Installing Plugins

This guide covers how to find, install, and manage plugins in Chatelope.

Finding Plugins

Plugin Directory

Browse the official plugin directory:

1. Go to Settings > Plugins
2. Click Browse Plugins
3. Search or browse categories

Categories

Plugins are organized by type:

• Parsers - Import from new platforms
• Providers - Add AI services
• Integrations - External service connections
• Themes - Visual customizations

Verified Plugins

Look for the verification badge:

• Verified - Reviewed by Chatelope team
• Community - Created by community members

Installation Methods

From Directory

1. Find a plugin in the directory
2. Click Install
3. Review permissions
4. Confirm installation

From URL

Install from a direct URL:

1. Go to Settings > Plugins
2. Click Install from URL
3. Enter the plugin URL (npm package or GitHub)
4. Review and confirm

Example URLs:

https://github.com/user/my-plugin
npm:@chatelope/slack-parser

Manual Installation

For development or private plugins:

1. Download the plugin package
2. Go to Settings > Plugins
3. Click Install from File
4. Select the .zip or .tar.gz file

Permissions

Plugins request specific permissions:

Permission Types

Reviewing Permissions

Before installation:

1. Read the permission list
2. Understand why each is needed
3. Decide if you trust the plugin

Revoking Permissions

After installation:

1. Go to plugin settings
2. Click Permissions
3. Toggle individual permissions

Managing Plugins

Enable/Disable

Toggle plugins without uninstalling:

1. Go to Settings > Plugins
2. Click the toggle next to a plugin
3. Plugin is disabled but settings preserved

Configuration

Configure plugin settings:

1. Click the gear icon next to a plugin
2. Adjust plugin-specific options
3. Changes apply immediately

Updates

Update plugins to new versions:

1. Update indicator appears when available
2. Click Update
3. Review changelog
4. Confirm update

Enable auto-updates in Settings > Plugins > Auto-update.

Uninstalling

Remove a plugin:

1. Go to Settings > Plugins
2. Click the menu on a plugin
3. Select Uninstall
4. Confirm removal

Plugin data is optionally deleted.

Troubleshooting

Plugin Won't Install

• Check internet connection
• Verify URL is correct
• Ensure Chatelope is up to date

Plugin Not Working

• Check if plugin is enabled
• Review plugin settings
• Check for updates
• Contact plugin author

Permission Errors

• Plugin may need additional permissions
• Grant permissions in plugin settings
• Some features may be restricted

Security Best Practices

1. Install verified plugins when possible
2. Review permissions before installing
3. Keep plugins updated for security fixes
4. Remove unused plugins to reduce risk
5. Report suspicious plugins to Chatelope team