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How to install a Claude Code plugin from a marketplace (step by step)

Install a Claude Code plugin in the terminal, from a shell, or in the Claude desktop app, then update or remove it. Worked example with the free Asciimood plugin.

By Tom Daluzeau ·

In short

In Claude Code, type /plugin install <plugin> --marketplace <owner/repo>, answer y to add the marketplace, and press Enter. From a shell: claude plugin install <plugin> --marketplace <owner/repo>. Example: /plugin install asciimood --marketplace tmdlz/asciimood.

What a marketplace is

Claude Code plugins are distributed through marketplaces: a marketplace is a list of plugins, usually a GitHub repository. You add a marketplace once, then install the plugins it lists. The commands below use Asciimood (marketplace tmdlz/asciimood) as the example; swap in any other plugin's name and repository.

Option 1: inside Claude Code

  1. Start a Claude Code session in your terminal.
  2. Paste the install command: 
    /plugin install asciimood --marketplace tmdlz/asciimood
  3. Answer y when asked to add the marketplace.
  4. Press Enter to install for your user (every project), and it is active.

Option 2: from a shell

claude plugin install asciimood --marketplace tmdlz/asciimood

Then start claude as usual. This is the easiest way to script an install, for example in a dotfiles setup.

Option 3: in the Claude desktop app

  1. Click + next to the prompt box, then Plugins.
  2. Choose Add marketplace and enter tmdlz/asciimood.
  3. Click Add plugin on Asciimood.

Updating a plugin

claude plugin marketplace update asciimood
claude plugin update asciimood@asciimood

Then restart Claude Code so the new version loads.

Removing a plugin

Open /plugin in Claude Code and uninstall it from the list, or run claude plugin uninstall asciimood from a shell.

Is it safe to install a plugin?

A plugin runs inside Claude Code on your machine, so install plugins from sources you trust, and prefer ones whose code you can read. Asciimood's code is public on GitHub; it reads no files, sends none of your code or prompts anywhere, and talks only to asciimood.com to fetch the animations you picked.

Frequently asked questions

How do I install a Claude Code plugin?

In Claude Code, run /plugin install <plugin> --marketplace <owner/repo>, answer y to add the marketplace and press Enter. From a shell, run claude plugin install <plugin> --marketplace <owner/repo>.

How do I update a Claude Code plugin?

Run claude plugin marketplace update <marketplace>, then claude plugin update <plugin>@<marketplace>, and restart Claude Code.

How do I uninstall a Claude Code plugin?

Open /plugin in Claude Code and uninstall it, or run claude plugin uninstall <plugin> from a shell.