====== Managing plugins ======

===== Installing a plugin =====
Installing a plugin is nothing complicated, and there are several methods available.

==== Automatic installation ====

From your blog administration interface, log in as a super administrator and choose //Plugins// from the left column, then the //Install or upgrade a plugin//.

Now choose the appropriate field. 
  * ''Upload a zip file'': if the plugin is already on your hard drive, click on ''Browse'' to locate it and upload it to your server.
  * ''Download a zip file'': here you type the URL (http or ftp) of the plugin's zip file so Dotclear downloads it from its location.

Then enter your password in the relevant field and click on **Upload plugin** or **Download plugin** depending on the chosen method.

==== Manual installation ====

Some hosting providers won't allow the automatic installation. You then need to download the plugin's archive (''.zip'' file) to your hard drive.

Now, extract the files and upload the directory you obtain onto your server, in the ''plugins'' directory of your Dotclear installation

In the administration interface of your blog, your new plugin should be listed in the plugin list (//Plugins// link in the left menu).

<note tip>
After installing a new plugin, you should systematically go to the Dashboard page. Many plugins need this step to be activated.
</note>
===== Configuring plugins =====

The way plugins are managed from the administration interface changes depending on the plugin. The configurable plugins generally have a link of their own in the lower part of the left column, but they may be located elsewhere. 

Other plugins simply provide widgets, so they can be configured via the //Presentation Widgets// link: they will be listed among the ''Available plugins'', and you will be able to drag and drop them to one of the sidebars and configure to any available settings.

Finally, there are plugins without any dedicated link or widget. Please refer to the plugin's documentation (on the author's website) for information on how to use these plugins.

<note tip>
Some plugins require you to insert or modify some code in some files of your theme (typically ''_head.html''). To edit these files, two options are available:
  * Use an FTP client to download the relevant file from the ''tpl'' directory of your current theme. If the file you need is not included in your theme, which is highly probable, download the appropriate file from the default theme (located in ''themes/default/tpl''). Then, modify it and upload this modified version to the ''tpl'' directory of //your// theme (located in ''themes/theme_name/'').
  * OR, go to the **Theme settings** page via the Dashboard and click on the **Theme Editor** button after selecting your current theme in the gallery. Then click on the name of the file you need to edit, make the required modifications and save.
</note>

===== Removing a plugin =====

To permanently remove a plugin, first remove:
  * any change you have made to the theme files; 
  * any widget related to the plugin;
  * the files created by the plugin administration (if it has its own link in the administration interface of the blog).

Then, click on the //Plugins// link of the left column to access the plugin list, then click on the **delete** button of the plugin you want to remove. If this operation has no effect, it means your hosting provider doesn't allow it, so you have to use FTP to remove the directory of the relevant plugin from the ''plugins'' directory of your Dotclear installation.

===== Updating a plugin =====

When a new version of your favorite plugin is released, providing a bunch of amazing new features, you can very easily update it.

Click on the //Plugins// link in the left column, then go to the **Install or upgrade a plugin** tab and install the new version exactly as you installed the original, using the method of your choice. Dotclear recognizes the new version is more recent and automatically updates the plugin.