Top 15 Strapi Plugins You Need to Enhance Your Development Experience

1. Introduction

Strapi.js is a headless CMS known for its ability to offer a versatile backend framework. Unlike conventional CMSs, it allows for a seamless separation of backend and frontend, making it ideal for creating dynamic web and mobile applications. 

1.1. Why Strapi Plugins? 

Strapi’s plugins are crucial for enhancing and customizing its functionalities. They help integrate new features, improve workflows, and boost scalability, optimizing both the user experience and development processes. 

1.2. Purpose of the Article

• Informing readers about key Strapi plugins that can streamline the development process.
• Offering a curated list of plugins that enhance the core functionalities of Strapi, boosting performance and user engagement.

2. Criteria for Choosing Strapi Plugins

Choosing the right Strapi plugins requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some key points to consider:

2.1. Understand Your Goals

• Enhance functionality and user experience.
• Align plugins with your application objectives.

2.2. Check Plugin Quality

• Read user reviews and ratings.
• Look for strong community support and regular updates.

2.3. Identify Plugin Purpose

• Media Management: Optimize image uploads and performance.
• User Authentication: Offer advanced security features.

3. Top 15 Plugins for Strapi.js

#1. Strapi Plugin Content-Type Builder

Description: This plugin empowers you to seamlessly create and manage content types within the Strapi admin panel, simplifying the process remarkably. 

Use Case: It is an essential tool for developers who aim to customize their API structure to fit specific project requirements. 

Installation Guide: Follow these straightforward, step-by-step instructions to install the plugin and enhance your Strapi project: 

Step 1: Navigate to your Strapi project directory in the terminal.

Step 2: Run the command:

npm install @strapi/plugin-content-type-builder

Step 3: Ensure the plugin is registered in your ./config/plugins.js file.

Step 4: Rebuild your admin UI with:

npm run build

Step 5: Finally, restart your Strapi application using:

npm run develop

These steps will integrate the Content-Type Builder seamlessly into your admin panel, enhancing your content management capabilities.

#2. Strapi Plugin Upload

Description: This plugin facilitates file uploads and robust media management within Strapi, making it an invaluable asset for managing visual and audio assets seamlessly. 

Use Case: Ideal for websites rich in media content, such as image-heavy blogs, multimedia galleries, and platforms hosting extensive video content. If your site hinges on captivating visuals or dynamic media, this plugin is your go-to. 

Installation Guide: To get started with the Strapi Plugin Upload, follow these step-by-step instructions: 

Step 1: Begin by navigating to your project’s root directory using your terminal.

Step 2: Install the plugin with the command:

npm install @strapi/plugin-upload.

Step 3: After installation, configure it in your config/plugins.js file as needed, ensuring it aligns with your project’s requirements.

Step 4: Finish by restarting Strapi for changes to take effect.

Now you’re all set to manage media smoothly within your Strapi environment!

#3. Strapi Plugin GraphQL

Description: Adds GraphQL support to your Strapi application for flexible querying. If you’ve been scaling your application and need a more agile and robust querying solution, this plugin is your answer. 

Use Case: Essential for developers building modern applications utilizing GraphQL. Whether you’re dealing with complex data interactions or want to optimize data retrieval, integrating GraphQL can significantly enhance the user experience and performance of your app. 

Installation Guide: To get started, simply run npm install @strapiplugin-graphql or yarn add @strapiplugin-graphql in your terminal. Follow up with any necessary configuration steps as detailed in the Strapi documentation to implement customized GraphQL queries in your project.

#4. Strapi Plugin Email

Description: Elevate your communication game with the Strapi Plugin Email. This versatile plugin allows seamless integration with various email providers, giving you the power to send emails directly from Strapi. 

Use Case: Ideal for applications that need robust email capabilities, whether it’s to keep your users informed via notifications or to distribute engaging newsletters. 

Installation Guide: Begin your email-sending journey by following these easy, step-by-step instructions to integrate the Email Plugin into your Strapi project successfully. Visit the Strapi marketplace for further detailed instructions. 

Step 1: Access the Strapi Market: Navigate to the Strapi Market and search for the Email Plugin by the search query “Email”. It’s your first step towards enhancing communication through email in your applications.

Step 2: Copy the Installation Command: Once you’ve found the Email Plugin, copy the installation command provided. This command is essential for the next steps.

Step 3: Install the Plugin: Open your terminal and run the copied installation command within your Strapi project directory. This action will download and integrate the plugin into your application.

Step 4: Configure the Plugin: After installation, configure the plugin settings according to your email service provider. This enables the seamless sending of emails from your Strapi project.

Step 5: Restart the Server: Restart your Strapi server to ensure the plugin is loaded and operational. This step is crucial for the plugin to take effect.

Step 6: Test the Configuration: Send a test email to verify that everything is working correctly. This will give you confidence that your email integrations are set up properly.

#5. Strapi Plugin Users & Permissions

Description: This plugin plays a critical role in managing user roles and permissions in your Strapi application, providing a robust framework for establishing and enforcing the access levels required by your users. 

Use Case: For applications that demand varying levels of access, such as administrative panels with restricted sections for different user categories, this plugin is indispensable. Whether you’re running a large enterprise application or a small community site, ensuring that users have the right permissions is key to maintaining security and functionality. 

Installation Guide: Follow these step-by-step instructions to integrate this plugin into your Strapi application: 

Step 1: Navigate to your Strapi project’s root directory.

Step 2: Run the commands below, depending on your package manager.

npm install strapi-plugin-users-permissions

Or:

yarn add strapi-plugin-users-permissions

Step 3: After installation, restart your Strapi server using npm run develop or yarn develop to apply the changes.

Step 4: Access the Strapi Admin Panel and visit the ‘Roles & Permissions’ section to configure the new settings according to your needs.

With these steps, you’ll be equipped to fine-tune user permissions, ensuring that your application maintains seamless access control and security.

#6. Strapi Plugin SEO

Description: Enhance your Strapi application with the powerful SEO capabilities of the Strapi Plugin SEO. This plugin allows you to easily create custom meta tags and descriptions, significantly improving your site’s search engine optimization. 

Use Case: If you’re developing a content-heavy application or a website that relies heavily on search traffic, this plugin is your perfect companion. It ensures your content is easily discoverable and ranks better in search results, boosting your website’s visibility. 

Installation Guide: To get started with the Strapi Plugin SEO, follow the step-by-step installation instructions provided in the Strapi Marketplace. This guide will help you seamlessly integrate the SEO functionalities into your Strapi setup, ensuring an optimal configuration for search engines. 

Step 1: Navigate to the Strapi Market: Start by heading over to the Strapi Marketplace online to browse available plugins.

Step 2: Search for the SEO Plugin: Use the search bar to locate the Strapi Plugin SEO by search query “SEO”.

Step 3: Copy the Installation Command: Once you find the SEO plugin, copy the provided installation command specific to that plugin.

Step 4: Access Your Strapi Project Terminal: Open the terminal of your Strapi project for command input.

Step 5: Run the Installation Command: Paste the copied command into your terminal and execute it to begin the installation process.

Step 6: Restart the Strapi Server: After successful installation, make sure to restart your Strapi server to apply changes.

Step 7: Configure the Plugin Settings: Access your Strapi admin panel to configure the SEO plugin settings according to your specific needs.

By following these steps, you will enhance your Strapi application with great SEO capabilities, allowing your content to perform better in search engine rankings. 

#7. Strapi Plugin i18n (Internationalization)

Description: This plugin excels at enabling your Strapi project to manage and deliver content in multiple languages effortlessly. By integrating i18n, you ensure that your website or application can effectively reach a global audience, offering content tailored to their preferred language. 

Use Case: If you’re developing an application or website that needs to accommodate users from various regions speaking different languages, this plugin is essential. It’s particularly useful for businesses expanding into new markets, educational platforms with international students, or media companies distributing content worldwide. 

Installation Guide: Installing the i18n plugin in Strapi is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to add this powerful tool to your project: 

Step 1: Access the Strapi Marketplace: Begin by heading over to the marketplace within your Strapi dashboard.

Step 2: Search for the i18n Plugin: Use the search bar to find the ‘i18n’ plugin.

Step 3: Install the Plugin: Click on the ‘Install’ button next to the i18n plugin.

Step 4: Configure Your Settings: Follow any prompts provided to configure your settings tailored to your needs.

Step 5: Restart Your Server: Once installation is complete, ensure you restart your Strapi server to apply the changes.

You’re now ready to deliver multilingual content with the i18n plugin!

#8. Strapi Video Embed Plugin

Description: The Video Embed Plugin enables embedding videos from platforms like YouTube or Vimeo directly into your Strapi project. Elevate your content by offering a more engaging visual experience to your users. 

Use Case: Perfect for blogs, tutorials, and educational sites where visual content enriches the narrative. It simplifies the process of adding external media, ensuring seamless integration into your CMS. 

Installation Guide: Visit the Strapi marketplace to access a comprehensive step-by-step guide on installing and configuring this plugin in your Strapi application. 

Step 1: Navigate to the Strapi Market.

Step 2: Search for the desired plugin using the search bar with the search query “Video” or “Embed”.

Step 3: Select the plugin to open its detailed page.

Step 4: Copy the installation command provided, usually found in the ‘Installation’ section.

Step 5: Open your Strapi project in a terminal.

Step 6: Paste the copied command into the terminal and press Enter.

Step 7: Wait for the installation process to complete.

Step 8: Restart your Strapi server, if necessary, to apply changes.

Follow these steps to successfully incorporate plugins into your Strapi project!

#9. Strapi Plugin Markdown

Description: For those who appreciate the simplicity and flexibility of Markdown, this plugin is a game-changer. It seamlessly integrates Markdown support into Strapi, transforming rich text editing into a breeze. 

Use Case: Are you an editor who thrives on efficiency? If Markdown is your go-to for content formatting, then this plugin will quickly become indispensable in your workflow. It’s tailored for anyone who prefers the uncluttered beauty of Markdown over traditional editors. 

Installation Guide: Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps to incorporate Markdown magic into your Strapi setup: 

Step 1: Navigate to your project directory.

Step 2: Install the Markdown plugin via npm or yarn with the command: npm install strapi-plugin-markdown or yarn add strapi-plugin-markdown.

Step 3: Update the Strapi config to activate the plugin with desired settings.

Step 4: Restart your Strapi server to enable the plugin.

Now, dive into your editing space and enjoy the Markdown transformation!

#10. Strapi Plugin Documentation

Description: Automatically generates API documentation for your Strapi application. With this plugin, you enhance the developer experience by providing a comprehensive guide that aids in understanding and utilizing the API. 

Use Case: Essential for developers who want to provide documentation for API consumers, ensuring seamless integration and usage. It’s particularly beneficial for those who require clear, organized documentation to facilitate easy communication between back-end developers and front-end or third-party API users. 

Installation Guide: 

Step 1: Navigate to your Strapi project’s root directory.

Step 2: Run the following command to install the plugin: npm install strapi-plugin-documentation

Step 3: Rebuild your Strapi application with: npm run build

Step 4: Start your application to ensure the plugin is active: npm run develop

With this setup, you can now access the documentation in your Strapi dashboard and provide your API consumers with the generated API documentation.

#11. Strapi Plugin Rate Limiting

Description: Helps prevent abuse by limiting the number of requests from a single IP address. By implementing this feature, you gain control over request frequency and protect your resources from potential misuse. 

Use Case: This plugin is crucial for securing your APIs against DDoS attacks, ensuring your service remains available even under pressure. It acts as a gatekeeper, managing traffic and maintaining performance. 

Installation Guide: To get started, follow these easy step-by-step instructions for installation.  

Step 1: Add the Plugin to Your Project

• Navigate to your Strapi project directory using the terminal.

cd path/to/your-strapi-project

• Install the Rate Limiting Plugin by running the following command:

npm install @strapi/plugin-rate-limiting

Step 4: Configure Rate Limiting Settings
Open the ./config/plugins.js file in your project.
Add configuration settings according to your desired thresholds.

For example:

module.exports = {
  // Other plugins...
  'rate-limiting': {
    enabled: true,
    config: {
      // Define your rate limiting rules
      max: 100, // Maximum requests
      duration: 60 * 1000, // Time window in milliseconds
    },
  },
};

Step 3: Deploy and Test:

• After configuring the plugin, restart your Strapi server to apply the changes:

npm run develop

• Test the rate limiting functionality by making requests from a single IP address to ensure that the thresholds you set are working as expected.

With this setup, you’re all set for a more secure and robust Strapi experience.

#12. Strapi Plugin Scheduled Publishing

Description: This plugin tracks user activities and maintains a log of changes to content, providing transparency and accountability. 

Use Case: Ideal for large teams where tracking who made changes is crucial, auditing purposes, and ensuring compliance with internal policies. 

Installation Guide: To install the Strapi Plugin Scheduled Publishing, follow the step-by-step guide below: 

Step 1: Visit the Strapi Market and search for “Schedule” or “Publish”.

Step 2: Copy the specific installation command provided for the Scheduled Publishing plugin.

Step 3: Open your terminal in the Strapi project directory.

Step 4: Paste the copied command into the terminal and run it.

Step 5: Restart your Strapi server to enable the Scheduled Publishing plugin features.

For more detailed information on scheduling content publication, consult the Strapi documentation site.

#13. Strapi Plugin Comments

Description: This plugin equips your Strapi project with powerful auditing capabilities, offering a trail of activity logs to keep track of changes and entries. It ensures you have detailed insights into user actions and system modifications. 

Use Case: Ideal for organizations that prioritize compliance, transparency, and security. Perfect for auditing needs within large teams or applications handling sensitive data. 

Installation Guide: The plugin can be seamlessly added to your Strapi environment by following the comprehensive installation instructions provided. This intuitive guide will walk you through each step to ensure proper configuration and functionality.

Step 1: Visit the Strapi Market to find the desired plugin by using the keyword “Comments”.

Step 2: Copy the installation command provided on the plugin page.

Step 3: Open your Strapi project’s terminal.

Step 4: Paste and run the installation command.

Step 5: Once installed, restart the Strapi server to activate the plugin.

#14. Strapi Plugin Analytics

Description: Integrates analytics tools to track user interactions and behaviors. This plugin enables you to monitor how users engage with your content, offering essential insights that can inform decision-making and strategy development. 

Use Case: Ideal for businesses seeking in-depth insights into user engagement. With real-time data collection, this plugin provides valuable information that helps improve website performance and enhances user experience, making it a must-have for data-driven decision-making. 

Installation Guide: Follow these step-by-step instructions for installation: 

Step 1: Navigate to the plugin marketplace from your Strapi dashboard.

Step 2: Search for “Analytics” and select it.

Step 3: Click on the install button and wait for the process to complete.

Step 4: Once installed, configure the necessary settings as per your requirements.

Step 5: Finally, verify the integration by checking for incoming data in your analytics dashboard.

#15. Strapi Plugin Audit Logs

Description: This plugin diligently keeps track of all changes made to your content and settings within Strapi. By maintaining a detailed log of modifications, it ensures that you have full transparency over your project’s evolution. 

Use Case: If compliance and content history are your primary concerns, Audit Logs is a must-have plugin. Whether you’re working within regulated industries that require meticulous records or simply want to understand your content’s progression, this plugin provides the necessary insights. 

Installation Guide: To get started, follow these step-by-step instructions for installation: 

Step 1: First, ensure that you have administrator access to your Strapi project.

Step 2: Navigate to your terminal and run the following command to install the plugin:

npm install strapi-plugin-audit-logs

Step 3: After installation, configure the plugin within your Strapi admin panel by following the detailed documentation available on the Strapi website.

Step 4: Finally, restart your Strapi server to activate the Audit Logs plugin and begin tracking changes.

4. Conclusion 

Recap of Plugin Importance: Plugins elevate Strapi.js from a base CMS to a functional powerhouse. By integrating them, you enhance your API development and enrich your platform’s user experience. Whether it’s multilingual support or dynamic data structuring, plugins save development time and effort. 

Explore and Innovate: Strapi.js offers flexibility. Experiment with various plugins to customize your project. By exploring and sharing your knowledge, you contribute to community growth. Discover Strapi project best practices through practical use and collaboration. 

4.1. Additional Resources 

• Official Documentation: Visit the Strapi documentation and the GitHub repository for insights on plugin usage and core functionalities.
• Community Forums: Join the Strapi Community Forum for support, idea exchange, and inspiration.
• Advanced Tutorials: Deepen your expertise with tutorials on Strapi customization and JavaScript frameworks for Strapi.

4.2. Call to Action 

Share your experiences with Strapi.js plugins in the comments. Which are essential to you? Your insights can help others make informed decisions and foster a community of thriving collaboration.

FAQs