# How to Install a Plugin for Claude Code from the Community Repository

> Learn how to install Claude Code plugins from the community repository. Follow our simple steps to register the marketplace and install your desired plugins.

- Repository: [Anthropic/claude-plugins-community](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-plugins-community)
- Tags: how-to-guide
- Published: 2026-08-28

---

**You install a plugin for Claude Code by first registering the community marketplace with `claude plugin marketplace add anthropics/claude-plugins-community`, then installing specific plugins using `claude plugin install <plugin-name>@claude-community`.**

The `anthropics/claude-plugins-community` repository maintains a **read-only marketplace** of community-built extensions that enhance Claude Code's functionality. To install a plugin for Claude Code from this collection, you must register the repository as a marketplace source and reference plugins using the `@claude-community` suffix. This two-step process leverages the centralized [`.claude-plugin/marketplace.json`](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-plugins-community/blob/main/.claude-plugin/marketplace.json) file to discover and load validated plugins safely into your IDE.

## Understanding the Plugin Marketplace Structure

Claude Code discovers available plugins through the **marketplace descriptor** located at [`.claude-plugin/marketplace.json`](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-plugins-community/blob/main/.claude-plugin/marketplace.json) in the community repository. This JSON file enumerates every validated plugin—including "quickdesign", "agent-memory", and "10x-shopping"—along with metadata required for installation. Each entry contains a `source` block that specifies the Git URL and sub-directory path, enabling Claude Code to locate the plugin's files regardless of their repository location.

## Step-by-Step Installation Guide

### Step 1 – Add the Community Marketplace

Before installing individual plugins, register the community repository as a trusted marketplace source. Run this command once per environment:

```bash
claude plugin marketplace add anthropics/claude-plugins-community

```

This command instructs Claude Code to read the [`marketplace.json`](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-plugins-community/blob/main/marketplace.json) file from the `anthropics/claude-plugins-community` repository and cache the available plugin index.

### Step 2 – Install the Plugin by Name

Once the marketplace is registered, install any listed plugin by appending the `@claude-community` suffix to trigger the marketplace lookup:

```bash
claude plugin install quickdesign@claude-community

```

When executed, the CLI queries the marketplace JSON for the plugin entry, clones the specified repository (or sub-directory), and registers the plugin's [`.claude-plugin/plugin.json`](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-plugins-community/blob/main/.claude-plugin/plugin.json) descriptor so Claude Code can load the skill set.

### Verify the Installation

Confirm successful activation by listing all installed plugins:

```bash
claude plugin list

```

The output displays active plugins, including the newly installed community extension.

## How Plugin Discovery Works

The installation process relies on two critical JSON files. First, the **marketplace descriptor** ([`.claude-plugin/marketplace.json`](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-plugins-community/blob/main/.claude-plugin/marketplace.json)) acts as the master catalog, mapping plugin names to their source locations. Second, each plugin contains a **plugin descriptor** (e.g., [`quickdesign/.claude-plugin/plugin.json`](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-plugins-community/blob/main/quickdesign/.claude-plugin/plugin.json)) that defines the entry point, author, and version.

When you specify `@claude-community`, Claude Code restricts its search to entries within the registered community marketplace. The system then follows the `source` block to fetch the code—handling sub-directory paths automatically without requiring additional flags—and validates the local [`plugin.json`](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-plugins-community/blob/main/plugin.json) before loading the plugin into the IDE.

## Summary

- Register the community marketplace once using `claude plugin marketplace add anthropics/claude-plugins-community`.
- Install specific plugins with `claude plugin install <plugin-name>@claude-community`.
- The marketplace file [`.claude-plugin/marketplace.json`](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-plugins-community/blob/main/.claude-plugin/marketplace.json) serves as the authoritative index of available community plugins.
- Each plugin requires a valid [`.claude-plugin/plugin.json`](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-plugins-community/blob/main/.claude-plugin/plugin.json) descriptor in its directory to define metadata and entry points.
- Use `claude plugin list` to verify that Claude Code successfully loaded the plugin.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the purpose of the @claude-community suffix?

The `@claude-community` suffix tells Claude Code to search the registered community marketplace (specifically the `anthropics/claude-plugins-community` repository) for the plugin entry rather than querying other configured marketplaces or default sources.

### Can I install plugins that reside in repository sub-directories?

Yes. Most community plugins reside in sub-directories such as `quickdesign/` or `agent-memory/`. The install command works without additional flags because the `source` block in [`.claude-plugin/marketplace.json`](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-plugins-community/blob/main/.claude-plugin/marketplace.json) contains the specific Git URL and path information required to locate the files.

### Where does Claude Code store plugin metadata?

Claude Code reads plugin metadata from the [`plugin.json`](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-plugins-community/blob/main/plugin.json) file located at [`.claude-plugin/plugin.json`](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-plugins-community/blob/main/.claude-plugin/plugin.json) within each plugin's directory. According to the `anthropics/claude-plugins-community` source code, this file provides essential details including the plugin's name, author, version, and entry points required for initialization.

### Do I need to add the marketplace before every plugin installation?

No. You only need to run `claude plugin marketplace add anthropics/claude-plugins-community` once per development environment. After initial registration, the marketplace persists, allowing you to install, update, or remove individual plugins without re-adding the source repository.