> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cortex.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cortex.io/streamline/plugins/creating-plugins/editing-a-plugin.md).

# Editing a plugin

As your workflows evolve and you gather feedback from users, you may want to refine what a plugin does and where it shows up. Cortex lets you edit any plugin's configuration, code, and display settings after it's been registered, so you can iterate without starting over.

## Viewing the plugin in Cortex

1. From the main sidebar, select **Plugins**.
2. Locate the plugin you want to view, then click the **Overflow menu**.
3. Select **Edit plugin**.
4. In the bottom-right corner, toggle on **Dev mode**. The **Plugin preview** uses code running at `http://localhost:9000/ui.html`.
5. Click the **down arrow** next to the toggle.
6. In the command line, navigate to your scaffolded plugin directory and run `yarn dev`.
7. Review the plugin in the **Plugin preview**.

## Editing a plugin

Users with the `Edit Plugins` permission can edit plugins.

1. In your text editor, open the cloned repository for your plugin.
2. Make any necessary changes.
3. Save and run `yarn build`.
4. Optionally, run `yarn dev` to preview your changes in Cortex.
5. Upload or drop the new HTML file into the **Upload & preview plugin** grid. Cortex automatically deletes the old HTML file and replaces it with the new one.
6. Review the plugin in the **Plugin preview**.
7. Click **Save plugin**.

## Adding theme-based styling

The `react-plugin-ui` package includes CSS variables for theme-based styling. These styles adjust to match the [brand color you have configured](/configure/settings/workspace-customization.md#customize-for-your-organization) and reflect the light or dark mode settings for your Cortex workspace. The styles are injected via an iframe `postMessage` request, initiated by the Cortex `CortexApi.pluginInit()` call.

If your plugin needs additional styling beyond what's available in `react-plugin-ui`, you can use the Cortex CSS API. Refer to the documentation in the [plugin template repository](https://github.com/cortexapps/cookiecutter-cortex-plugin/blob/master/%7B%7Bcookiecutter.project_name%7D%7D/src/components/ColorSwatches.tsx).


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