Just bought plugins? How to install and organize them

After a plugin sale, install in one sitting while the order emails are in front of you. Download each installer from the maker, activate the license, choose the formats you use, rescan your DAW, and keep the serial numbers somewhere you can find them. A plugin manager such as Sonisto then lists what is on your computer, so you can check that everything arrived.

Updated 6 November 2026 by Sonisto, which makes the plugin manager this guide mentions.

Five steps

1. Collect the order emails

Make one folder or label for this sale. Each email holds the download link, the serial number or the account the plugin went to. Some codes must be redeemed on the maker’s site, and some expire, so do that first.

2. Install from each maker

Big brands use their own apps, such as Native Access or Waves Central. Smaller makers give you an installer. Install to the default folders unless you have a reason not to.

3. Activate

Enter the serial, sign in or use iLok, as the maker says. Do it now, while the support desk still knows the order.

4. Pick your formats

An installer may add VST2, VST3, AU and AAX at once. Keep the ones your DAW uses, so each plugin shows once in your list.

5. Rescan and check

Rescan in your DAW and open each new plugin once. If one is missing, check its folder and its format before you write to support.

Questions

Where do new plugins install?

Most go to the system’s plugin folders. Our guide to VST, AU and AAX folders lists each one on Mac and Windows.

A new plugin does not show in my DAW. What now?

Rescan first. Then check that the file is in the folder your DAW reads and in a format it supports. On Pro Tools it must be AAX, on Logic it must be AU.

Where should I keep the serial numbers?

Somewhere you can reach from any computer. Our guide to plugin serial numbers goes through the options.

See plugin folders, serial numbers or all guides. See what Sonisto does.