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How to Install VST Plugins in REAPER (Windows & Mac – Step by Step)

If you’re new to REAPER, one of the first things you’ll want to do is install VST plugins. Plugins are what give REAPER its real power – virtual instruments, effects, guitar amps, synths, reverbs, compressors, and much more.

But for beginners, the process can feel confusing:

  • Where do plugins get installed?
  • Why don’t some plugins show up?
  • What’s the difference between VST, VST3, and AU?

This guide walks you through the entire process – for both Windows and Mac – in simple, clear steps.

By the end of this article you’ll know exactly how to:

  • Install any VST plugin
  • Make REAPER recognise it
  • Fix common problems
  • Start using your new sounds immediately

What Are VST Plugins?

VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology. A VST plugin is simply a piece of software that runs inside your DAW (in this case, REAPER) to add extra features.

There are two main types:

1) Instrument Plugins (VSTi)

These generate sound, such as:

  • Synthesizers
  • Drum machines
  • Pianos
  • Sample libraries

Examples: Vital, Surge XT, Spitfire LABS.

2) Effect Plugins (VST)

These process existing audio, such as:

  • Reverb
  • Delay
  • EQ
  • Compression

Examples: Valhalla Supermassive, TDR Nova, Voxengo SPAN.

VST2, VST3, and AU – What’s the Difference?

You’ll often see different formats when downloading plugins:

  • VST2 – Older standard, still widely used
  • VST3 – Newer, more efficient format (recommended on Windows)
  • AU (Audio Units) – Mac-only format

Quick rule of thumb

  • Windows users: install VST3 whenever possible
  • Mac users: install AU or VST3

REAPER supports all of them.

Installing Plugins in REAPER on Windows

Let’s start with the most common setup: Windows.

Step 1 – Download the plugin

Go to the plugin website and download the installer. Most plugins come as an EXE installer or a ZIP file containing the plugin.

Step 2 – Run the installer

During installation, the plugin will usually ask where to install.

Common Windows plugin locations

VST3 plugins:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3

VST2 plugins:

C:\Program Files\VSTPlugins

If the installer suggests these folders, accept the defaults.

Step 3 – Open REAPER and scan for plugins

  1. Open REAPER
  2. Go to Options → Preferences → Plug-ins → VST
  3. Click Re-scan

REAPER will now search your computer for new plugins.

Step 4 – Use your plugin

  1. Create a new track
  2. Click FX
  3. Search for the plugin name
  4. Double click to load it

Installing Plugins in REAPER on Mac

The process on macOS is very similar.

Step 1 – Download the plugin

Most Mac plugins come as a .dmg file or a .pkg installer.

Step 2 – Install the plugin

On Mac, plugins normally install to one of these locations:

AU plugins:

/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components

VST3 plugins:

/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3

VST2 plugins:

/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST

You normally don’t need to change anything — just run the installer.

Step 3 – Re-scan in REAPER

  1. Open REAPER
  2. Go to Options → Preferences → Plug-ins → VST
  3. Click Re-scan

Your new plugin should now appear in the FX browser.

How to Add Custom Plugin Folders

Sometimes you’ll download a plugin that doesn’t use an installer — just a single .dll (Windows) or plugin file.

Example on Windows

Create a folder like:

C:\MyVSTPlugins

Then in REAPER:

  1. Go to Preferences → Plug-ins → VST
  2. Add that folder to the VST plug-in paths
  3. Click Re-scan

Common Problems (and Fixes)

“My plugin isn’t showing up in REAPER”

Common causes:

  • Wrong format installed: on Windows try VST3; on Mac try AU or VST3.
  • No re-scan: go to Preferences → Plug-ins → VST and click Re-scan.

32-bit vs 64-bit plugins

Modern REAPER is 64-bit. If you install a 32-bit plugin on a 64-bit system, it may not appear. Always download the 64-bit version when available.

The plugin loads but has no sound

This is common with instrument plugins. Make sure:

  • The track is armed
  • Monitoring is on
  • You are playing MIDI into it

Best Free Plugins to Try First

Now that you know how to install plugins, the next question is: which ones should you start with?

I’ve put together a curated list here:

Best Free VST Plugins for REAPER

That page gives you a perfect beginner starter kit.

Ready to Go Further?

Installing plugins is just the beginning.

If you want to move beyond free plugins and start using higher-quality instruments and effects, check out:

Best Software Instruments for REAPER

And if you’re recording real instruments like guitar or vocals, a good audio interface makes a huge difference:

Best Audio Interfaces for REAPER

Final Thoughts

Learning how to install VST plugins is one of the most important skills in REAPER.

Once you understand this process, you unlock:

  • Thousands of free plugins
  • Professional paid instruments
  • Endless creative possibilities

After doing it once or twice, it becomes second nature.

Happy music making! 🎵