Have you ever gone to buy a plugin, seen “VST3, AU, AAX” listed on the product page, and wondered what it all means? That list actually shows which DAWs (music production software) the plugin can be used in. This article sorts out the five formats, VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and CLAP, in a beginner-friendly way. For each DAW, we only cover what the maker’s own official pages say.
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Summary: choose plugins in a format your DAW can load
- A plugin format is like the shape of a socket. If the shape your DAW supports and the shape of the plugin do not match, it cannot be loaded.
- If you use most DAWs on Windows, check for VST3 first. On a Mac, having either VST3 or AU is often enough.
- Pro Tools is the exception. According to Avid’s official help, it needs the AAX format (64-bit).
- Before you buy, compare the “supported formats” field on the product page with the formats listed in your DAW’s manual.
What a plugin format is
A plugin is a small piece of software that runs inside a DAW (a compressor, an EQ, a reverb and so on). For a DAW and a plugin to talk to each other, they need an agreed set of rules (a standard). The name of that standard is the “plugin format”. Think of it as the shape of a power outlet: if the shape differs, the plug will not fit.
The same product is often offered by its maker in several formats. Some products let you choose the formats in the installer.
The five formats
VST3
A standard created by Steinberg (a German music software company). Steinberg’s developer page describes VST (Virtual Studio Technology) as “a plug-in interface for using synthesizers and effects inside a DAW”. VST3 is the third generation of that standard. More and more new plugins are distributed in VST3 only.
VST2
The generation before VST3. When a product page says just “VST”, it usually means this VST2 (if “VST” and “VST3” are listed separately, the former is VST2). It is an old standard, but many DAWs still support it. However, in the Cubase help, Steinberg recommends replacing VST2 plugins with their VST3 versions. If you are buying something new, choosing one that has VST3 is probably the safer pick.
AU (Audio Units)
A standard created by Apple, for Mac only. Apple’s Logic Pro guide mentions two kinds. One is the traditional “Audio Units” (AUv2), and the other is “Audio Unit Extensions” (AUv3). It says Logic Pro can use both. AU does not exist on Windows.
AAX
A standard from Avid, the company behind Pro Tools. Avid’s official help says that Pro Tools 12 and later require 64-bit plugins in the AAX format. If you use Pro Tools, always check that the product page lists AAX.
CLAP
Short for CLever Audio Plug-in, this is a relatively new standard. The CLAP official site describes it as a standard for DAWs and plugins to work together. Looking at its distribution page, it is an open standard under the MIT license that anyone can use. The DAWs and makers that support it are still limited. The official CLAP list (as of November 2024) includes Bitwig Studio, REAPER, FL Studio, Studio One and others.
Formats each major DAW officially lists
The following is what we checked on each maker’s official pages on October 17, 2026. A format that is not listed here does not mean “not supported”; it only means we could not confirm it on an official page this time. Before you buy, look at the manual for the version you use to get the latest information.
| DAW | Supported formats stated officially | Page checked |
|---|---|---|
| Ableton Live (version 12 manual) | VST2, VST3, Audio Units 2, Audio Units 3 (Live 11.2 and later). Audio Units are macOS only | Ableton official manual, “Using Plug-Ins” |
| Cubase Pro 15 | VST2 and VST3. 64-bit plugins only. Replacing them with VST3 is recommended | Steinberg official help |
| Logic Pro (Mac) | Audio Units (AUv2) and Audio Unit Extensions (AUv3) | Apple official user guide |
| Pro Tools | Pro Tools 12 and later require 64-bit plugins in the AAX format | Avid official knowledge base |
| FL Studio | Windows: VST 1/2, VST3, CLAP, FL Studio’s own format (32- and 64-bit). Mac: VST 1/2, VST3, AU, CLAP, its own format (64-bit) | Image-Line official manual, “Plugin Standards” |
| REAPER | Supports VST, VST3, LV2, AU, CLAP, DX and JS | Cockos official site |
The official CLAP list also includes Bitwig Studio and Studio One. For other formats, see each DAW’s manual.
As for Pro Tools, Avid’s official help says the AAX format is required. If you use Pro Tools, pay special attention to whether the product page lists AAX.
What to check before you buy
1. Check your DAW’s name and version
First, confirm the DAW you use, its version, and your OS (Windows or Mac). The supported formats are written in the “plug-ins” chapter of the DAW’s manual.
2. Compare it with the product page’s “supported formats”
The maker’s product page (in fields such as System Requirements, specifications or compatibility) lists formats like “VST3, AU, AAX”. If at least one format your DAW can read is on the list, the plugin should basically work.
3. 32-bit or 64-bit
The official Cubase and Pro Tools pages say that 64-bit plugins are required. Today’s DAWs are mostly 64-bit, so with new plugins there is not much to worry about, but be careful when you use older ones.
4. Whether your Mac uses Apple silicon
On a Mac, the plugins that run can differ depending on whether the CPU is Intel or Apple silicon. Avid’s knowledge base also has guidance on AAX plugins that support Apple silicon. If you use an Apple silicon Mac, check the supported-OS field on the product page carefully.
5. Look at the authorization system too
Even when the format matches, some products need authorization such as iLok. Authorization is explained in What is iLok?
When the format matches but the plugin does not show up
- Could you choose the formats at install time? You may have installed only VST3 and not VST2 (or the reverse). Check whether the formats are ticked in the installer.
- Restart or rescan your DAW. Ableton’s manual says that if you install a plugin while the DAW is running, it may not appear until the next launch. There is also a rescan function.
- Install location. In Logic Pro, AUv2 goes in Library/Audio/Plug-ins/Components and AUv3 goes in the Applications folder (Apple official). Each DAW looks in set locations, so confirm in its settings.
- Logic Pro’s Plug-in Manager. Apple’s guide tells you to check that the plugin is enabled in the Plug-in Manager and to rescan if needed.
The installation flow is also covered in How to install plugins you bought on sale or got for free. If you want to use VST3 plugins in the streaming software OBS, read How to use VST3 plugins in OBS.
Frequently asked questions
Q. If both VST3 and VST2 are available, which should I install?
If your DAW supports VST3, we recommend VST3. Steinberg also recommends replacing VST2 with VST3 in the Cubase help. With an old DAW, or streaming software that can only load VST2, you may need VST2.
Q. Can I use AU on Windows?
AU is a standard from Apple for the Mac. Ableton’s manual also says that Audio Units are macOS only. On Windows, you use VST3 and the like.
Q. If I buy one product, can I use all the formats?
With many products, one license lets you install several formats at the same time, but it differs by product. Check the supported-formats field on the product page.
Q. Do I need CLAP right now?
It is not required. Even the CLAP official site treats its list of supporting DAWs and makers as “not everyone yet” (as of November 2024). It is probably enough to use it when your DAW supports CLAP and a plugin you are interested in has a CLAP version.
Q. What if I bought a product in a format that does not match?
Whether you can return or get a refund differs by store, so the surest way is to check the supported formats before you buy.
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