> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://backstage.spotify.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Developing Portal plugins

> Create custom Backstage plugins for Portal to connect external data sources, customize core features, and extend software templates.

Portal, just like the open-source Backstage project it’s built on, is highly customizable through plugins. This allows you to tailor the application to your company’s specific needs and infrastructure tools. For example, extending Portal with plugins can allow you to:

* Connect & sync data from external sources
* Customize the core features of Portal
* Add special fields or actions to software templates

Most plugins from the Backstage community can be used in Portal. You can also create your own plugins for your Portal instance. This article covers how to create such **custom plugins**, with examples for specific use cases.

## [Get started](./get-started)

* [Create a new Studio workspace](./get-started#create-a-new-studio-workspace)
* [Use Studio with an existing workspace](./get-started#use-studio-with-an-existing-workspace)
* [Develop and test plugins in Portal](./get-started#develop-your-plugin)
* [Migrate an existing plugin to Portal](./get-started#migrate-an-existing-plugin-to-portal)

## [Build a plugin](./build-plugin)

* [Plugin use cases](./build-plugin#plugin-use-cases)
* [Add a custom scaffolder action to software templates](./build-plugin#add-a-custom-scaffolder-action-to-software-templates)
* [Connect & sync software catalog to an external source](./build-plugin#connect-%26-sync-software-catalog-to-an-external-source)
* [Add a custom widget to the homepage](./build-plugin#add-a-custom-widget-to-the-homepage)
* [\[External\] Connect & sync Soundcheck to an external source](https://backstage.spotify.com/docs/plugins/soundcheck/tutorials/custom-fact-collector)
* [\[External\] Connect & sync search to an external source (Confluence)](https://github.com/backstage/community-plugins/tree/main/workspaces/confluence/plugins/search-backend-module-confluence-collator)

## [Publishing plugins](./publishing-plugins)

* [Publish a plugin privately](./publishing-plugins#publish-a-plugin-privately)
* [Publish a plugin as an Authorized Portal Partner](./publishing-plugins#publish-a-plugin-as-an-authorized-portal-partner)

## See also

* [Managing Plugins](/portal/managing-plugins/) — install, update, and uninstall plugins from Plugin Settings