What makes Pro Tools unique in terms of plugin management is that plugins are scanned upon every DAW launch. Because of this, we recommend closing Pro Tools before installing any new plugins or updates. Below are the most common solutions if your plugins appear to be missing in Pro Tools.
📦 Plugin Installations
- If plugins are missing, ensure they are properly installed and up-to-date. Download the latest versions here.
- If plugins were installed while Pro Tools was running, restart your system and relaunch Pro Tools.
🗂️ Organize Plug-Ins by Category & Manufacturer
Ensure Pro Tools is set to organize plugins by Category and Manufacturer:
This can be enabled in the Pro Tools Preferences menu:
🎚️ Stereo Tracks
- Some plugins only show up on stereo tracks. For example, VerbSuite Classics and the legacy VBC plugins will not appear on mono tracks.
- More info: VerbSuite Mono vs Stereo
🍎 Native vs Rosetta Mode on macOS
Pro Tools added native support for Apple Silicon in version 2023.3. If you're running natively and a plugin hasn't been updated for native compatibility, it may be missing.
- Update all plugins using Slate Digital Connect.
- Alternatively, run Pro Tools using Rosetta mode: YouTube Instructions
🗑️ Trash Pro Tools Preferences (macOS)
- Navigate to: /Users/<your_username>/Library/Preferences/Avid/Pro Tools
Hold Option and use Finder's Go menu to reveal the Library folder:
For older versions of Pro Tools, see this guide from Sweetwater: Sweetwater Guide
🗑️ Trash Pro Tools Preferences (Windows)
- Navigate to: C:\Users\<your_username>\AppData\Roaming\Avid\Pro Tools
Make sure to show hidden folders in File Explorer:
📌 Additional Notes
- Some plugins are listed under different manufacturers. See: Can't Find Plugins In DAW
- Ensure your Pro Tools version is supported: Supported DAWs
- View system requirements: System Requirements
🔐 License Troubles
If you're seeing a license error, try the following based on your activation method:
iLok Cloud: Close and reopen your cloud session:
Machine Activation: Deactivate and reactivate in iLok License Manager:
iLok Dongle: Right-click and choose Synchronize:
❓Still have questions?
We're here to help! If you're still experiencing issues in Pro Tools, submit a support ticket here and our team will assist you as soon as possible.
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