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
.plgin/config/pluginson the flash drive and rebooting.
Step 2: Host on GitHub
- Create a GitHub repo and upload the
.plgfile. - Add
ca_profile.xmlif 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.