If you are using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAWs) for the first time, you are probably wondering how to install VST plugins.
But before we get to that, let’s quickly explain what a VST plugin is.
A Virtual Studio Technology plugin, or VST, is software that can be “plugged into” existing DAW programs. This gives you access to extra sounds, effects, and features not found in the original software.
VSTs allow you to create practically any sound you can think of and are a great way of leveling up your music production abilities.
In this article, we’ll explain how to install VST plugins in your DAW.
Specifically, we’ll cover:
- The different types of VSTs
- Important pre-installation steps
- The difference between installing VSTs on Windows vs. macOS
- Step-by-step instructions to install VSTs
- Instructions for a few of the most popular DAWs.
Let’s get straight into it!
Types of VST Plugins
VST Instruments
Sometimes called a VSTi, an instrument VST plugin generates sounds. It can emulate various real-world instruments within your digital workspace or synthesize sounds using a completely original DSP algorithm.
It can also use sampling to let you access a virtual guitar, piano, or drum kit in your digital audio workstation.
VST Effects
Effects VSTs let you alter audio in some way. This is achieved through interacting with the DSP of the audio to achieve a specific effect. Some examples of popular effects include reverb, chorus, compression, and EQ.
Often, your DAW will come with a few built-in effects, but these can be pretty limited.
MIDI Effects
VST MIDI plugins interact with MIDI data in some way, either independently or alongside other VSTs.
Usually, they perform tasks such as transposing or arpeggiating. VSTs are especially useful for improving the “artificial” sound that MIDI audio sometimes has and making it sound more natural.
VST plugin Pre-Installation Process
Choosing the Right VST Plugin
This really depends on your specific needs.
Generally, free plugins tend to receive fewer updates and support patches, meaning they may break as your DAW is updated.
This isn’t a rule, and there are many high-quality freeware plugins out there, but keep in mind that not all free VSTs are maintained as their commercial counterpart.
To find the right plugin, you should experiment to find the ones you like best.
System Requirements for Installing VST Plugins
Most popular DAWs support VSTs.
However, your hardware may limit which plugins you’re able to use. They can be pretty demanding on your computer, depending on what they do.
Most plugins will specify their system requirements on their download page.
Where to Download VST Plugins
There are plenty of places you can get VST plugins online. However, when downloading anything from the internet, you put yourself at risk of viruses.
Ensure that you only download files from trusted sites. You should also use antivirus software to scan any files you download before activating or installing them.
If you’re worried, here are some trusted developer and seller websites where you can access VSTs:
- XLN Audio
- Native Instruments
- Plugin Boutique
- Spitfire Audio
- Plugin Alliance
- Waves
- Valhalla
- iZotope
How to Install VST Plugins on Different Operating Systems
When you install a VST plugin, it will typically be placed in a dedicated VST folder on your computer’s hard drive.
This is the folder that your DAW will scan to find new plugins. You can use the same folder for several DAWs.
If you’re using an automatic plugin installer, ensure that the destination folder is designated in your DAW’s settings.
VST plugin file extensions
You can recognize different plugin formats by their file extensions. Plugins typically use one of the following extensions:
- .vst
- .au
- .vst3
- .dll
Installing VST Plugins on Windows
Automatic Installation Process
This is the easiest way to install VST plugins, but it is only available if they come with an installer.
If they do, all you need to do is double-click the installer to open it and then follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure to pay attention to the install location of the plugin and note this down.
Some plugin installers will extract the plugin to a folder that DAWs won’t detect by default. In this case, you must point your DAW to the correct folder.
Manual Installation Process
If your VST doesn’t have an installer, don’t panic! It’s still pretty easy to install.
All you need to do is place your VST into the dedicated VST plugins folder on your machine. On Windows, these are usually found in the following locations:
- Program Files\VSTPlugins
- Program Files\Steinberg\VSTPlugins
- Program Files\Common Files\VST 2
- Program Files\Common Files\Steinberg\VST2
- Program Files (x86)\Steinberg\VSTPlugins
- Program Files\Common Files\VST3
- Program Files (x86)\Common Files\VST3
- Program Files\Common Files\Steinberg\Shared Components
Remember that these folders will only show up if you’ve previously run your DAW. If you still can’t find any of them, you may need to make a folder yourself. Just name it “VST” and place it somewhere you’ll remember.
Installing VST Plugins on macOS
Standard Installation Process
This process is the same as on Windows machines and is still only available if the VST comes with an installer.
Just double-click the installer and follow its instructions. Take note of the installation location.
Manual Installation Process
On macOS, the default VST folders are found in the following locations:
- Library\Audio\Plug-Ins\VST
- Library\Audio\Plug-Ins\VST3
- Library\Audio\Plug-Ins\Components
Sometimes, the folder might end up in the <user> folder, which is invisible to the user by default. Ableton has a handy guide for accessing these folders if needed.
Configuring Your DAW to Recognize VST Plugins
How to Add VST Plugins to DAWs: Step by Step
Locate VST Plugin Folder
This should be easy if you used an installer and noted it down.
If not, you must search the above locations or create your own. When you do, note down the file path.
Copy or Install Plugin Files
Either use the installer or copy the plugin files into your dedicated folder. Make sure only to copy the actual plugin itself. It should have one of the file extensions we listed above.
Open DAW Preferences / Settings
Start up your DAW and open the preferences or settings menu. Inside this, there will be a Plugin Manager or Plugin section.
Specify VST Plugin Folder
Inside the plugin manager, you’ll find a list of file locations, where the DAW searches by default to find new plugins.
If your plugin folder is already here, you don’t need to do anything. If it isn’t, you should add it using the file address you noted down earlier.
Rescan for New Plugins
Find the “scan” or “rescan” button in your DAW.
It will start checking the files you specified for any new plugins. This could take a little while, so be patient.
Load the VST Plugins
Once the scan is done, your plugin should appear in the list. If it doesn’t, you might need to try restarting your DAW.
Next, click on the enable button or the checkbox next to your new plugin.
Configure Plugin Settings as Needed
Depending on the plugin, it may pop up with a setting window when you enable it. This allows you to change certain functions of the plugin as desired.
Use the Plugin in Your Project
Now, your plugin is installed! Simply add an instrument or effect track and select your new plugin from the menu.
You can now adjust your plugin parameters using the menus like any other instrument or effect.
Adding VST Plugins in Popular DAWs
Installing VST plugins in Pro Tools
Pro Tools works with the AAX version of plugins, so if your plugin gives you an option, choose this format.
Once your plugin is installed in the right folder, you can access it in a new session.
Just make a new track (mono or stereo both work fine), then go to the Mix window. Here, find the track mixer and click the first insert slot under Inserts A-E. A dropdown will appear.
Inside this, select Plug-In and then choose your new plugin from the list.
Installing VST plugins in Ableton Live
To change the plugin folder in Ableton Live, go to Options > Preferences > Plug-Ins > Plugin Sources. If you’re using version 10.1 or earlier, go to Options > Preferences > File / Folder > Plug-In Sources.
Then, change the VST2 and VST3 custom folder buttons to “On.” Now you can hit the Browse button to select a custom folder as needed.
Now you can scan for new plugins. Once this is done, they’ll be available in the program.
Installing VST plugins in FL Studio
To add a custom folder to FL Studio, go to Options > Manage Plugins. This will open the Plugin Manager.
On the left, you’ll see the Plugin Search Paths menu. If your folder is already here, you don’t need to change anything. Otherwise, hit the little folder + button in the top left. This will let you specify a new folder.
Once this is done, hit the Find More Plugins button. This will start the scan. When it’s finished, your plugin will be available in the main list of instruments and effects.
Installing VST plugins in Logic Pro X
Once you’ve added your plugin to the correct folder, Logic Pro X should detect this automatically on startup and bring up the AU Plugin Manager.
If your new plugin is an instrument, go to Add Tracks and select it from the list.
If the plugin is an effect, go to the Audio FX button on the Channel Strip, and find the Audio Units dropdown menu. From here, select your plugin.
Installing VST plugins in Cubase
The program will automatically scan any installed plugins from its default paths.
If you need to change to a custom folder, you can do this by going to the Studio menu, then to VST Plug-In Manager. In this window, click the cog icon on the bottom left, then hit the + icon. Now you can select your custom folder.
To start scanning, hit the Refresh button next to the search bar.
Now, you can load plugins from the Mix Console window, the same as any other instrument or effect.
Summary
VSTs open up an incredible amount of new possibilities for your music production.
The internet has an endless ocean of great plugins available, covering practically every instrument, effect, or function you could possibly need. Once you learn to use VST plugins, we’re sure you’ll come to love them as we do.
Hopefully, this article has given you the steps you need to start that journey!