In this article you will find general information about plug-ins available for Pro Tools, including what plug-in formats are supported with Pro Tools and how to determine what plug-in versions are compatible with your Pro Tools software version.

  • What plug-in formats are compatible with Pro Tools?
  • How to check if a plug-in is compatible with my version of Pro Tools?
  • What plug-ins are included with my Pro Tools system?
  • Can I use VST plug-ins and VST instruments in Pro Tools?
  • Where can I find out about plug-ins for my Pro Tools system?

Pro Tools plug-ins are available in three formats:

  • TDM — for Pro Tools|HD systems and VENUE
  • Real-Time AudioSuite™ (RTAS®) — for Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE™, and Pro Tools M-Powered™ systems
  • AudioSuite — for Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE™, and Pro Tools M-Powered™ systemsClick here to learn more about Pro Tools TDM, Real-Time AudioSuite (RTAS), and AudioSuite plug-ins.

Why is it important to make sure my plug-ins are compatible, and how can I check if the version I am using is compatible?

In addition to an incompatible plug-in not functioning properly itself, many other Pro Tools issues can be caused by incompatible plug-ins simply being installed. (They don’t even have to be in use in a session to cause problems.) This is because upon launch, Pro Tools caches all of the installed plug-in data. That cache interacts with many aspects of Pro Tools, from thread scheduling to automation, etc.

Please use the following information to check plug-in version compatibility.

What plug-ins are included with my Pro Tools system?

Can I use VST plug-ins and VST instruments in Pro Tools?

The use of VST plug-ins and VST Instruments requires the optional purchase of the FXpansion VST to RTAS Adapter. The adapter enables VST effects plug-ins and VST Instruments to be used as RTAS plug-ins in Pro Tools sessions. Optimized for Pro Tools 7, version 2 is now available:

Please Note: Avid does not manufacture, test, or qualify any VST plug-ins, or the FXpansion VST to RTAS Adapter required to use VST plug-ins with Pro Tools. For sales and support of the FXpansion VST to RTAS Adapter and support for the use of the adapter with Avid and Digidesign products, please contact FXpansion.

Where can I find out about plug-ins for my Pro Tools system?

For information, downloads and demos of plug-ins for Pro Tools systems, go to the Products section of the website, and click Plug-ins.