Manually Install Obsidian Plugins: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 13/07/2025

Obsidian's plugin ecosystem expands its functionality dramatically, but the community plugin library isn't always the easiest to navigate. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of manually installing Obsidian plugins, empowering you to access a wider range of tools and customizations. Whether you're a seasoned user or just starting out, learn how to bypass the community library and unlock Obsidian's full potential. Let's get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Obtain Plugin Files

    • Locate the GitHub repository for the desired plugin.
    • main.js (or equivalent JavaScript file), manifest.json (plugin metadata), and styles.css (optional CSS file). These are usually found in a release.
    Download the necessary files: main.js (or equivalent JavaScript file), manifest.json (plugin metadata), and styles.css (optional CSS file). These are usually found in a release.
    Obtain Plugin Files

  2. Prepare Plugin Folder

    • Create a new folder (e.g., the plugin's name) in your computer's file system.
    • Place the downloaded files into the newly created folder.
    Place the downloaded files into the newly created folder. Place the downloaded files into the newly created folder.
    Prepare Plugin Folder

  3. Install Plugin in Obsidian

    • Open Obsidian's settings, navigate to Community Plugins, and click the folder icon to open the plugins folder within your Obsidian vault.
    • Move the folder containing the plugin files into the Obsidian plugins folder.
    Move the folder containing the plugin files into the Obsidian plugins folder.
    Install Plugin in Obsidian

  4. Activate and Use Plugin

    • Return to Obsidian, and click the refresh button in the Community Plugins section.
    • Enable the newly installed plugin.
    • Use the plugin's commands.
    Use the plugin's commands. Use the plugin's commands.
    Activate and Use Plugin
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Tips

  • If using TypeScript, ensure the code is compiled before placing files into the plugins folder. Pre-compiled releases are recommended.
  • The folder name for the plugin doesn't significantly affect the installation process.
  • The Obsidian plugins folder is a hidden folder; ensure hidden files are shown in your file explorer settings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Plugin File Placement

Reason: Placing the plugin files in the wrong directory within the Obsidian vault or the Obsidian application folder.
Solution: Place the extracted plugin folder into the correct plugins folder within your Obsidian vault.

2. Missing Dependencies

Reason: Some plugins require additional libraries or other plugins to function correctly. Failure to install these dependencies will result in plugin failure.
Solution: Consult the plugin's documentation or GitHub repository to identify and install any necessary dependencies before activating the plugin.

3. Incorrectly Zipped Plugin Files

Reason: The plugin files may be corrupted, incomplete, or incorrectly zipped preventing Obsidian from properly recognizing the plugin.
Solution: Download the plugin again, verifying the download integrity before extracting and installing.

FAQs

Why would I manually install a plugin instead of using the Community Plugins tab?
Manually installing plugins allows you to use plugins not yet listed in the official Community Plugins tab, or those that have been removed. It also provides more control over the plugin's location and updates.
What happens if I install a plugin incorrectly?
An incorrectly installed plugin might not function correctly, or could even cause issues with Obsidian. Always download plugins from trusted sources and follow the installation instructions carefully. If problems arise, you can usually uninstall the plugin by deleting its folder from your Obsidian vault's `.obsidian/plugins` directory.