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Install a VST3 or AU, and find it.

Quit your DAW, put the plugin in the standard folder for your system (or run its installer), then reopen the DAW and rescan. If it still doesn't show up, it's almost always a folder your DAW doesn't scan or a rescan that didn't run.

4 min read

In this guide

How to install a VST3 or AU plugin and get your DAW to see it

  1. Where plugins go
  2. Rescan in your DAW
  3. Still not showing up?
  4. Installing the Sidechain Player
  5. Questions

Where plugins go

System and formatFolder
Mac, VST3/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3
Mac, AU (Logic, GarageBand)/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components
Windows, VST3C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3

On Windows, C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3 is the folder FL Studio and most DAWs scan. A VST3 there can be a single file or a folder ending in .vst3: copy the whole folder.

Rescan in your DAW

  1. FL StudioOptions, Manage plugins, then Find more plugins. Make sure the VST3 folder above is in the list of folders.
  2. Ableton LiveSettings, Plug-Ins. Turn on Use VST3 Plug-In System Folders, then Rescan.
  3. Logic Pro and GarageBandThey use the AU version (.component). Open the Plug-in Manager, select the plugin and choose Reset & Rescan Selection.
  4. ReaperPreferences, Plug-ins, VST, then rescan.
  5. Studio OneOptions, Locations, VST Plug-ins.
  6. Cubase and BitwigCubase: the Plug-in Manager. Bitwig: Settings, Locations.

Still not showing up?

  • Quit and reopen the DAW after installing. Many DAWs only scan at startup.
  • Check it's a 64-bit DAW. Current plugins are 64-bit only.
  • Check the format: Logic and GarageBand need AU; FL Studio, Ableton and most others use VST3.
  • Pro Tools only loads AAX, so VST3 and AU plugins won't appear in it.
  • On a Mac, check you put it in the main /Library folder, not a user Library or Downloads.

Installing the Sidechain Player

  1. MacRun the installer, or drag Sidechain Player.vst3 into /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3 and Sidechain Player.component into /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components. Apple Silicon and Intel, macOS 11 or newer.
  2. WindowsRun the installer (.msi), or copy the Sidechain Player.vst3 folder into C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3. Windows 10 (version 1809) or Windows 11, 64-bit.
  3. Sign inPut Sidechain Player on a track. It shows a short code. Open sidechain.studio/player/link on any device, sign in and confirm the code. Everything you made or bought shows up in the Player.

Make your own

Describe it in one line.

“clean vocal: gentle tune, de-essed, warm compression and a short 1/8 delay”

Make this one

Questions

Asked a lot.

Same idea, different format. VST3 works in almost every DAW on Mac and Windows. AU is Apple's format, used by Logic Pro and GarageBand.

Pro Tools only loads AAX plugins. VST3 and AU plugins won't appear in it.

Only after installing something new. Some DAWs scan automatically at startup; others need you to press rescan.

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