The **desktop** and **mobile** apps have the ability to extend beyond their standard functionality by the way of plugins. These plugins adhere to the Joplin [plugin API](https://joplinapp.org/api/references/plugin_api/classes/joplin.html) and can be installed & configured within the application via the `Plugins` page of the [Configuration screen](https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/blob/dev/readme/apps/config_screen.md). From this menu you can search for plugins uploaded to the plugin repository as well as manual installation of plugins using a 'Joplin Plugin Archive' (*.jpl) file.
Plugins are hosted within the [Joplin plugins](https://github.com/joplin/plugins) repository. The application searches and installs plugins from this location but manual download and install of the .jpl files is also supported.
See the [Joplin Discourse 'plugins' category](https://discourse.joplinapp.org/c/plugins/18) for plugin readmes, beta/in-development plugins and community discussion.
To install a plugin just search for the name of the plugin within the search box within the `Plugins` page of the [Configuration screen](https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/blob/dev/readme/apps/config_screen.md). Typing a <kbd>space</kbd> will display all plugins or, on desktop, you can browse the repository by pressing the `Plugin tools` "gear" button and selecting `Browse all plugins`.
[Recommended plugins](https://github.com/joplin/plugins/blob/master/readme/recommended.md#recommended-plugins) are marked by a gold crown icon and have been vetted and recommended by the Joplin team.
To install a plugin just press its `Install` button, the application will then require restarting to finish the installation and will prompt you to do so.
Alternatively, to install a plugin manually, first download a plugin as a `.jpl` file. Next,
- **On desktop**: press the `Plugin tools` "gear" button and select `Install from file` then select the downloaded `.jpl` file. Alternatively you can copy the `.jpl` to your profile's `plugins` directory directory `~/.config/joplin-desktop/plugins` (This path might be different on your device - check at the top of the `Options` page in the [Configuration screen](https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/blob/dev/readme/apps/config_screen.md)). The plugin will be automatically loaded and executed when you restart the application. You may need to check Joplin is not minimising to the system tray/notification area rather than fully closing.
- **On Android**, the `Install from file` button is present under "Advanced settings" in the "Plugins" tab of the configuration screen.
:::note
To adhere to AppStore guidelines, the iOS app only allows installing recommended plugins.
Within the Joplin Plugins page you have the option to turn individual plugins on or off using the toggle control. After changing the state of a plugin Joplin must be restarted, you may need to check Joplin is not minimising to the system tray/notification area rather than fully closing.
As the plugins integrate into the application itself, each plugin may have its own configuration options within Joplin and may be executed in a number of different ways. Ensure that you read the author's documentation fully to understand how each plugin is designed to be configured and used.
Plugins can be automatically updated from within the Joplin application. When an update is available an orange `Update` button will show on the `Plugins` page of the settings menu. Press this button to update and once it has finished it will prompt you to restart the application.
Within the Joplin Plugins page you can hit the 'Delete' button on a plugin and it will be removed from the list. Joplin must be restarted for this to complete. You may need to check Joplin is not minimising to the system tray/notification area rather than fully closing.
Alternatively you can simply remove *.jpl from the plugin directory (see Installing a plugin section). The change will be reflected on application restart.
There is documentation of the plugin API along with documentation on plugin development. Check the [Joplin API Overview](https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/blob/dev/readme/api/index.md) page for these items.
For community discussion and assistance on plugin development please also see the [Joplin Discourse `plugins development` category](https://discourse.joplinapp.org/c/development/plugins/19).
Other resources can be found in the `Joplin API - Get Started` and `Joplin API - Reference` categories on the [Joplin Help page](https://joplinapp.org/help/)
