[Enhancement]: Modular Add-on System (Blender-style Architecture)

[DivyanshuAadi]

What features would you like to see added?

I propose the implementation of a modular Add-on / Plugin System for LibreChat, modeled after the architecture used by Blender (blender.org).

Currently, adding new features often requires modifying the core codebase. This proposal suggests a system where developers can extend LibreChat's capabilities through self-contained packages without touching the main source code.

Key functionality:

• Admin-Exclusive Management: The "Add-ons" tab and installation capability must be restricted to the Admin Panel only. Standard users should simply benefit from the enabled features without seeing the management interface.
• Plug-and-Play Installation: An interface where admins can install plugins via URL, ZIP file upload, or a future marketplace browser.
• Non-Destructive Extension: Add-ons should hook into the UI (adding buttons, panels, sidebars) and backend (adding tools, endpoints, agents) dynamically.
• Toggle System: Simple switches to Enable/Disable add-ons globally or per role, similar to Blender’s Edit > Preferences > Add-ons.
• Manifest System: A standard structure (e.g., manifest.json) defining permissions, version, author, and entry points.

More details

Adopting a Blender-like add-on system would provide significant benefits to the LibreChat ecosystem:

1. Security & Governance (Admin Control)

• By restricting installation to admins, organizations can ensure that only approved, secure, and compliant extensions are running.
• Admins can audit code before installation, preventing malicious tools from leaking data.
• It prevents "feature bloat" for end-users, keeping their interface clean unless the admin specifically enables a tool for them.

2. Decoupled Development & Stability

• Zero Core Modification: Developers can build complex features (e.g., a "Salesforce Connector" or "Code Reviewer") without forking the repo.
• Safe Updates: Core LibreChat updates are less likely to break custom functionality if the API hooks remain stable. If an add-on breaks, the admin can simply disable it without crashing the entire app.

3. Community Ecosystem & Monetization

• Lower Barrier to Entry: A developer can build a niche tool and distribute it independently.
• Marketplace Potential: This architecture paves the way for an official or community-run marketplace (similar to Blender Market/SuperHive). Developers could sell premium, enterprise-grade add-ons (e.g., "Legal Compliance Checker") while the core software remains open-source.

4. Infinite Use Cases

• UI/UX: Custom themes, dashboard widgets, or specialized chat layouts.
• Integrations: Connectors for Jira, Trello, Slack, or internal databases.
• Workflow Automation: "Auto-save to Notion" buttons or "Email Summary" tools.
• Data Handling: Specialized PDF parsers or data visualization widgets.

Which components are impacted by your request?

No response

Pictures

• Admin Panel: Needs a new "Add-ons/Plugins" management tab.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Logic to hide plugin management from non-admin users.
• Core Architecture: Implementation of a plugin loader/hook system (frontend and backend).
• Server: Sandboxing logic to safely load and execute external plugin code.
• Documentation: Developer guidelines for creating compatible add-ons.

Code of Conduct

• I agree to follow this project's Code of Conduct