How to Install Plugins in FL Studio (Step by Step)
June 22, 2026 · shonci · 1 min read
Installing a plugin in FL Studio is easy: put the plugin on your computer, then tell FL Studio to scan for it. Here is exactly how:
1. Install the plugin file
Most plugins come as an installer (.exe on Windows, .pkg on Mac). Run it and it drops the plugin into the standard folder.
If you instead got a raw .vst3 file, put it in:
VST3
- Windows:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3 - macOS:
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3
AU
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/
CLAP
- Windows -
C:\Program Files\Common Files\CLAP - macOS -
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/CLAP
FL Studio reads VST3 from those folders by default.
2. Scan for it in FL Studio
- In the top left, click Options → Manage plugins.
- Click Find installed plugins at the top left. FL Studio scans and lists anything new.
If something does not show up, tick Verify plugins and scan again for a thorough rescan.
You can also check Plugin search paths, where the folders above should be listed. Use Add path if it is not.
