When you see the error 'plugin preset name’ could not be loaded, Hex FX is unable to find or access the requested preset. Until you resolve the issue, the preset will not be applied when selected.

Conditions

This error typically appears when one of the following is true:

• The .hefx-preset file is missing from Hex FX’s Saved Presets folder, or has been renamed

• File permissions have changed, preventing Hex FX from reading the preset file

Resolution

1. Verify the Preset Is in the Default Folder

Hex FX only loads presets from its built-in Saved Presets folder.

• macOS
  Users › <yourusername> › Library › Application Support › Serato › Serato Hex FX › Saved Presets

  Reveal the hidden Library folder: In Finder, go to your home folder, then press ⌘ + ⇧ + ., or hold Option while clicking the Go menu.

• Windows
  C:\Users\<yourusername>\AppData\Local\Serato\Serato Hex FX\Saved Presets

  Show hidden AppData: In File Explorer, select View > Show > Hidden items, or open View > Options > Change folder and search options > View tab, enable Show hidden files, folders and drives, then click OK.

1. Open the Saved Presets folder and look for the .hefx-preset. Remember that it should be prefixed with the preset name that won't load.

2. If it’s not there, you may have moved it while backing up your presets or sharing it with another user. Locate the file elsewhere on your system or backup drive, then move or copy it back into the Saved Presets folder.

Expected outcome: The file .hefx-preset appears in the default folder.

2. Restore Read Permissions

• macOS:

  1. Control-click the .hefx-preset file and choose Get Info

  2. Under Sharing & Permissions, verify your user account has Read access

• Windows:

  1. Right-click the .hefx-preset file, select Properties, then open the Security tab

  2. Confirm your account is granted Read permission

Expected outcome: The file’s permissions allow Hex FX to open it.

Confirmation

Reload & test the Preset in Hex FX

1. Launch Hex FX and navigate to the Presets panel.

2. Click Load Preset, browse to Saved Presets, and select the preset that wouldn't previously load.

3. Reload the previous project, and your saved preset should now load without the aforementioned error.