# Desktop tools and installed helpers

> Find audio apps and plugins, distinguish them from local development tools, and check which downloads are available.

Canonical: https://maruaudio.com/help/desktop-tools-and-helpers
Documentation index: https://maruaudio.com/help/llms.txt

Choose desktop software by what you want to do: play an instrument, process a track, create a product or connect an assistant. A standalone audio app opens on its own. A native plugin opens inside a compatible DAW. Local tools and helpers support editing or connections; they serve a different purpose from the instrument or effect you play.

## Know which component you need

| Component | Purpose | Where to check access |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Native instrument or effect plugin | Play or process sound inside a compatible DAW | The product's release and [download library](https://maruaudio.com/library/downloads) |
| Standalone audio app | Open a playable instrument or effect without a DAW | A product's explicitly listed standalone download |
| Local developer tools | Edit, inspect, build and manage module projects on your computer | [CLI guide and diagnostics](https://maruaudio.com/docs/cli.md) |
| Agent skill and local tool connection | Give a coding assistant Maru workflows and local operations | [Agent setup](https://maruaudio.com/docs/agent-setup.md) |
| Desktop Studio | Create and edit audio projects in local folders | [Apps directory](https://maruaudio.com/apps#studio); desktop distribution is upcoming |
| Local plugin bridge | Explore access to plugins already installed on your computer | A guided early-access integration; describe the plugin and task you need |

## Find an app or plugin download

Start with the product's page and choose a download that matches your operating system, processor and host. A standalone app and a DAW plugin may be separate downloads. Follow the instructions included with that release; only install the formats listed for that release.

The [Apps directory](https://maruaudio.com/apps#apps) currently offers Maru Sampler in the browser and lists its desktop app and VST3 / Audio Unit instrument as upcoming. Desktop Studio is also upcoming. Use [web Studio](https://maruaudio.com/studio) for the hosted editing workflow while general desktop distribution is being prepared.

For effects, [Multifx](https://maruaudio.com/modules/multifx) and [FX Mini](https://maruaudio.com/modules/fx-mini) play in the browser, and the Maru FX native DAW plugin is still developing; [ask about beta access](https://maruaudio.com/contact) if you need it. Unity FX, Unreal FX and TD FX have their own downloads under [Integrations](https://maruaudio.com/apps#integrations); they are packages for those applications rather than standalone audio apps.

## Use local creation tools with an assistant

The Maru agent skill gives a coding assistant instructions for making instruments, effects and sound collections. The CLI and local tool connection let it work with the tools installed on your computer. Begin with [agent setup](https://maruaudio.com/docs/agent-setup.md) when you want to create or edit a local project.

Installing a skill supplies instructions. Compiler setup, account access and a supported destination are separate requirements. You do not need the development toolchain simply to play a product's supplied browser version or use an available installed release.

## Local helpers and permissions

A browser does not directly load an installed native plugin. The bridge work uses a local helper to communicate with a native host on your computer. Scanning available plugins, processing an offline file and playing through them live are distinct capabilities.

The bridge is still developing. Finding a plugin during a scan does not mean you can play it live through the bridge. [Contact Maru](https://maruaudio.com/contact) with your system, plugins and intended workflow to discuss access.

Use the connection and permission instructions supplied with the helper. A local process can still request hosted services, so review both local access and [connected-app permissions](https://maruaudio.com/help/connected-apps.md).

## If installation or a connection fails

Follow the product or tool's own setup instructions. Check its version, system requirements and any diagnostic report before reinstalling. If you need help, include the component's name, version, operating system and the exact error in your [support request](https://maruaudio.com/contact#help). Do not send tokens or account credentials. Use its supported removal workflow when available.

For a DAW plugin, continue with [DAW integration](https://maruaudio.com/help/daw-integration.md). For hosted versus local assistant work, use [Maru with an assistant](https://maruaudio.com/help/using-maru-with-agents.md).