# Plugins

Plugins allow you to extend Cortex with custom functionality—whether to support unique workflows, surface data from internal systems, or integrate with tools that Cortex doesn't natively support.

Each plugin is built as a single HTML file, rendered inside an iframe within Cortex. To simplify working with external APIs, Cortex provides plugin proxies that handle CORS restrictions and can enrich outbound requests with custom headers and secrets. Plugins also receive contextual information about where they are running within the app.

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Looking to dive deeper? Check out the [Cortex Academy course on Plugins](https://academy.cortex.io/courses/understanding-plugins).
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## Viewing plugins

Plugins can be viewed in the following areas of Cortex:

* **Main sidebar** - Click **Plugins** to view a list of your organization's plugins. Filter by global context or entity context plugins.
* **Plugins homepage** - From the main sidebar, click **your avatar > Settings > Plugins**. Note that plugins must have a **global** context to appear on the homepage.
* **Within an entity** - Navigate to an entity page. Plugins associated with that entity appear as tabs below the entity name.

### Configuring where plugins appear

Users with the `Configure Plugin Appearance` permission can configure where plugins appear in Cortex. See [Customizing your workspace](https://docs.cortex.io/configure/settings/workspace-customization) for more information.

## Creating a plugin

You can create a new plugin repository using the Scaffolder tool in a Workflow. For instructions on creating a plugin, see [Creating a plugin](https://docs.cortex.io/streamline/plugins/creating-plugins).

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If your plugin was created before April 2025 and uses components from `plugin-core/components`, note that these components have been migrated to `react-plugin-ui`. [Upgrade plugin-core to 3.0.0-beta.4 or later](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@cortexapps/plugin-core/v/3.0.0-beta.4?activeTab=versions) to migrate these components to the new design.
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## Installing a plugin from the Cortex Plugin Marketplace

The Cortex Plugin Marketplace allows you to discover, view, and install pre-made plugins directly into your Cortex workspace. Learn more in [Plugin Marketplace](https://docs.cortex.io/streamline/plugins/marketplace).