)
Please add support for macOS Core Image filters (e.g., CIGaussianBlur, CIVibrancy, CIBloom, CIGlassDistortion) as native, real-time object effects within InDesign. These filters are already GPU-accelerated and supported natively by macOS. Tapping into this framework would allow InDesign to offer real-time visual effects like frosted glass, material-style blurs, and ambient glow — without the need to pre-render images in Photoshop.
For designers: Effects like vibrancy, translucency, blur, and light diffusion are increasingly common in modern design — not just in UI/UX, but in packaging, promotional layouts, and publication work. These are time-consuming to fake using raster-based workarounds. Having real-time effects within InDesign (or even Photoshop & Illustrator) frames or shapes would be a massive quality-of-life improvement.
For Mac users: Apple has long provided a robust framework (Core Image + Metal rendering) for these effects. Designers on macOS could benefit from faster rendering, live previews, and native integration — leveraging Apple's hardware acceleration and aesthetic standard directly.
For Adobe: Rather than custom-building each new visual effect, Adobe could hook into macOS’s Core Image pipeline. That means:
• Faster development cycle for new effects.
• Free, ongoing updates as Apple adds new filters (via OS updates).
• Exclusive or enhanced functionality for Creative Cloud Mac users — strengthening Adobe’s value proposition on macOS hardware.
This could work by including a new "macOS Core Effects" section in the Object Effects dialog.
Only visible when running InDesign (or illustrator/photoshop) on macOS (gracefully hidden or disabled on Windows).
Non-destructive, toggleable effects (like Drop Shadow or Inner Glow).
Optionally rasterized on export or flattening for cross-platform compatibility.
This would create parity with Photoshop’s Smart Filters and Illustrator’s Appearance Panel but inside InDesign, and could expand the offerings within those other apps as well.
Supports modern visual aesthetics like glassmorphism and dynamic lighting.
Offers Mac-based design professionals more power, speed, and consistency without disrupting automation-heavy workflows (e.g., EasyCatalog, print pipelines).
This feature would modernize InDesign’s effects toolkit, provide Adobe a scalable way to deliver more effects over time, and strengthen Adobe's integration with Apple’s hardware and OS capabilities. It’s a small change with high-impact potential.
Thank you for your consideration!