How do I add a controller extension or script?

There are two types of files that are used for adding controller support in Bitwig Studio: .js files (JavaScript) and .bwextension files (Java).

Installing .js files (JavaScript)

Most scripts come as single .js files (JavaScript), however many scripts need several files to work properly. The files need to be placed in a specific folder for Bitwig Studio to find it.

If you are downloading a script from GitHub, we recommend you download the script files as a Zip archive.

1. On the GitHub page there should be a "Download ZIP" button on the right side. Click that to get all necessary files as an archive.
2. Save the ZIP file to a location you can find easily, and unpack it once the download is complete.
3. Now you should copy or move the unpacked folder to a location so Bitwig Studio can find it, this is different depending on which operating system you have:
   
   macOS
   Documents/Bitwig Studio/Controller Scripts
   
   Windows
   %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bitwig Studio\Controller Scripts
   
   Linux
   ~/Bitwig Studio/Controller Scripts
   
   
4. Once you’ve moved or copied the folder containing the script to the above location open Bitwig Studio, go to Preferences and Controllers. Now you can try detecting the controller automatically, or add it manually.

Installing .bwextension files (Java)

1. Download the extension file for the controller you want to use. In most cases the file will be in ZIP format.
2. Save the ZIP file to a location you can find easily, and unpack it once the download is complete.
3. Now you should copy or move the unpacked .bwextension file to a location so Bitwig Studio can find it, this is different depending on which operating system you have:
   
   macOS
   Documents/Bitwig Studio/Extensions
   
   Windows
   %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bitwig Studio\Extensions
   
   Linux
   ~/Bitwig Studio/Extensions
   
   
4. Once you’ve moved or copied the .bwextension file to the above location open Bitwig Studio, go to Preferences and Controllers. Now you can try detecting the controller automatically, or add it manually.

* If you are using Bitwig Studio Version 4.2.5 or above, you can simply drag and drop the .bwextension file onto the application window. Bitwig Studio will automatically copy the file to the correct location.