Learn PlugPane

Learn how to use PlugPane to scan, organize, and manage your audio plugins. From installation to advanced features, we'll walk you through everything you need to know.

Getting Started

1. Installation

Download the appropriate version for your Mac:

  • macOS Silicon (ARM) for M1/M2/M3 Macs
  • macOS Intel for older Intel-based Macs

After downloading the DMG, open it and drag PlugPane to your Applications folder. PlugPane is fully signed by Apple, so it will install without any security prompts.

2. First Scan

When you first launch PlugPane, it will automatically scan your Mac for audio plugins. This process typically takes a few minutes depending on the size of your plugin collection.

PlugPane scans these standard locations:

  • /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/ (Audio Units)
  • /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/ (VST2)
  • /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/ (VST3)
  • ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/ (User plugins)

Main Features

Plugin Management

Once the scan is complete, you'll see your entire plugin collection in the main interface. Here's what you can do:

Enable/Disable Plugins

Click the toggle next to any plugin to enable or disable it. Disabled plugins are renamed with a ".disabled" suffix, preventing them from loading in your DAW.

Move Plugins

Drag and drop plugins between folders to organize them. Create custom folders for different types of plugins or projects.

Add Tags

Right-click any plugin and select "Add Tags" to categorize your plugins. Use tags like "Mixing", "Mastering", "Synths", or any custom categories you need.

Database Matching

PlugPane automatically matches your plugins against our database of 50,000+ plugins. This provides:

  • Plugin pricing information
  • Detailed descriptions
  • Manufacturer website links
  • Plugin type and category

To enable database matching, click the "Match Database" button in the toolbar. The process runs in the background and may take a few minutes.

Finding Duplicates

Use the Duplicates Finder to identify redundant plugin installations:

  1. Click "Find Duplicates" in the toolbar
  2. Choose your matching criteria (name, manufacturer, or bundle ID)
  3. Review the detected duplicates
  4. Select which versions to keep or remove

The duplicates finder shows you exactly how much space each duplicate group is using, helping you free up disk space.

Disk Usage Analytics

The Disk Usage tab provides insights into your plugin collection's storage footprint:

  • View total storage used by plugins
  • See breakdown by format (AU, VST, VST3)
  • Identify your largest plugins
  • Track storage usage over time

This helps you make informed decisions about which plugins to keep or archive.

Tips & Tricks

Organization Best Practices

  • •Create folders for different plugin types (e.g., EQs, Compressors, Reverbs)
  • •Use tags to mark plugins by project or client
  • •Disable plugins you rarely use to improve DAW startup time
  • •Regularly run the duplicates finder to keep your collection clean

Troubleshooting

  • •If a plugin doesn't appear, try rescanning from File → Rescan
  • •Check plugin permissions if you can't enable/disable plugins
  • •For plugins not in the database, you can manually add information
  • •Always backup your plugin folders before making major changes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PlugPane safe to use with my plugins?

Yes. PlugPane only renames, moves, or disables plugins - it never modifies the plugin files themselves. All operations are reversible, and we recommend backing up your plugin folders before making major changes.

Does PlugPane work with all DAWs?

PlugPane works with any DAW that supports AU, VST, or VST3 plugins on macOS. This includes Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Cubase, Reaper, and most other major DAWs.

How often is the plugin database updated?

The plugin database is updated regularly with new releases and pricing information. PlugPane automatically checks for database updates when matching plugins.

Can I use PlugPane on multiple Macs?

Yes, you can install PlugPane on as many Macs as you own. Each installation will scan and manage the plugins on that specific machine.