Free · legit · VST3 and AU
Free VST plug-ins.
Legit, safe, no surprises.
A free plug-in can be great or it can be trouble. What matters is where it comes from, what licence it has and whether it fits your system.
What to know
Format. VST3 works on Windows and macOS in almost every DAW. AU is Apple's format, needed for Logic Pro and GarageBand. On Apple Silicon Macs, look for native builds.
Install. On Windows, VST3 plug-ins go to C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3; on a Mac to /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3, and AU to /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components. Rescan in your DAW afterwards.
Licence and safety
Free doesn't always mean free for everything — check whether the licence allows releases you sell. Download only from the developer's site. Cracked plug-ins are one of the most common ways to spread malware such as crypto miners and password stealers, and they like to crash mid-session.
How to get free DarkPlugins plug-ins
For an account
Create a DarkPlugins account — the plug-in adds itself to “My plug-ins”. Install it with one click in the DarkPlugins app.
For the newsletter
Join the newsletter on the plug-in page (with consent). The licence lands on your account straight away and stays for good.
For following us
Follow DarkPlugins on Instagram and TikTok, then send two screenshots on the plug-in page. You get the licence right away.
Free DarkPlugins plug-ins
All plug-ins
RackFreeYour whole vocal chain in one slot — up to 16 DarkPlugins plugins, 8 macros and ready-made chains saved in two clicks.UtilitiesWith an account
KeyLockFreeThe key, scale and notes of any sample in seconds — with a confidence reading, a tuner and a lock to your beat's key.UtilitiesWith an account
DoubleFreeA natural vocal double from a single take — wide, thick, without the chorus effect and without just getting louder.VocalsNewsletter
808 PhoneFree808s you can hear on a phone — the sub stays clean, the harmonics reach the small speaker.Colour & lo-fiFor a follow
UtilitiesWith an accountRack
FreeYour whole vocal chain in one slot — up to 16 DarkPlugins plugins, 8 macros and ready-made chains saved in two clicks.
UtilitiesWith an accountKeyLock
FreeThe key, scale and notes of any sample in seconds — with a confidence reading, a tuner and a lock to your beat's key.
VocalsNewsletterDouble
FreeA natural vocal double from a single take — wide, thick, without the chorus effect and without just getting louder.
Colour & lo-fiFor a follow808 Phone
Free808s you can hear on a phone — the sub stays clean, the harmonics reach the small speaker.
All in One
Every plug-in free for 14 days.
Full versions, no card needed. Once per account and per computer.
Questions
Does DarkPlugins have free plug-ins?
Yes — Rack, KeyLock, Double, 808 Phone. You get them for an account, for joining the newsletter or for following us on Instagram and TikTok. The licence stays on your account for good.
Can I use free plug-ins on beats I sell?
Usually, but it depends on each plug-in's licence. Music made with DarkPlugins plug-ins — free ones included — can be used commercially at no extra cost; see the licence (EULA).
VST, VST3 or AU — which one?
VST3 on Windows. On a Mac, VST3 or AU — AU is needed in Logic Pro and GarageBand, other DAWs use VST3. You don't need old VST2 if there's a VST3 version.
Are cracked plug-ins safe?
No. They're one of the most common ways malware spreads — crypto miners and password stealers — and they tend to crash and corrupt projects.
How do I install a VST3 plug-in?
Copy the .vst3 file to the VST3 folder (Windows: C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3, Mac: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3) and rescan plug-ins in your DAW. The DarkPlugins app installs DarkPlugins plug-ins for you.
Related guides
All guides- MixingMixing a trap beat from scratchFrom gain staging to the master bus: kick and 808, snare, hi-hats, melody and space in a trap beat — with frequencies, levels and common mistakes.2 min read
- VocalsTrap vocal chain, step by stepPlug-in order for rap and trap vocals: tuning, EQ, two compressors, de-esser, air and sends — with settings in Hz, dB and ms.2 min read