[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "how%20do%20I%20get%20reaper%20to%20find%20all%20of%20my%20effects.%20I%20am%20blind%20and%20any%20shortcuts%20will%20help"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here are ways you can get REAPER (the Digital Audio Workstation) to **find all of your effects/plugins**, plus a bunch of keyboard shortcuts that are especially helpful if you\u2019re blind or working without sight. I\u2019ve included exact steps and hotkeys so you can use these efficiently.\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0d Finding *All* Your Effects / Plugins in REAPER\n\nThese steps help you list *all* effects/plugins, including ones you\u2019ve installed, favorites, stock effects (Rea-*), and avoid missing ones due to filters or outdated scans.\n\n| Task | How to do it |\n|---|---|\n| **Open the FX Browser** | Press **Shift + F** (Windows) to open the FX browser. It shows all installed effects, sorted by type, developer, or your favorites. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Reaper/comments/1lavwl3?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **View \u201cAll Effects\u201d** | Within the FX browser, select the **\u201cAll Effects\u201d** category to display every plugin available. ([homebrewaudio.com](https://www.homebrewaudio.com/28185/reaper-effects-how-to-add-effects-to-audio-in-reaper/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Rescan all plugins** | Go to **Options \u2192 Preferences \u2192 Plug-ins \u2192 VST**. Click **\u201cClear cache and rescan VST paths for all plugins\u201d** or just **Rescan**. This forces REAPER to check all your VST and other plugin folders. ([support.stevenslatedrums.com](https://support.stevenslatedrums.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405725160855-How-To-Rescan-Plugins-In-Reaper?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Check failed plugins** | In the VST preferences, there\u2019s a list of *plugins that failed to scan*. You can often select them here and try to rescan. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Reaper/comments/1py6tza/plugin_not_in_list_despite_being_loaded/?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n## \u2328\ufe0f Useful Keyboard Shortcuts & Navigation Tips\n\nHere are keyboard commands that help you move quickly through plugins, open effects, or manage FX Chains without needing visual cues:\n\n| Shortcut / Command | What It Does |\n|---|---|\n| **Shift + F** | Open FX Browser (shows all effects/plugins) ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Reaper/comments/1lavwl3?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **A** or **Insert** (when in FX chain window) | Opens the FX Browser to add a new plugin/effect ([reaper.blog](https://reaper.blog/2019/02/hidden-fx-chain-shortcuts/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Ctrl + A** (or Cmd + A on Mac) | Select *all* effects in the FX chain window ([reaper.blog](https://reaper.blog/2019/02/hidden-fx-chain-shortcuts/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Up / Down Arrows** | Navigate (move the selection) through items or effects in lists or FX chain windows ([reaper.blog](https://reaper.blog/2019/02/hidden-fx-chain-shortcuts/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Shift + Up / Shift + Down** | Select more than one item in FX chain list (useful if you want to copy or bypass multiple effects) ([reaper.blog](https://reaper.blog/2019/02/hidden-fx-chain-shortcuts/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Ctrl (Cmd) + B** | Bypass selected effect(s) \u2013 great for turning them off/on without deleting ([reaper.blog](https://reaper.blog/2019/02/hidden-fx-chain-shortcuts/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **F2** | Rename an FX Instance \u2013 if you want to label effects clearly (helps later to know what you added) ([reaper.blog](https://reaper.blog/2019/02/hidden-fx-chain-shortcuts/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Ctrl (Cmd) + R** | Replace an FX \u2013 lets you pick another effect to replace currently selected one without manually removing and re-adding. ([reaper.blog](https://reaper.blog/2019/02/hidden-fx-chain-shortcuts/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Page Up / Page Down / Home / End** | Jumping quickly to top or bottom of the FX list or within FX chain window. ([reaper.blog](https://reaper.blog/2019/02/hidden-fx-chain-shortcuts/?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udccb Organizing & Using Plugins Faster\n\nThese techniques help you save time by organizing your plugins, creating shortcuts, so you spend less time searching:\n\n- **Create shortcuts for plugins**: In the FX browser, you can **right-click a plugin** \u2192 *Create shortcut*. Then assign a single key (or key combo) to open that effect. So you can load effects you use often with one press. ([reapertips.com](https://www.reapertips.com/post/create-shortcuts-to-your-plugins?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Save FX Chains**: When you have multiple effects settings together that you use commonly, save them as an FX Chain. These appear in the FX Browser under *FX Chains*, so you can load them all at once. It helps reduce repetitive steps. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Reaper/comments/1ewx4bo/can_you_save_the_preset_for_a_plugin_in_your/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Filter plugin list by name**: In the FX Browser, there's a text filter. Type part of a name like `eq`, `reverb`, `delay`, etc., and it shows only matching effects. Very helpful instead of searching through hundreds. ([music.tutsplus.com](https://music.tutsplus.com/how-to-add-use-effects-in-reaper--cms-107671t?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can supply a custom list of helpful actions in REAPER you could map to high-priority keys (for example, one key to toggle between \u201cshow all plugins\u201d or a key to rescan), to make things even smoother for you without needing the screen. Would you be interested in that?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "how%20to%20clear%20cache%20for%20fx%20plugins%20and%20rescan"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s how to clear the plugin cache and rescan FX/VST/AU plugins in REAPER. These methods work on both Windows and macOS. I\u2019ll include both the automatic method via the preferences, *and* how to manually clear cache files in case something\u2019s stuck or not working properly. All steps are written with keyboard navigation in mind.\n\n---\n\n## \u2705 Automatic Way (Recommended)\n\n1. Open REAPER if it\u2019s closed.\n\n2. Open Preferences:\n   - On Windows: press `Alt + O` to open the **Options** menu, then `P` for **Preferences**.\n   - On Mac: press `Cmd + ,` (Command + comma).\n\n3. In Preferences, navigate to the VST settings:\n   - Press `P` to start searching for \u201cPlug-ins\u201d (this puts you in the filter textbox).\n   - Type **VST** and press `Enter` to go to **Plug-ins \u2192 VST**. ([process.audio](https://process.audio/support/reaper-my-plug-ins-arent-showing-up?utm_source=openai))\n\n4. Inside the VST page, look for buttons labeled **Re-scan** and **Clear cache / Re-scan**.\n   - Use the **Tab** key to move through fields until you hear \u201cClear cache / Re-scan.\u201d That button deletes the old cache of plugin info and forces REAPER to scan every plugin directory again. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Reaper/comments/1jc90tj?utm_source=openai))\n   - After that, press **Re-scan** to carry out the scan. ([process.audio](https://process.audio/support/reaper-my-plug-ins-arent-showing-up?utm_source=openai))\n\n5. Wait for the scan to finish (this can take a little time if you have many plugins). Once done, your FX/Plugin browser should include any plugins not appearing before. ([process.audio](https://process.audio/support/reaper-my-plug-ins-arent-showing-up?utm_source=openai))\n\n6. If some plugins show up in a \u201cFailed to Scan\u201d or \u201cBlacklisted\u201d section, you can sometimes select them there and retry scanning them. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Reaper/comments/1pshrie/cant_seem_to_be_able_to_install_plugins_into/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udee0 Manual Method (If the Automatic One Doesn\u2019t Help)\n\nUse this if some plugins still aren\u2019t showing up, or REAPER is \u201cremembering\u201d plugins you've removed.\n\n1. Close REAPER completely (make sure it's not running in the background).\n\n2. Open your REAPER resource folder:\n   - In REAPER \u2192 **Options \u2192 Show REAPER resource path in Explorer/Finder** ([acusticaudio.freshdesk.com](https://acusticaudio.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/35000152234-re-setting-the-reaper-plug-ins-cache-manually?utm_source=openai))\n   - On Windows, that usually opens a folder in **AppData/Roaming\\REAPER**.\n   - On macOS, it\u2019s under **~/Library/Application Support/REAPER** or similar. ([dl.reaper.fm](https://dl.reaper.fm/userguide/ReaperUserGuide510b.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. Find and delete these files (these are the cache files for plugins):\n   - `reaper-vstplugins64.ini` (Windows and Mac)\n   - `reaper-auplugins64.ini` and `reaper-auplugins64-bc.ini` (macOS / AU plugins) ([acusticaudio.freshdesk.com](https://acusticaudio.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/35000152234-re-setting-the-reaper-plug-ins-cache-manually?utm_source=openai))\n\n4. Re-open REAPER.\n\n5. Go back to Preferences \u2192 Plug-ins \u2192 VST, and either click **Clear cache / Re-scan** or just **Re-scan**, depending on options. REAPER should build fresh cache and find your plugins. ([support.mixwave.com](https://support.mixwave.com/en/help/reaper-troubleshooting?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd11 Handy Tips & Keyboard Shortcuts\n\n- `Ctrl + P` (Windows) / `Cmd + ,` (Mac) \u2192 Preferences.\n- Use arrow keys and Tab to navigate dialog boxes and buttons if you can\u2019t use a mouse.\n- When adding plugin directories (\u201cVST plugin paths\u201d), use **Edit path list** \u2192 **Add path** to include folders where your plugins are stored. Missed or custom plugin locations are often the reason REAPER can\u2019t find items. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Reaper/comments/1pshrie/cant_seem_to_be_able_to_install_plugins_into/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can walk you through setting up this process once and mapping a hotkey so clearing cache + rescanning is doable with a single key or two. Would that help?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "how%20do%20I%20get%20reaper%20to%20load%20its%20default%20vst%20plugins"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "If REAPER\u2019s **default stock plugins** (like *ReaEQ*, *ReaComp*, etc.) aren\u2019t showing up, or you want to restore them back into your FX/Plugin list, here are steps to make sure the defaults load correctly, plus how to restore them if needed. Everything is explained with keyboard-friendly instructions and exact names so you can follow without a mouse.\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udee0 Steps to Restore Default REAPER FX / Plugins\n\n### 1. Verify Default VST/JSFX Plugin Paths\n\nREAPER has built-in \u201cstock\u201d effects (Rea-plugins), which are usually JSFX or built-in VST/CLAP depending on your version. Make sure the folder where these are stored is in REAPER\u2019s plugin paths.\n\n- Press `Ctrl + P` (Windows) or `Cmd + ,` (macOS) to open **Preferences**.\n- In the left sidebar, arrow down to **Plug-ins \u2192 VST** (or **Plug-ins \u2192 VST / JS / etc.**)  \n- Use `Tab` and arrow keys to get to **VST Plug-in paths**.  \n- Ensure the REAPER built-in plugin folder is listed. If you had changed paths or overridden defaults, this might have been removed. Most Rea-plugins are internal, but some may rely on \u201cJS\u201d FX paths.  \n- If needed, use **Edit path list \u2192 Add path** to add missing folders.  \n- Click **Clear cache / Re-scan** to force REAPER to re-read all plugin directories. ([untidymusic.com](https://untidymusic.com/reaper-tutorials/rescan-vst-folder-reaper?utm_source=openai))\n\n### 2. Clear Plugin Cache & Rescan\n\nThis resets REAPER\u2019s memory of all plugins, allowing defaults to reappear.\n\n- In Preferences \u2192 Plug-ins \u2192 VST, press **Clear cache / Re-scan**. This deletes old cache entries and rescans all directories for all plugins. ([support.stevenslatedrums.com](https://support.stevenslatedrums.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405725160855-How-To-Rescan-Plugins-In-Reaper?utm_source=openai))  \n- If that doesn\u2019t restore missing stock FX, close REAPER and manually delete the cache files:\n\n  For Windows/macOS:\n  - `reaper-vstplugins64.ini`  \n  On macOS, also `reaper-auplugins64.ini` and `reaper-auplugins64-bc.ini` if AU plugins are involved.  \n  Then reopen REAPER, which triggers full plugin scan. ([acusticaudio.freshdesk.com](https://acusticaudio.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/35000152234-re-setting-the-reaper-plug-ins-cache-manually?utm_source=openai))\n\n### 3. Check for Blacklisted or Failed Plugins\n\nSometimes REAPER hides a plugin (even stock ones) because they \u201cfailed to scan\u201d or got blacklisted.\n\n- Open REAPER \u2192 *Options* \u2192 *Preferences* \u2192 *Plug-ins \u2192 VST*.  \n- Look for a section labelled **Plugins that failed to scan**.  \n- If you find the stock plugins listed there, select them and choose **Rescan** or a similarly labelled action to restore them. ([support.source-elements.com](https://support.source-elements.com/en_US/how-to-articles/how-to-re-import-vst-plugins-in-reaper-after-a-failure?utm_source=openai))\n\n### 4. Reinstall / Repair REAPER\n\nIf built-in stock plugins seem entirely missing (i.e. not just hidden or disabled), a REAPER reinstall (or repair-install) can restore any original stock FX that may have been accidentally deleted or corrupted.\n\n- Download the latest REAPER installer from the official site.  \n- Run it, selecting a \u201cRepair\u201d option if available (on Windows) or simply reinstall over the top on macOS.  \n- After install, repeat the steps above to clear cache/rescan, to make sure everything shows up.  \n\n---\n\n## \ud83c\udfaf Keyboard Shortcuts & Tips\n\nThese commands help you do the above steps efficiently without mouse:\n\n- `Ctrl + P` or `Cmd + ,` \u2192 Open **Preferences**.\n- Tab / Arrow keys to navigate to **Plug-ins \u2192 VST**.\n- `Tab` repeatedly to move between plugin paths box \u2192 buttons \u2192 path editing.\n- **Enter** to activate *Edit path list* \u2192 **Add path**.\n- Use **Spacebar** or **Enter** to activate buttons like *Clear cache / Re-scan*.\n- After changing settings, press **OK** to confirm and close preferences.\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me your version of REAPER (for example, 6.81, 7.46, etc.) and whether you're on Windows or macOS, I can give you the *exact default paths* that stock plugins are supposed to be in for your system \u2014 then you can double-check those directly. Would you like me to find those for you?"
    }
]