In a hurry?

Here are four simple steps to adding your plugins to FL Studio:

1. Install the plugins: Download and install the plugin, ensuring you note down the installation path for later use.
2. Select an installation location: Go to Options > General > Manage Plugins to add and scan your plugin installation folder.
3. Scan for plugins in FL Studio: Locate your new plugin in the Plugin database under Installed > Effects > New for effects plugins or Installed > Generators > New for instrument plugins.
4. Add plugins to your “Favourites”: Right-click your plugin in the database and select Add to Favourites for quick access.

How to add plugins to FL Studio

1. Install the plugin

Before adding a plugin to FL Studio, you’ll need to install it on your computer. Most plugins come with an installer that guides you through the process. Simply download the plugin, run the installer, and follow the prompts. Make sure to note where the plugin is being installed, as you’ll need this location later.

For Windows users, VST plugins usually install to C:\Program Files\VSTPlugins by default, but you can choose a custom location if you prefer. For Mac users, plugins usually install to /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components but a custom location can also be selected. Once installed, the plugin will be ready to load into FL Studio.

2. Define a plugin location (Options > General > Manage Plugins)

After installation, you need to tell FL Studio where to find your new plugin(s). Open FL Studio, then go to Options > General Settings. Here, you’ll find the Manage Plugins button. Click on it to open the Plugin Manager.

In this window, you can add the folder where your plugin(s) were installed by clicking on Add Path. Navigate to the plugin’s installation directory and confirm. Once added, select Find Plugins to scan the directory. FL Studio will then locate and list all available plugins from that directory in its database.

3. Find your new plugin (Plugin database > Installed > Effects > New and Generators > New)

Once FL Studio has scanned for new plugins, you’ll need to locate it within the plugin database. Go to the Plugin database by opening the Browser on the left-hand side of the interface. Under Installed > Effects > New for effect plugins or Installed > Generators > New for instruments, you’ll see your newly installed plugin(s) listed here.

Your new plugin(s) should appear here. If it doesn’t, double-check the installation path and ensure it was scanned correctly in the Plugin Manager. Once located, you can load the plugin into your project by simply dragging it from the Plugin database into the FL Studio workspace.

4. Add plugins to your Favourites

To streamline your workflow, it’s helpful to add frequently used plugins to your Favourites. After locating your plugin in the database, right-click on it and select Add to plugin database (Favourites). This action places the plugin in a more accessible spot within FL Studio, making it quicker to find in future projects.

You can organise your Favourites by category, ensuring your go-to tools are always at your fingertips. This simple step can significantly speed up your music production process.

FAQs

How do I install plugins into FL Studio?

To install plugins into FL Studio, open the software and navigate to Manage Plugins by clicking Options > General > Manage Plugins. On the left, you can add plugin search paths. Add the location where you installed the plugin and hit Find Installed Plugins. Restart FL Studio for changes to take effect.

How do I add plugins to all tracks in FL Studio?

To add plugins to all tracks in FL Studio, highlight the desired Mixer Inserts using CTRL + SHIFT + LEFT-CLICK [HOLD]. Then from the Browser under Effects, drag your plugin onto a mixer insert. Confirm the pop-up message to apply the plugin to all selected tracks automatically.

How do I add kits to FL Studio?

To add drum kits to FL Studio, open the Browser tab, locate the Packs folder, and navigate to Drums and Samples. Drag the drum kit files into the Samples folder. Refresh the browser by right-clicking on Packs and selecting Refresh to make the new kit visible.

Final thoughts

Adding third-party plugins to FL Studio is a straightforward process – and a very important one!

Now that you know how to add plugins to FL Studio, you should be well on your way to shaping your sound, streamlining your workflow, and achieving better mixes. Whether you’re looking for unique effects or specialised instruments, third-party plugins open endless creative possibilities to take your productions to the next level. Happy producing!

For further reading, check out some of our other articles on studio production:

Hip-Hop Production – Our Tips For Making Hip-Hop Beats

What is EQ in Music? Here’s How to EQ Your Mix

The 42 Best Rick Rubin Songs