How to Install Plugins in Reaper

To install plugins in Reaper, run the plugin’s installer (or copy the plugin file into a known folder), tell Reaper where that folder is in Preferences, rescan, and the plugin appears in the FX browser. This works for VST, VST3, AU on macOS, and Reaper’s built-in JS effects.

Knowing how to install plugins in Reaper unlocks third-party EQs, compressors, reverbs and instruments beyond Reaper’s stock set. Here is the reliable way to do it on both Windows and macOS.

Step 1: Run the plugin installer

Most commercial plugins ship with an installer. Run it and, when asked, note or set the VST install folder — write down that path. On Windows, plugins are typically .dll (VST2) or live in a VST3 folder. On macOS, formats include VST3 and AU (Audio Unit) components, which install to the system Components and VST3 folders automatically. Free plugins sometimes come as a loose file you copy yourself into your VST folder.

Step 2: Tell Reaper where your plugins live

Open Reaper’s Preferences and go to Plug-ins > VST. You will see a list of VST paths. Click Edit/Add path and make sure the folder where your plugins installed is in that list. If you keep your own VST2 plugins in a custom folder, add it here so Reaper knows to look there. AU plugins on macOS are found automatically from the system Components folder, so you usually do not add a path for them.

Step 3: Rescan so Reaper finds the new plugins

Still on the VST preferences page, click “Re-scan” (or “Clear cache/re-scan”). Reaper scans the folders and adds any new plugins it finds. A full clear-and-rescan helps if a plugin was updated or moved and is not showing up. Close Preferences when it finishes.

Step 4: Load the plugin on a track

Click the FX button on any track to open the FX chain, then click Add. Use the search box at the top of the plugin browser and type part of the plugin’s name. Filter by category (VST, VST3, AU, JS, Instruments) on the left if the list is long. Double-click the plugin to add it to the chain. The plugin’s interface opens so you can start dialling it in.

If you are loading EQ and compression, our primer on EQ and compression fundamentals helps you set them with intent rather than guessing.

If a plugin won’t appear

• Wrong architecture: a 32-bit-only plugin will not load in modern 64-bit Reaper. Use the 64-bit version.
• Path not added: the install folder is not in Reaper’s VST path list — add it and rescan.
• Format mismatch: on macOS, check whether you installed the VST3 or AU build and make sure the matching scan is enabled.
• Blocked scan: some plugins are slow to scan; let the scan finish fully before judging.

Once your effects are in, you might want to keep CPU under control on busy projects — see how to freeze tracks in a DAW. And if you are routing plugin-heavy reverbs and delays efficiently, setting up sends and returns in a DAW is worth a read.

Frequently asked questions

Does Reaper support VST3 and AU plugins?

Yes. Reaper supports VST2, VST3, and Reaper’s own JS effects on all platforms, plus AU (Audio Unit) plugins on macOS. Enable the formats you use in the Plug-ins preferences and rescan.

Where should I install plugins so Reaper finds them?

Install to the standard VST3 folder (handled by most installers) or to a custom VST2 folder that you have added to Reaper’s VST path list. After installing, run a re-scan in Preferences > Plug-ins > VST.

Why does my new plugin not show up after installing?

Usually the folder is not in Reaper’s path list, you need to rescan, or the plugin format is not enabled. Confirm the path, run a clear-cache rescan, and check you installed the 64-bit build.