Answers to the questions we get most often. If yours isn't here, drop us a line.
VST3, Audio Unit (AU), VST2, AAX, and CLAP. Plugr also catalogues your audio applications — DAWs, mastering tools, instrument standalones, and license managers — so it's a complete picture of everything audio-related on your Mac.
Not yet. Plugr is currently macOS-only. We require macOS 12 Monterey or later, and Plugr is a universal binary that runs natively on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. Windows support is on the long-term roadmap but not committed.
Plugr can read project files from Ableton Live (.als, .alp), Logic Pro (.logicx), and FL Studio (.flp). We're looking at adding more — Pro Tools, Cubase, Studio One, REAPER, and Bitwig are all on the list — but those will come later.
Even without project parsing, Plugr works great with any DAW for the library, update checking, and deals features.
For most people, 30 seconds to a couple of minutes. Larger libraries (3,000+ plugins) might take 2–5 minutes the first time. After the first scan, Plugr only re-scans what's changed, so subsequent scans are nearly instant.
Only when you explicitly tell it to. The "Move to Trash" button is the only action that touches your plugin files, and it's reversible — files go to your macOS Trash, not deleted permanently. Plugr asks for confirmation before doing so.
Everything else — categories, tags, favorites, notes — is information Plugr keeps in its own database. None of it modifies your plugin files.
The trial is 14 days. You get every feature, and there's no credit card required to start. During the trial, update checking is capped at 100 plugins (more than enough to see how it works) and a few advanced features — bulk editing, studio themes, iCloud sync, and library export — are unlocked only on paid plans.
When the trial ends, Plugr drops to read-only mode for the library and projects. You keep all your data, but you can't run new scans or check for updates until you subscribe. The Deals tab keeps working forever, even without a paid license.
Yes — 14-day money-back guarantee on any plan, no questions asked. Email hello@plugr.co within 14 days of purchase and we'll process the refund. Full details on the refund policy page.
Subscription gives you all features as long as you're subscribed. Cancel and the app drops to read-only mode.
Lifetime is a one-time payment for all features available at the time of purchase, plus all future updates to those features — forever.
We may sunset the Lifetime tier at some point as the app matures. Anyone who buys one before that happens keeps it forever, no matter what.
Yes. Monthly → Annual upgrades anytime and is prorated. Subscription → Lifetime is also fine; any unused time on your current subscription gets credited against the Lifetime price. If you bought Lifetime and want to downgrade or refund, email us within the refund window and we'll work it out.
Subscription licenses work on up to 2 Macs (perfect for a studio Mac and a laptop). Lifetime licenses work on up to 3 Macs.
You can deactivate any Mac through your customer portal — useful when you get a new computer or do a clean install.
Your library, projects, tags, favorites and notes all stay on your Mac. Plugr only reaches out to:
If you turn on iCloud sync, your data syncs between your own Macs through Apple's iCloud — not our servers. Full details in the privacy policy.
Mostly, yes. Scanning, organizing, project parsing, producer tools, themes, and viewing existing data all work offline. The features that need a connection are update checks and the Deals tab — both of which need to reach the internet.
In ~/Library/Application Support/Plugr/. That folder contains your library cache, tags, favorites, custom update sources, and preferences. If you delete it, Plugr will start fresh on next launch.
Plugr pulls deals from VST Buzz, Plugin Boutique, and Audio Plugin Deals. We're looking at adding more sources over time. Each source is updated automatically several times a day, so you're always seeing what's current.
No. The links work the same as any direct link to the retailer; you pay the same price either way. Plugr may earn a small affiliate commission if you buy something — which is how the Deals tab funds itself and stays free for everyone. Full disclosure in the privacy policy.
That happens occasionally — retailers sometimes pull deals early or the prices change. If you find one, you can dismiss it with the × button. Plugr refreshes the deal list automatically, so stale entries usually disappear within a day or two.
For developers Plugr already knows about — most of the big names you use every day — extremely accurate. For developers it doesn't recognize yet, Plugr makes its best guess and lets you confirm in one click. Once confirmed, it remembers for next time.
Some developers (Plugin Alliance, Native Instruments, UAD, Waves) handle updates through their own installer apps that don't expose version info publicly. Plugr labels these "Managed" and points you to the right installer to apply updates.
It means the available update is a full new major version of the plugin — usually a paid upgrade, not a free patch. Plugr flags these so you know to expect to pay for it before clicking through.
It happens sometimes — developer sites occasionally change layout in ways that confuse Plugr's reader. To fix it, click the plugin, then click Edit update source. You can type in the correct current version and Plugr will recalibrate. The fix sticks for future checks.
You can also let us know at hello@plugr.co and we'll fix it for everyone in the next release.
Reach us directly and we'll get back to you within a couple of business days.
Contact support →