Where Are VST Plugins Stored on Mac?.
On macOS, VST and VST3 plugins normally live inside Library/Audio/Plug-Ins. VST3 and legacy VST2 use different subfolders, and macOS has both system-wide and per-user Library locations.
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.
VST3 has standard locations
Most modern VST3 installers place plugins in a standard folder that DAWs scan automatically.
VST2 uses the VST folder
Legacy VST2 plugins generally use VST rather than VST3.
There are two Library folders
/Library is system-wide; ~/Library belongs to your user account.
VST plugin locations on macOS
| Format | Location |
|---|---|
| VST3 — all users | /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3 |
| VST3 — current user | ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3 |
| VST2 — all users | /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST |
| VST2 — current user | ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST |
~/Library is different from /Library.How to open the VST folder in Finder
Open Finder
Switch to Finder.
Choose Go → Go to Folder
Paste one of the paths above.
Check both Library locations
If it is not in /Library, repeat with ~/Library.
VST2 and VST3 are different folders
A .vst3 plugin belongs in VST3. Legacy VST2 plugins typically appear as .vst bundles inside VST. Do not move one format into the other's directory to force detection.
What if a VST is installed but not showing?
- Confirm the DAW supports VST/VST3 on macOS.
- Check Apple Silicon or Intel compatibility.
- Use the current vendor installer.
- Run a full plugin rescan.
- Check both system and user Library paths.
Ableton users can follow Plugin not showing in Ableton Live.
Can you copy VST files to another Mac?
Sometimes, but many products also install license services, presets, frameworks, sample content, or helper applications elsewhere. Use official installers for migration.
Related Mac plugin folders
Frequently asked questions
Where is the VST3 folder on Mac?
The standard system-wide VST3 folder is /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3. A user-specific plugin can also be in ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3.
Where is the VST2 folder on Mac?
Common VST2 locations are /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST and ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST.
Why can't I see ~/Library in Finder?
The user Library is hidden by default. Use Finder's Go to Folder command or hold Option while opening the Go menu.
Does Logic Pro use VST plugins?
Logic Pro primarily uses Apple's Audio Unit format rather than VST.
Do not rebuild your plugin library from memory.
Scan your old computer with FX Recall, save a cloud-synced inventory, and track what still needs to be installed on the new machine.