Hi Cathy,
Are we talking about using Layout plugin or content template of Views plugin?
It does need to create a theme file to integrate Layout plugin with your custom theme, but it is very simple, And it works in all area of your post/page
http://wp-types.com/documentation/user-guides/layouts-theme-integration-quick-start-guide/
There isn't extra PHP code needed for using content template of Views plugin, but it only works in the main content area of your page/post
http://wp-types.com/documentation/user-guides/view-templates/