This article explains how to rescan plug-ins in Ableton Live if you can not see your newly installed plugin. If you are using custom Plugin folders, jump here.
Using default plugin directories
Summary:
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open "Preferences" (macOS: CMD + "," / Win: CTRL + ",")
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click the header "Plug-ins" (left side of the Preferences Window)
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click "Rescan", on the very top of the window
- (optional) hold "alt" (MacOS/Win) while clicking Rescan (-> force Live to scan all Plugins, not matter if new or old)
This causes Ableton Live to rescan all Plugin directories, searching for newly installed plugins. Another solution could be to click and hold "alt" while clicking "Rescan", which will force Ableton to scan ALL plugins, no matter if newly installed or old.
If your plugin still is not recognised, it is possible that it is not installed in the correct location. In order to fix this issue, ensure that the following default paths exist:
MacOS:
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{SYSDRIVE}:\Library\Audio\Plug-Ins\VST\*PluginName*
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or (if VST3)
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{SYSDRIVE}:\Library\Audio\Plug-Ins\VST3\*PluginName*
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{SYSDRIVE}:\Library\Audio\Plug-Ins\Components\*PluginName*
Windows:
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{SYSDRIVE}:\Program Files\VstPlugins\UJAM\*PluginName*
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{SYSDRIVE}:\Program Files (x86)\VstPlugins\UJAM\*PluginName*
Using custom plugin directories
If the problem still persists, you may have installed your plugins into a custom plugin directory (e.g. an external drive). If thats the case, insert the path to this directory into the corresponding field in Live's "Preferences" Window (e.g. "VST2 Plug-In Custom Folder", see image below). You have to activate the toggle above the "Browse" Button (it should be yellow, saying "On").
As a last option, here is the link to Ableton's Knowledge Base, explaining all options in great detail.
https://help.ableton.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000349184-VST-AU-plug-in-doesn-t-appear-in-Live-s-Browser
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