> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dify-6c0370d8-docs-new-agent-experience.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Publish Plugins

> Three ways to distribute a Dify plugin (Marketplace, GitHub repository, or local file) and how to pick the right one

Dify supports three ways to distribute a plugin. They differ in how much vetting happens up front and how broad an audience the plugin reaches.

Before publishing, finish development and testing, and read the [Plugin Development Guidelines](/en/develop-plugin/publishing/standards/contributor-covenant-code-of-conduct).

## Choose a Method

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Marketplace" icon="store" href="/en/develop-plugin/publishing/marketplace-listing/release-to-dify-marketplace">
    Official catalog. Reviewed, trusted, one-click install for every Dify user.
  </Card>

  <Card title="GitHub Repository" icon="github" href="/en/develop-plugin/publishing/marketplace-listing/release-to-individual-github-repo">
    Self-hosted on GitHub. No review; users install via repo URL.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Local File" icon="file-zipper" href="/en/develop-plugin/publishing/marketplace-listing/release-by-file">
    A `.difypkg` file you hand off directly. Right for private or internal plugins.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Compare

|                  | <Icon icon="store" /> Marketplace                | <Icon icon="github" /> GitHub                      | <Icon icon="file-zipper" /> Local File                 |
| :--------------- | :----------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------- |
| **Audience**     | Every Dify user                                  | Anyone with the repo URL                           | People you give the file to                            |
| **Review**       | Yes: 12 automated checks + human review          | None                                               | None                                                   |
| **Install path** | One click from Marketplace UI                    | Install from GitHub dialog                         | Upload via Plugins page                                |
| **Versioning**   | New PR per version, automated workflow available | GitHub releases with `.difypkg` asset              | Repackage and redistribute                             |
| **Best for**     | Polished, broadly useful plugins                 | Open-source projects, internal tools shared by URL | Private plugins, internal testing, ad-hoc distribution |

<Tip>
  Many developers ship to **GitHub first** for fast iteration, then submit to the **Marketplace** once the plugin is stable. The same `.difypkg` works for all three methods; only the distribution channel differs.
</Tip>

## Quick Rules of Thumb

* **Want broad reach and review?** Use the **Marketplace**.
* **Want full control over releases and versioning?** Use **GitHub**.
* **Private or one-off use?** Use a **Local File**.

## Related Resources

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Plugin Development Guidelines" icon="clipboard-check" href="/en/develop-plugin/publishing/standards/contributor-covenant-code-of-conduct">
    Quality bar for Marketplace submissions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Privacy Guidelines" icon="shield-halved" href="/en/develop-plugin/publishing/standards/privacy-protection-guidelines">
    `PRIVACY.md` and data-disclosure requirements.
  </Card>

  <Card title="General Specifications" icon="file-code" href="/en/develop-plugin/features-and-specs/plugin-types/general-specifications">
    Manifest fields every plugin must set.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Getting Started" icon="rocket" href="/en/develop-plugin/getting-started/getting-started-dify-plugin">
    New to plugins? Start here.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>