^{OwlPlug is an audio plugin manager. It provides a complete view of your plugin setup and simple tools to manage it.}

Overview

About OwlPlug

:earth_africa: OwlPlug Website | :pushpin: Roadmap | :page_facing_up: Documentation

Why I have created OwlPlug ?

OwlPlug came from my hate of installing and managing audio plugins. The process is very annoying. I always wanted something simple that looks like dependency managers or online content store. I've started this just for fun... But because it was so simple to install plugins, I've discovered dozens of cool plugins just by using my own tool. So I realized this is not just a different way to install plugins, it's a real opportunity to share and discover awesome free and open sourced plugins developed by the community.

All kinds of feedbacks are greatly welcomed.

Installation

Direct download (latest version)

Requirements: Windows 7 (64 bit) or later, macOS Sierra or later.

1. Browse binaries from the release section
2. Download and run the OwlPlug installer for your platform
   • .msi installer on Windows
   • .dmg file on MacOS
   • .deb file on Linux
3. Run OwlPlug application

:warning: Mac users, depending on your OS version, you may face an error mentioning that OwlPlug is damaged. You can fix this problem using a single command described on the wiki page.

Package managers

Windows

winget install owlplug

How to help

Download and Install OwlPlug, configure it, download plugins, etc... Report any kind of problems by opening an issue on this repository. Feel free to use the discussions tab to ask questions, report suggestions and feedback about features and potential improvements.

Features

Plugins

OwlPlug can discover VST2, VST3 and AU Plugins. OwlPlug is compatible with all previously installed plugins as long as they are all in a specific root directory, for example C:/AudioPlugins. Additional directories can be configured if your plugin setup is fragmented on the filesystem.

After downloading Owlplug, you can still organize (add, move, delete, ...) your plugins with a file explorer or with your favorite DAW without breaking anything.

Links

A Link allows you to create and manage symlinks across your filesystem and plugin directories. With Links, you can access directories anywhere on your filesystem (Hard drive, USB keys, custom directories...) through a single root plugin directory. For example, you can configure a link named usb-drive in C:/AudioPlugins to target your usb hard drive D:/myPlugins. All plugins in D:/myPlugins will be accessible using C:/AudioPlugins/usb-drive. This feature may be useful for DAW that scans plugins from predefined or limited number directories. On some Windows version, symlinks creation may require admin privileges.

Stores

Owlplug is shipped with a plugin store to automate plugin downloads and installations. A Store is a collection of downloadable plugins that can be installed locally. Plugins delivered by OwlPlug Central are available by default. OwlPlug can be configured to use any compatible third party store in Store Tab > Stores > Add a new store source....

OwlPlug Central

OwlPlug Central is the default store. It's a secure and trusted source to retrieve plugins. OwlPlug Central is a quick proof of concept for the store feature integration. For now, OwlPlug Central is delivering only free open sourced plugins.

• OwlPlug central: https://central.owlplug.com/store

Third party

Third party stores are maintained by plugin creators, developers or distributors. For security reasons, you should only use stores from trusted sources only.

• Krakli plugins (By Shane Dunne): https://getdunne.net/Krakli/owl.php
• GyL Synths (By Shane Dunne): https://getdunne.net/GyL/owl.php

Third party (Central mirror)

Third party store adapters are maintained by OwlPlug Central but plugins binaries are hosted by original creators. (For testing purposes)

• AmVST (By Angular Momentum): https://central.owlplug.com/mirrors/amvst/store
• Vst4free: https://central.owlplug.com/mirrors/vst4free/store

How to distribute my plugins on OwlPlug ?

• OwlPlug Central - Your plugin will be hosted and distributed by OwlPlug Central. Open an issue or a pull request on the OwlPlug Central repository
• Set up your store - If you provide a complete set of plugins, you can create a store endpoint following the OwlPlug Store Specification.

Development

Stack

• Spring boot
• JavaFx & JFoenix
• Hibernate & H2
• Maven
• Juce

Development Setup

1. Clone or download project sources
2. Run following commands

# Install dependencies
mvn clean install
# Move to owlplug client folder
cd owlplug-client
# (Optional) Create the runnable JAR file in /target/ folder
mvn clean install spring-boot:repackage
# Run owlplug
mvn spring-boot:run

License