> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://standalone-audio.gitbook.io/standalone-audio-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://standalone-audio.gitbook.io/standalone-audio-docs/working-with-plugins.md).

# Working with Plugins

<figure><img src="/files/A51VKN5uGrp0tkEieTfU" alt=""><figcaption><p>Modules / Plugins Section</p></figcaption></figure>

### Adding Plugins

**Method 1: Click Empty Slot**

1. Click "Browse Plugins" for a new preset
2. To add additional plugins, click + on any empty module slot
3. Browse or search for a plugin
4. Select channel format (Mono or Mono→Stereo)
5. Click to load
6. If you recently added a new plugin, click the refresh icon at the top of the plugin browser window.&#x20;

**Method 2: Insert Between Modules**

1. Hover between two modules
2. Click **+Insert Module** when it appears
3. Select your plugin

### Channel Formats

| Format          | Description               | Use Case                                      |
| --------------- | ------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| **Mono**        | Single channel throughout | Pedals, Amps                                  |
| **Mono→Stereo** | Mono in, stereo out       | Stereo amps or pedals. stereo reverbs, delays |
| **Stereo**      | Full stereo               | After first stereo plugin                     |

**Rule:** Once a plugin outputs stereo, all downstream plugins must be stereo.

### Keys Mode Instruments

When you're in **KEYS MODE**, the first module slot holds a software instrument instead of taking guitar input, and the slots after it are effects.

* Switch to **Keys** mode using the Guitar / Keys mode toggle switch
* Click the first slot and choose a software instrument (an Audio Unit instrument)
* Add effects in the slots that follow, exactly like the guitar chain

Everything else on this page — channel formats, bypass, reorder, remove — works the same in both GUITAR MADE AND KEYS MODE chains. See Keys Mode for the full walkthrough.

### Managing Plugins

**Open Plugin Window**

* Double-click the module or click the module settings icon

**Bypass Plugin**

* Click **ON/BYP** button on the module
* Bypassed plugins are completely disconnected (true bypass)

**Reorder Plugins**

* Drag any module up or down to reorder

**Remove Plugin**

* Click **Delete** (trash icon) on the module

### Plugin Tips

* **Load times vary -** some plugins take several seconds to initialize
* **State is saved -** plugin settings save with your preset
* Autosave can be turned off in Settings

*\*No Plugins are included with Standalone.*&#x20;