Getting Started with Plugin Builder
Plugin Builder is a visual audio plugin development environment that lets you create professional VST3 plugins without writing code. Design your signal flow with a node-based graph editor, build custom user interfaces with the faceplate designer, and export production-ready plugins.
Core Concepts
Projects
A Project is your complete plugin workspace containing:
- Audio Graph - The signal processing chain (nodes and connections)
- Faceplate - The user interface layout (widgets, visualizers, controls)
- Content - Samples, images, and other assets used by your plugin
Projects are saved locally and can be synced to the cloud for backup, collaboration, and publishing.
The Workspace
The Plugin Builder workspace consists of several panels:
| Panel | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Collection | Library of available nodes and components to drag onto canvases |
| Builder Canvas | Node graph editor for designing your audio signal flow |
| Faceplate Canvas | UI designer for creating your plugin’s user interface |
| Inspector | Property editor for the currently selected item |
| Sequencer | Sample playback for testing your plugin |
Nodes
Nodes are the building blocks of your plugin’s audio processing. Each node performs a specific function:
- I/O Nodes - Input and Output nodes that connect to the host DAW
- Effect Nodes - Audio processors like delay, reverb, EQ, compression
- Generator Nodes - Sound sources like samplers
- Modifier Nodes - Modulation sources like LFOs
- Utility Nodes - Signal routing and special functions
See the Node Reference for a complete list.
Connections
Nodes connect via ports:
- Audio Ports - Carry audio signals (Left, Right channels)
- MIDI Ports - Carry MIDI note and control data
- Mod Ports - Carry modulation signals from modifiers
Drag from an output port to an input port to create a connection.
Your First Plugin
Ready to build? Follow the Building Your First Plugin guide to create a simple delay effect in about 10 minutes.
Next Steps
- Build Your First Plugin - Hands-on tutorial
- Node Reference - All available nodes
- Modifiers & Modulation - Dynamic parameter control
- Visualizations - Real-time audio displays
- Projects & Sync - Saving and cloud sync