Extensions allow you to change existing functionality, and add brand new functionality into Vanilla. Extensions can come from a variety of sources, but we’ve created a Vanilla Add-on Directory that you are welcome to browse and add to.

In order for Vanilla to recognize an extension, it must be contained within it’s own directory within your installation’s extensions directory. So, once you have downloaded and unzipped the extension files, you can then place the folder containing the default.php file into your installation of Vanilla. The path to your extension’s default.php file should look like this:

/path/to/vanilla/extensions/this_extension_name/default.php

All extensions should contain a readme.txt file. Be sure to read this file in case there are extra steps you must take in order to get the extension working.

By default, Vanilla extensions are disabled. Once you have uploaded the extension files and followed any additional setup instructions within the extension’s readme file, you can enable the extension through the “Extensions” form on the settings tab in Vanilla. To enable an extension, check the box next to the extension name. To disable an extension, uncheck the box next to the extension name.