Blue Cat Audio

damasio · Post by **damasio** » Sat Mar 28, 2026 9:50 pm

I’m trying to use PatchWork in my workflow but i find it to be fall short.

Unless I’m missing something, there is:
– No plugin scan
– No internal browser
– No search field
– No separation between effects and instruments

To load something, I just get the OS file/folder dialog pointed at my VST folder with hundreds of files all mixed together. That might be fine for a tiny setup, but with large collections it’s “here’s your folder with 300+ plugins, good luck scrolling”.

Other chainers (DDMF Metaplugin/Superplugin etc.) scan once and then give you a searchable list. With PatchWork, the lack of a proper browser makes it very hard to use as a daily tool for power users. Given that PatchWork is the most expansive option i would expect a lot more refinement in this.

Am I overlooking any hidden scan/search feature, or is this really the current design? And if so, is a real plugin browser actually on the roadmap?

Blue Cat Audio · Post by **Blue Cat Audio** » Tue Mar 31, 2026 2:37 pm

Hi,

This is indeed something we have been working on lately. It is in the plans, but I don't know when it will happen.

Blue Cat Audio · Post by **Blue Cat Audio** » Thu Apr 09, 2026 12:59 pm

Just FYI, some progress is currently being made on this topic!

audiojunkie · Post by **audiojunkie** » Thu Apr 09, 2026 3:06 pm

This is definitely something that I've been wanting. Thank you!!

Now, I just need connector to be native Linux, and all will be well with the world.

Rodulf · Post by **Rodulf** » Fri Apr 10, 2026 1:27 pm

I am not finding the "scan plugins" menu.

Blue Cat Audio · Post by **Blue Cat Audio** » Fri Apr 10, 2026 5:17 pm

Rodulf wrote: Fri Apr 10, 2026 1:27 pm I am not finding the "scan plugins" menu.

Have you installed the latest preview?

Rodulf · Post by **Rodulf** » Fri Apr 10, 2026 10:06 pm

Yes. It's no big deal, just wondered. I just reinstalled, still can't see what you show here.

jmsteele · Post by **jmsteele** » Fri Apr 10, 2026 11:31 pm

Rodulf wrote: Fri Apr 10, 2026 10:06 pm Yes. It's no big deal, just wondered. I just reinstalled, still can't see what you show here.

Click in one of the effects slots and it's at the bottom of the popup menu.

Blue Cat Audio · Post by **Blue Cat Audio** » Thu Apr 16, 2026 3:09 pm

The scanner has been improved quite a bit (out of process scanning, retries upon crash, plug-ins list stored in a shared folder with other Blue Cat Audio hosts...), and a new plug-ins browser/manager has been added:

Blue Cat Audio

KVR Audio

Bluecat Patchwork falls really short in plugin browsing