how to install audio plugins.

before you install.

Nowadays, most audio plugins come with installers, or the developer may include their own download manager. If your plugin includes one, use that first.

If your plugin only includes the individual files like name.vst3 or name.component, here is how to install it manually.

installing plugins on mac.

On Mac, most producers use either AU plugins, VST3 plugins, or both. Copy each file type into its matching folder.

1. Quit your DAW. Close Logic, Ableton, FL Studio, Reaper, or any other DAW before moving plugin files.
2. Open the Library folder. Click Finder, then click Go at the top of your screen. Hold Option on your keyboard and Library will show up in the menu. Click Library, then open Audio / Plug-Ins.
3. Copy the VST3 file. If your plugin includes a NAME.vst3 file, copy and paste it into the VST3 folder.
4. Copy the AU file. If your plugin includes a NAME.component file, copy and paste it into the Components folder.
5. Reopen your DAW. Most DAWs will refresh the plugin list automatically when they reopen. If the plugin does not show up, rescan your plugins.

installing plugins on windows.

On Windows, place the plugin file inside the folder that matches the plugin format. VST3 files and older VST .dll files do not go in the same folder.

1. Quit your DAW. Close your DAW before copying the plugin file.
2. Copy the VST3 file. Copy and paste the NAME.vst3 file into C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3.
3. Copy the .dll file If your plugin includes an older NAME.dll file, copy and paste it into the VST folder, usually
   C:\Program Files\VSTPlugins.
4. Reopen your DAW. Your DAW may detect the plugin automatically. If it does not appear, rescan your plugins inside the DAW.

how to rescan plugins.

If reopening your DAW does not refresh the plugin list, use the plugin rescan option inside your DAW.

• Logic Pro: Go to Logic Pro > Settings > Plug-in Manager, select the plugin, then click Reset & Rescan Selection.
• Ableton Live: Go to Settings > Plug-Ins, then click Rescan. If needed, turn VST3 off and back on, then rescan again.
• Reaper: Go to Options > Preferences > Plug-ins > VST, then click Re-scan or Clear cache/re-scan.
• FL Studio: Go to Options > Manage plugins, then click Find installed plugins.

get more plugins.

Download free AngelicVibes plugins or browse our full collection of audio plugins for producers.