Pro Tools 12 usually scans for plugins automatically on startup. However, sometimes a newly installed plugin doesn’t appear in the list. Unlike some other DAWs, Pro Tools doesn’t have a manual rescan option. This article outlines how to force Pro Tools 12 to rescan for plugins, ensuring your new additions are recognized.
While Pro Tools typically handles plugin scanning seamlessly, occasional issues can arise. This guide provides a step-by-step solution to refresh your plugin list and get back to creating music quickly. Let’s dive in.
Ensuring Pro Tools 12 Recognizes New Plugins
Here’s a breakdown of the process to force a plugin rescan in Pro Tools 12:
Step 1: Close Pro Tools Completely
Before making any changes, ensure Pro Tools 12 is fully closed. Any background processes can interfere with the rescan. Use your Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to verify the application isn’t running.
Step 2: Verify Plugin Location
Confirm your plugins are in the correct directory for Pro Tools 12 to recognize them. Pro Tools uses specific folders for plugins. Common locations include:
Windows:
C:Program FilesCommon FilesAvidAudioPlug-InsC:Program Files (x86)Common FilesAvidAudioPlug-Ins
Mac OS X:
/Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins
If your plugin isn’t in these locations, consult the plugin’s installation instructions. Remember, Pro Tools 12 primarily supports 64-bit AAX plugins.
Step 3: Relaunch Pro Tools 12
After confirming the plugin’s location, restart Pro Tools 12. It should automatically scan for plugins during startup. Check if your new plugin is now listed. If not, proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Clear Pro Tools Plugin Preferences
This step requires deleting Pro Tools’ plugin preference files, forcing a complete rescan. Back up any important settings before proceeding.
Windows: Navigate to (hidden folders may need to be enabled):
C:Users[Your Username]AppDataRoamingAvidPro Tools
Delete the “InstalledAAXPlugIns” file or the entire folder. You may also find relevant files in:
C:Program Files (x86)Common FilesDigidesignDAEDAE Prefs
Mac OS X: Navigate to:
/Library/Preferences/Avid
Delete the “Pro Tools” folder or the following files:
com.digidesign.ProTools.plistcom.digidesign.ProTools.plist.lockfileDAE Prefs
Empty your Trash after deleting the files.
Step 5: Restart Pro Tools 12 Again
Launch Pro Tools 12. It will now rebuild its plugin database, scanning for all available plugins. Your new plugin should now be available.
Step 6: Customize Plugin Menu (If Necessary)
If the plugin is still not visible, it might be categorized unexpectedly. Customize the plugin menu within Pro Tools’ Preferences:
- Go to Preferences -> Display -> Organize Plug-In Menus By.
- Choose Category/Manufacturer for easier navigation.
By following these steps, you can effectively force Pro Tools 12 to scan for plugins and resolve any issues with missing plugins. Remember to always back up your settings before deleting preference files. If problems persist, ensure your plugin is compatible with Pro Tools 12 and its version requirements.
