Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install VST Plugins in FL Studio
So you’ve downloaded FL STudio and got your head around the basics (probably from watching our superb FL Studio tutorials right?), but you’re ready to take things to the next level and learn how to install plugins in FL STudio.
In this article
- What are VST plugins?
- Plugins Compatible with FL Studio
- How to find all plugins in FL Studio?
- Plugin installation and folder location
- Adding New Plugins to FL Studio
- Manage Your Plugins
- 5 must-have plugins for FL Studio
- FL Studio courses by Sonic Academy
What are VST plugins?
But before we dive into how to add plugins to FL Studio, let’s find out what VST Plugins actually are. VST plugins are virtual instruments that you can insert into a track in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). They come in many different shapes and sizes, some of the best VST plugins emulate hardware like the classic Korg and Moog synthesizers, while others forge their own unique fields. They allow producers to create a wide range of amazing sounds from lead lines and chord sequences to basslines, weird FX, mastering, and everything in between. But before we show you how to install a VST in FL Studio, let’s have a look at which VSTs are compatible.
Plugins Compatible with FL Studio
Before you learn how to add plugins to fl studio, there are a few different formats that you have to think about. The main formats you’ll come across are VST, Audi Unit (AU) and AXX. We can discount AXX straight away, as they are plug in formats that only work with Avid’s ProTools, but FL Studio can install both VST and AU plugins. That said, AU plugins are only for Apple computers, whereas VST are for both Mac and Windows operating systems. To be honest, it isn’t something that should really worry you too much, as a vast majority of the plug in developers will create both VST and AU versions of their plugins. You will come across the same compatibility issues whether you install VSTs in Ableton, Cubase or any other DAW too. So before we have a look at how to put plugins in FL Studio, let’s have a look at the different bit versions, and why you would use them.
Plugin Bit Versions: 32-bit vs 64-bit.
Many plugins can have different bit versions, which is essential to think about before you learn how to add plugins to FL Studio. The main difference between 32-bit and 64-bit audio plugins is how much computer memory they can use. Imagine your plugin is a worker in a factory. A 32-bit plugin is like a worker who can only use a small toolbox, so there’s a limit to how much work they can do at once. This can make things slow or limited, especially if you’re working on a big project with lots of sounds and effects.
On the other hand, a 64-bit plugin is like a worker with a huge toolbox. They can use a lot more tools at the same time, which means they can handle bigger projects, more sounds, and more effects without running into problems. This makes your music-making smoother and lets you be more creative without worrying about your computer slowing down or crashing. So that’s bit versions sorted, next up in our how to install plugins in FL Studio guide, we look at plug in formats.
Plugin Formats
As we touched on above there are three main plugin formats, VST, AU and AXX, but FL Studio will work with both VST and AU, with AU only being available on the Mac versions of the software, but don’t worry, if you are planning to install plugins in FL Studio, developers worth their salt will have both VST and AU options with their plugins. The next step is to find out how to download and put plugins in FL Studio.
Download Plugins
If you’re going to learn how to add plugins to fl studio, you first need to find some you want to download. Obviously the first place you should look is at our own first class plug ins, including the award winning AVA Synth, and the game changing Kick. Once you find one you are interested in using, you then need to follow the instructions on each provider’s websites, to download the installer for the VST. For example, on our site,, once you purchase a VST it will appear in the “My Downloads” section, where you can download the software ready to install the plugins in fl studio. Just make sure you check out the instructions for each software developer, as they can differ from site to site. So as soon as you know how to install a VST in FL Studio, get online and find some that suit your production style, there’s literally thousands out there.
How to find all plugins in FL Studio?
Once you have download your plugins of choice, you don’t need to worry about where to install plugins in fl studio, as the default installer for all your plugins will automatically place the installed plugins in a location that FL Studio can find them, so each time you open your plugins will be there. Once in FL Studio your plugins will be located in the Plugin Database. So after you learn how to download and install a VST in FL Studio, the DAW handles the rest.
Plugin installation and folder location
But before that you need to know how to install plugin VSTs in FL Studio. Well that’s the easy part, simply download a VST plugin you’d like to use and double click on the installer file you’ve downloaded. Once that has opened, the installer will guide you through the steps required to complete the install. If you already know how to add plugins to Ableton Live or any other DAW, this process is no different.
As we mentioned above the plug-ins will then be automatically stored in a folder on your computer system, where any DAW can access and use them. So if you install VSTs for Ableton or Cubase or any other DAW as well as for FL Studio, the installed plugins will all live in the same system folder, accessible to all DAWs.
The next time you open your FL Studio, it will scan for new plug-ins and identify those that are compatible to use. In your FL Studio browser you can click on Plugins > Installed and view all the installed AU and VST plug ins.
If you can’t see a plugin you have installed, you can right click on the words Plugin Database and choose “Refresh Plugin List” from the drop down menu. Next up, let’s look at exactly how to put plugins in Fl Studio.
Adding New Plugins to FL Studio
As we mentioned above, if you already know how to add plugins to Ableton, Cuabse or any DAW, you’ll follow the same process for FL Studio, although there is one way to check if there are new plugins in the Pugin Database. If you follow the process above, and FL finds any new plugins installed, you can find them in the “New” section under both AU and VSTs. So there you go , learning how to add plugins to FL Studio is pretty straight forward.
Manage Your Plugins
Once you know how and where to install plugins in FL Studio, you can manage all the plugins you have in the FL Studio PLugin Manager. To find it select DSettings from the FL Studio menu, and click on Manage Plugins under the File Tab.
This takes you into the Plugin Manager, where you can change settings and scan options for your plugins, and select favorites for the favorites list.
5 must-have plugins for FL Studio
After you have mastered how to install VSTs in FL Studio, you might want to think about which plugins are the best ones to have in your library, the absolute must haves to power up your next production. Here’s a list of the top five plugins we recommend.
ANA 2 - well no surprises to find our award winning synth at the top of the list. ANA is a dynamic 6-voice synth packed with a comprehensive set of audio manipulation tools. It boasts a Chord Memory Device for complex harmonies, a 64-step Polyphonic Arpeggiator for intricate melodic patterns, and Analog-Modelled filters for authentic sound shaping. With 26 FX Units, three Multisamplers featuring velocity sensitivity, and three Wavetable Oscillators equipped with Analog Pitch Drift, ANA is essential to all producers today.
KICK 2 - Ok well stop blowing our own trumpet in a minute, we promise, but honestly, you’re missing out if you don’t have our amazing Kick plugin in your producer’s arsenal. With Kick, crafting the ideal kick drum becomes effortless, allowing you to shape, design, and tweak to perfection without depending on low-quality, pre-sampled kicks from sample libraries.
U-He Diva - This synth VST is beloved by many of the world’s biggest EDM producers. Diva aims to emulate five decades of the best synthesizers from global giants like Korg and Moog. It’s one of the best soft synths out there if you’re looking for a rich analogue sound.
Serum - This synth plugin has dominated EDM production over the past few years with industry giants such as Deadmau5, Skrillex, and Martin Garrix, all raving about its cutting-edge Wavetable synthesis. Its intuitive interface is not just eye-catching but also perfect for on-the-fly waveform and modulation adjustments.
Kilohearts’ Phase Plant offers a modular approach to synthesizer design, enabling users to make their own synths ranging from basic setups to intricate, modulated sounds. For those interested in exploring further, Kilohearts provides access to their exclusive Content Banks for a monthly subscription, featuring a vast collection of presets and patches from creators worldwide. Esteemed by artists like Netsky, Noisia, and Matt Zo, Phase Plant stands out as one of the premier EDM synth plugins available today.
FL Studio courses by Sonic Academy
So now you’ve learned how to install plugins and VSTs in FL Studio, you’re going to want to dive head first into some of our amazing FL Studio tutorials. Presented by some of the world’s most cutting edge producers, we have many hours of FL tutorials covering a wide range of topics and genres, and covering every base for beginners and advanced users alike. Check them out on our site right now!
