> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.acestudio.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.acestudio.ai/project/mixing/effects/third-party-effects.md).
# Third-Party Effects
Use third-party VST3 and AU plug-ins in the FX chain.
ACE Studio now hosts third-party audio effect plug-ins right alongside its built-in effects. Once a plug-in is scanned, it shows up in the same **FX Library** as the built-in effects and runs on the same FX chain — so you can mix built-in and third-party processors in any order on any track.
For how the FX chain itself works — adding, reordering, bypassing, and saving chains — see [Effects](/project/mixing/effects.md).
***
### Supported formats
| Format | Windows | macOS |
| -------------------- | ------- | ----- |
| **VST3** | ✓ | ✓ |
| **AU** (Audio Units) | — | ✓ |
* Only **64-bit** plug-ins are supported. 32-bit plug-ins cannot be loaded.
* On Apple Silicon Macs, plug-ins run **natively**.
***
### Scanning and updating the plug-in list
On its first launch after installation, ACE Studio runs a **full scan** of the standard plug-in folders (listed in [Preferences](/account-and-settings/preferences.md#plugins)). On later launches it only scans plug-in files that have been added, removed, or changed, so start-up stays fast.
If a plug-in hangs or crashes, you have two options:
* **Disable** — exclude that plug-in permanently. It won't be scanned again.
* **Skip** — skip this one and continue scanning the rest.
To pick up plug-ins you install or update later, re-scan from **Preferences**:
* **Rescan** — scans for newly installed or updated plug-ins.
* Hold Alt / Option while clicking **Rescan** to force a **full re-scan** of everything. This is slower, but rebuilds the list from scratch.
See [Preferences](/account-and-settings/preferences.md) for the plug-in settings.
***
### Adding a plug-in
Click **+ Insert** to open the **FX Library**. Third-party plug-ins and built-in effects share this one library; see [Effects](/project/mixing/effects.md) for an overview of the library.
* **Vendor list** — the column on the left groups plug-ins by manufacturer, with a count next to each name. Search and the Type filter apply within whichever vendor you pick. ACE Studio's own built-in effects live under the **ACE Studio** vendor.
* **Type** — filter by category: Analyzer, Distortion, Dynamics, EQ, Filter, Generator, Mastering, Modulation, Pitch Shift, Restoration, Reverb, Spatial, Tools, and so on. Only VST3 plug-ins can be filtered this way.
* **VST3 / AU** — on macOS, switch between the two formats. ACE Studio remembers your choice.
* **Search**, **Likes**, **Recent**, and **FX Chain** — see [Effects](/project/mixing/effects.md).
Each card shows the plug-in image, its name, and a subtitle with the format, type, and vendor, such as *VST3, EQ, FabFilter*. AU plug-ins show format and vendor only.
Pick a plug-in and it's added as a chip on the FX chain, exactly like a built-in effect. From there it behaves like any other insert — reorder it, bypass or deactivate it, copy and paste it, or save it as part of an FX chain.
***
### The plug-in window
Built-in effects expand inline inside their chip. A third-party plug-in instead opens in its **own separate window** — click the window icon on the right of the chip to open it.
At the top of the window, ACE Studio adds a consistent header so every plug-in works the same way, no matter who made it:
* **Power** and **Bypass** — turn the plug-in on or off, or bypass its processing, the same as on the chip.
* **Preset bar** — use < / > to step through presets, see the current preset name, such as *Default*, and open the preset menu.
#### Preset management
Presets that ACE Studio stores use its own `.acefxpreset` format.
Open the preset menu for:
* **Store Preset…** — save the current settings as a new `.acefxpreset` preset.
* **Update Preset** — overwrite the currently loaded preset. This is available once you're on a saved preset.
* **Store as Default Preset** — make the current settings the default for new instances of this plug-in.
* **Load Preset File… / Import Preset…** — bring in a preset from disk.
* **Export Preset…** — export the preset as an `.acefxpreset` file, for backup or for sharing within ACE Studio.
* **Export VST3 Preset… / Export AU Preset…** — export in the plug-in's **native** format, for use in other hosts. The option shown matches the plug-in type.
{% hint style="warning" %}
`.acefxpreset` presets are tied to the plug-in format: a preset stored from the **VST3** version of a plug-in cannot be loaded onto the **AU** version of the same plug-in, and vice versa. On macOS, where a plug-in may be available in both formats, keep to one format per plug-in for your presets to carry over.
{% endhint %}
The plug-in's own internal preset browser inside its interface still works as usual.
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