Where Are Audio Unit (AU) Plugins Stored on Mac?.
Audio Unit plugins are normally stored in a Components folder inside macOS's Audio/Plug-Ins directory. There is a system-wide location and a user-specific location, and Logic Pro scans Audio Units rather than VST plugins.
Get the specific problem right before changing anything.
Licensing, plugin files, projects, and content often look related during a computer move, but they are separate pieces. The workflow below isolates the exact job this page is meant to solve.
AU files are .component bundles
Audio Unit v2 plugins are commonly installed as .component bundles.
Logic uses Audio Units
For third-party plugins in Logic Pro, the AU version is the format that matters.
Check both Library folders
A plugin can be installed system-wide or only for the current user.
Audio Unit plugin locations on macOS
| Scope | Folder |
|---|---|
| All users | /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components |
| Current user only | ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components |
Apple documents both locations for Audio Unit installation.
How to open the Components folder in Finder
Open Finder
Use Finder rather than searching only in Applications.
Select Go → Go to Folder
Enter /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components.
Check your user Library
Repeat with ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components.
Where are Logic Pro plugins stored?
Third-party Audio Units used by Logic Pro normally live in the Components folders above. Logic's own built-in plugins should not be managed by dragging files in and out of these folders.
Audio Unit installed but not showing
- Confirm the vendor installed the AU format.
- Check both Components folders.
- Verify macOS and processor compatibility.
- Open Logic's Plug-in Manager and inspect validation status.
- Reinstall from the vendor rather than moving .component files manually.
Can you copy a .component plugin to another Mac?
The bundle can be copied as a file, but many commercial plugins depend on installers, licensing services, presets, frameworks, or sample content stored elsewhere.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Where are AU plugins stored on Mac?
Third-party Audio Units are normally stored in /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components or ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components.
Where is the Logic Pro plugin folder?
Third-party Logic Audio Units normally use the macOS Components folders. Logic's built-in plugins are part of the application/system.
What file extension do Audio Unit plugins use?
Audio Unit v2 plugins are commonly installed as .component bundles.
Why is an AU plugin installed but missing in Logic?
It may have failed validation, be incompatible with the current system, or the AU format may not have been installed.
Do not rebuild your plugin library from memory.
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