How to Add Plugins to Garageband

Here is a simple guide on how to add plugins to Garageband. This guide also covers how to use plugins and troubleshoot common problems.

GarageBand is a free and easy-to-use digital audio workstation packed with professional features. To make the program even better, you can add free and paid 3rd party plugins to add more functionality and sounds to the software.

Even better, the internet is packed with free VST plugins and Audio Unit Plugins for Mac to add more sounds and effects to your music production setup: 50 Best Free Mac VST Plugins.

There are two types of plugins that you can add to Garageband.

  1. Virtual Instruments such as strings, pianos, guitars, and more.
  2. Audio Effects include reverb, delay, autotune, and more.

So let’s get started with how to install and use plugins in Garageband.

How to Install Plugins Into GarageBand
How to Add Plugins to Garageband

At the time of this tutorial, I am using macOS Monterey 12.6.1 and Garageband Version 10.4.7.

  1. How to Install Plugins ( Summary )
  2. How to Add Plugins Into GarageBand
  3. How to Use Plugins in Garageband
  4. Troubleshooting Tips

How to Install Plugins into Garageband ( Summary )

This is a summary of the plugin installation process.

  1. To install a plugin in Garageband, copy the plugin .component file to Finder > Macintosh HD > Library > Audio > Plugins > Components.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. Open Garageband and add a new “Software Instrument” track.
  4. Select the virtual instrument you added.
  5. A security alert may appear. Go to Apple Preferences > Security & Privacy, click “Allow Anyway” and re-add the instrument in Garageband.

Related: 35 Best Free Garageband Plugins


How to Add Plugins to Garageband

Installing plugins into GarageBand is a simple process. Just follow the steps below.

Important: You will need to restart your computer for new plugins to appear in Garageband.

How to Install Plugins In GarageBand Video Tutorial

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Download the plugin you want to install. Related: 50 Free Mac VST Plugins

2. Unzip the zip file.

3. Open “Finder” and go to New Finder Window > Macintosh HD > Library > Audio > Plug-ins

Add Plugin to Components Folder
Add Plugin to Components Folder

4. Drag the .component file into the Components folder.

  • If the file ends with .vst, drag it to the VST folder.

5. Enter your password to approve adding the new file to the folder.

Enter Password

6. Restart your computer.

7. Open Garageband.

8. In Garageband click the “+” icon to add a new track.

Click Plus Icon
Click Plus Icon

9. Select “Software Instrument” and click the “Create” button.

Choose A Track Type
Choose A Track Type

10. In the Smart Controls window, toggle open “Plug-ins”, and click the arrows next to the instrument name.

Select Software Instruments
Select Software Instruments

11. You may get a warning saying the plugin cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified. Click cancel.

Developer Cannot Be Verified
Warning: Developer Cannot Be Verified

12. To approve the plugin to use:

  1. Click the Apple icon at the top left of your computer.
  2. Click System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General
  3. Click “Allow Anyway.”
  4. Close the pop-up window.
Security & Privacy

13. In Garageband, select the virtual instrument in the dropdown menu again.

Edit Plugins

14. You may get another alert message. Click the “Open” button to allow the program to use the plugin.

Click Open

15. Play the instrument with your mouse, keyboard, or MIDI controller.

Add Virtual Instrument
Add Virtual Instrument | How to Add Audio Unit Plugins to Garageband

How to Use Plugins in Garageband

These are the steps to add a virtual instrument track to your music projects, such as synths, guitars, pianos, and more.

1. In Garageband click the “+” icon to add a new track.

Click Plus Icon
Click Plus Icon

2. Select “Software Instrument” and click the “Create” button.

Choose A Track Type
Choose A Track Type

3. Click the track you want to edit.

4. In the Smart Controls window, toggle open “Plug-ins”, and click the arrows next to the instrument name.

5. In the dropdown, select the plugin you want to use.

Select Software Instruments
Select Software Instruments

6. Play the instrument with your mouse, keyboard, or MIDI controller.

Add Virtual Instrument
Add Virtual Instrument | How To Install VST Plugins In Garageband

Switching Sounds: If a plugin has multiple sounds or audio presets, you will see a dropdown menu to select the sounds.

How to Switch Sounds
How to Switch Sounds

Click the dropdown menu arrows to view the available sounds.

Select Software Presets Dropdown
Select Software Presets

Troubleshooting Tips

1. New Plugins Don’t Appear in Garageband

If you are sure you added the plugin to the correct folder and restarted your computer, but the plugin still does not appear in Garageband. You want to make certain “Audio Units” is enabled in Garageband.

  1. In Garageband click “Garageband > Settings”
  2. Click Audio / MIDI.
  3. Check Enable Audio Units.
  4. Restart Garageband.
  5. Try to add the virtual instrument again.
Enable Audio Units in Garageband
Enable Audio Units in Garageband

2. Installing PKG Files

If you attempt to install a PKG or DMG file, you may get a message that says Unidentified Developer.

Installing PKG Files

1. If you want to proceed with installing the plugin, hold CTRL on your computer keyboard and click the PKG file to open the plugin installer file.

Click Ope

2. Follow the installation process.

Installation Process
Installation Process | How To Install Plugins In Garageband

3. Restart your computer.

4. Open Garageband.

5. In Garageband click the “+” icon to add a new track.

6. Select “Software Instrument” and click the “Create” button.

7. In the Smart Controls window, toggle open “Plug-ins”, and click the arrows next to the instrument name.

Select Software Instruments
Select Software Instruments

8. Play the instrument with your mouse, keyboard, or MIDI controller.

Add Virtual Instrument
Add Virtual Instrument | How to Add Plugins to Garageband

We hope that you found this article helpful with installing plugins in Garageband.

Related: How to Use Garageband

Mark V.

Written By Mark V.
Hip Hop Makers is a music production website launched in 2008 to teach music lovers how to make music, sell beats, and make money from music.

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