Validates VST3 plugins (.vst3 bundles) using Steinberg's official validator tool on macOS, Windows, Linux. Guides usage, options, test suites, building from VST3 SDK, and common issues.
How this skill is triggered — by the user, by Claude, or both
Slash command
/audio-plugin-validators:validate-vst3The summary Claude sees in its skill listing — used to decide when to auto-load this skill
The `validator` accepts a direct path, but `validator -list` only scans standard locations.
The validator accepts a direct path, but validator -list only scans standard locations.
| Platform | User Location | System Location |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/ | /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/ |
| Windows | %LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\Common\VST3\ | C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\ |
| Linux | ~/.vst3/ | /usr/lib/vst3/ or /usr/local/lib/vst3/ |
.vst3 bundle (in your build output directory or one of the standard locations above)validator binary (see Common Binary Locations below)validator /path/to/plugin.vst3-e: validator -e /path/to/plugin.vst3# Validate a VST3 plugin (validator location depends on your VST3 SDK build)
validator /path/to/plugin.vst3
| Platform | Path |
|---|---|
| macOS | <vst3sdk>/build/bin/Release/validator or /usr/local/bin/validator |
| Windows | <vst3sdk>\build\bin\Release\validator.exe |
| Linux | <vst3sdk>/build/bin/Release/validator |
# Run extensive tests (takes longer but more thorough)
validator -e /path/to/plugin.vst3
# Quiet mode - only print errors
validator -q /path/to/plugin.vst3
# Run only a specific test suite
validator -suite "General Tests" /path/to/plugin.vst3
# Test only a specific processor class ID
validator -cid "ABCD1234..." /path/to/plugin.vst3
# Use local instance per test (isolates tests)
validator -l /path/to/plugin.vst3
# List all installed VST3 plugins
validator -list
# List snapshots from all installed plugins
validator -snapshots
| Suite | Description |
|---|---|
| General Tests | Basic plugin loading and info |
| Single Precision | 32-bit audio processing |
| Double Precision | 64-bit audio processing |
| Bus Activation | Bus enable/disable handling |
| Bus Arrangement | Channel configuration |
| Parameters | Parameter handling and automation |
| State | Preset save/restore |
| Editor | UI creation/destruction |
| Process Context | Transport and tempo handling |
Clone the VST3 SDK if you don't have it, then build:
cd <vst3sdk>
cmake -B build -G Ninja -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release
cmake --build build --target validator
getState/setState are implemented correctlyThe -e flag runs stress tests that may reveal:
npx claudepluginhub iplug3/audio-plugin-dev-skills --plugin audio-plugin-validatorsValidates VST3 (.vst3) and AudioUnit (.component) plugins using pluginval at configurable strictness levels. Activates on 'run pluginval', 'validate plugin', or cross-format testing requests. macOS/Windows/Linux; AudioUnit macOS-only.
Sets up JUCE audio plugin projects using JUCE-Plugin-Starter template with CMake builds, placeholder replacement, VST3 MIDI generator config, cross-DAW effects, and scripts for macOS/Windows/Linux deployment.
Runs automated tests to validate plugin integrity across 14 categories including config, skills, templates, workflow, and more. Use before creating PRs or after making changes.