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Plugins

Creating and Submitting Plugins​

Plugins are .plg files (XML-based) that install software or features directly on Unraid. They have stricter moderation due to root access.

Step 1: Create the Plugin PLG File​

  • PLG files define installation steps, such as downloading binaries, setting permissions, and integrating with the Unraid UI.
  • Use an existing PLG as a template (e.g., from GitHub repos).

Example basic PLG structure:

<?xml version='1.0' standalone='yes'?>
<!DOCTYPE PLUGIN [
<!ENTITY name "MyPlugin">
<!ENTITY author "YourName">
<!ENTITY version "2025.10.18">
<!ENTITY pluginURL "https://github.com/user/repo">
<!ENTITY icon "plug">
]>
<PLUGIN name="&name;" author="&author;" version="&version;" pluginURL="&pluginURL;" icon="&icon;" min="6.12.0">
  <DESCRIPTION>Short description of the plugin.</DESCRIPTION>
  <CHANGES>Changelog here.</CHANGES>
  <FILE Name="/boot/config/plugins/&name;/install.sh" Run="up">
    <!-- Installation script content -->
  </FILE>
  <!-- Additional FILE elements for downloads, configs, etc. -->
</PLUGIN>
  • Include scripts for installation, updates, and removal.
  • Test on a local Unraid system by placing the .plg in /config/plugins on the flash drive and rebooting.

Step 2: Host on GitHub​

  • Create a GitHub repo and upload the .plg file.
  • Add ca_profile.xml if desired (same as for Docker apps).

Step 3: Submit to Community Applications​

  • Plugins follow similar submission rules as Docker apps but are ineligible if better suited as Dockers.
  • Create a support thread on the Unraid forums first.
  • Submit your plugin via the official Community Applications submission form.
  • Moderators review for security, openness (open-source preferred), and compatibility. Closed-source plugins are rarely accepted.