feat(plugins): introduce plugin aliases (#3157)

* working prototype with passing tests

* new tests and passing plugin tests as well

* style(code): cleanups

* cleanup strider from unused search feature

* prototype of removing old plugin block from the config

* aliases working from config file and all tests passing

* fixups and cleanups

* use aliases in layouts

* update test snapshot

* style(fmt): rustfmt

71 files changed, 2094 insertions, 3239 deletions

diff --git a/default-plugins/strider/src/main.rs b/default-plugins/strider/src/main.rs
index 598bf61d..2e06240a 100644
--- a/default-plugins/strider/src/main.rs
+++ b/default-plugins/strider/src/main.rs
@@ -1,49 +1,22 @@
-mod search;
 mod state;
 
 use colored::*;
-use search::{FileContentsWorker, FileNameWorker, MessageToSearch, ResultsOfSearch};
-use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
-use serde_json;
 use state::{refresh_directory, FsEntry, State};
 use std::collections::BTreeMap;
 use std::{cmp::min, time::Instant};
 use zellij_tile::prelude::*;
 
 register_plugin!(State);
-register_worker!(FileNameWorker, file_name_search_worker, FILE_NAME_WORKER);
-register_worker!(
-    FileContentsWorker,
-    file_contents_search_worker,
-    FILE_CONTENTS_WORKER
-);
 
 impl ZellijPlugin for State {
     fn load(&mut self, _configuration: BTreeMap<String, String>) {
         refresh_directory(self);
-        self.search_state.loading = true;
         subscribe(&[
             EventType::Key,
             EventType::Mouse,
             EventType::CustomMessage,
             EventType::Timer,
-            EventType::FileSystemCreate,
-            EventType::FileSystemUpdate,
-            EventType::FileSystemDelete,
-            EventType::PermissionRequestResult,
         ]);
-        post_message_to(PluginMessage {
-            worker_name: Some("file_name_search".into()),
-            name: serde_json::to_string(&MessageToSearch::ScanFolder).unwrap(),
-            payload: "".into(),
-        });
-        post_message_to(PluginMessage {
-            worker_name: Some("file_contents_search".into()),
-            name: serde_json::to_string(&MessageToSearch::ScanFolder).unwrap(),
-            payload: "".into(),
-        });
-        self.search_state.loading = true;
-        set_timeout(0.5); // for displaying loading animation
     }
 
     fn update(&mut self, event: Event) -> bool {
@@ -55,58 +28,8 @@ impl ZellijPlugin for State {
         };
         self.ev_history.push_back((event.clone(), Instant::now()));
         match event {
-            Event::PermissionRequestResult(_) => {
-                should_render = true;
-            },
-            Event::Timer(_elapsed) => {
-                if self.search_state.loading {
-                    set_timeout(0.5);
-                    self.search_state.progress_animation();
-                    should_render = true;
-                }
-            },
-            Event::CustomMessage(message, payload) => match serde_json::from_str(&message) {
-                Ok(MessageToPlugin::UpdateFileNameSearchResults) => {
-                    if let Ok(results_of_search) = serde_json::from_str::<ResultsOfSearch>(&payload)
-                    {
-                        self.search_state
-                            .update_file_name_search_results(results_of_search);
-                        should_render = true;
-                    }
-                },
-                Ok(MessageToPlugin::UpdateFileContentsSearchResults) => {
-                    if let Ok(results_of_search) = serde_json::from_str::<ResultsOfSearch>(&payload)
-                    {
-                        self.search_state
-                            .update_file_contents_search_results(results_of_search);
-                        should_render = true;
-                    }
-                },
-                Ok(MessageToPlugin::DoneScanningFolder) => {
-                    self.search_state.loading = false;
-                    should_render = true;
-                },
-                Err(e) => eprintln!("Failed to deserialize custom message: {:?}", e),
-            },
             Event::Key(key) => match key {
-                Key::Esc if self.typing_search_term() => {
-                    if self.search_state.search_term.is_empty() {
-                        self.stop_typing_search_term();
-                    } else {
-                        self.search_state.handle_key(key);
-                    }
-                    should_render = true;
-                },
-                _ if self.typing_search_term() => {
-                    self.search_state.handle_key(key);
-                    should_render = true;
-                },
-                Key::Char('/') => {
-                    self.start_typing_search_term();
-                    should_render = true;
-                },
                 Key::Esc => {
-                    self.stop_typing_search_term();
                     hide_self();
                     should_render = true;
                 },
@@ -190,54 +113,6 @@ impl ZellijPlugin for State {
                 },
                 _ => {},
             },
-            Event::FileSystemCreate(paths) => {
-                let paths: Vec<String> = paths
-                    .iter()
-                    .map(|p| p.to_string_lossy().to_string())
-                    .collect();
-                post_message_to(PluginMessage {
-                    worker_name: Some("file_name_search".into()),
-                    name: serde_json::to_string(&MessageToSearch::FileSystemCreate).unwrap(),
-                    payload: serde_json::to_string(&paths).unwrap(),
-                });
-                post_message_to(PluginMessage {
-                    worker_name: Some("file_contents_search".into()),
-                    name: serde_json::to_string(&MessageToSearch::FileSystemCreate).unwrap(),
-                    payload: serde_json::to_string(&paths).unwrap(),
-                });
-            },
-            Event::FileSystemUpdate(paths) => {
-                let paths: Vec<String> = paths
-                    .iter()
-                    .map(|p| p.to_string_lossy().to_string())
-                    .collect();
-                post_message_to(PluginMessage {
-                    worker_name: Some("file_name_search".into()),
-                    name: serde_json::to_string(&MessageToSearch::FileSystemUpdate).unwrap(),
-                    payload: serde_json::to_string(&paths).unwrap(),
-                });
-                post_message_to(PluginMessage {
-                    worker_name: Some("file_contents_search".into()),
-                    name: serde_json::to_string(&MessageToSearch::FileSystemUpdate).unwrap(),
-                    payload: serde_json::to_string(&paths).unwrap(),
-                });
-            },
-            Event::FileSystemDelete(paths) => {
-                let paths: Vec<String> = paths
-                    .iter()
-                    .map(|p| p.to_string_lossy().to_string())
-                    .collect();
-                post_message_to(PluginMessage {
-                    worker_name: Some("file_name_search".into()),
-                    name: serde_json::to_string(&MessageToSearch::FileSystemDelete).unwrap(),
-                    payload: serde_json::to_string(&paths).unwrap(),
-                });
-                post_message_to(PluginMessage {
-                    worker_name: Some("file_contents_search".into()),
-                    name: serde_json::to_string(&MessageToSearch::FileSystemDelete).unwrap(),
-                    payload: serde_json::to_string(&paths).unwrap(),
-                });
-            },
             _ => {
                 dbg!("Unknown event {:?}", event);
             },
@@ -246,12 +121,6 @@ impl ZellijPlugin for State {
     }
 
     fn render(&mut self, rows: usize, cols: usize) {
-        if self.typing_search_term() {
-            self.search_state.change_size(rows, cols);
-            print!("{}", self.search_state);
-            return;
-        }
-
         for i in 0..rows {
             if self.selected() < self.scroll() {
                 *self.scroll_mut() = self.selected();
@@ -288,10 +157,3 @@ impl ZellijPlugin for State {
         }
     }
 }
-
-#[derive(Serialize, Deserialize)]
-pub enum MessageToPlugin {
-    UpdateFileNameSearchResults,
-    UpdateFileContentsSearchResults,
-    DoneScanningFolder,
-}
diff --git a/default-plugins/strider/src/search/controls_line.rs b/default-plugins/strider/src/search/controls_line.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index a75715ef..00000000
--- a/default-plugins/strider/src/search/controls_line.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,353 +0,0 @@
-use crate::search::search_state::SearchType;
-use crate::search::ui::{
-    arrow, bold, color_line_to_end, dot, styled_text, BLACK, GRAY_DARK, GRAY_LIGHT, RED, WHITE,
-};
-
-#[derive(Default)]
-pub struct ControlsLine {
-    controls: Vec<Control>,
-    scanning_indication: Option<Vec<&'static str>>,
-    animation_offset: u8,
-}
-
-impl ControlsLine {
-    pub fn new(controls: Vec<Control>, scanning_indication: Option<Vec<&'static str>>) -> Self {
-        ControlsLine {
-            controls,
-            scanning_indication,
-            ..Default::default()
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn with_animation_offset(mut self, animation_offset: u8) -> Self {
-        self.animation_offset = animation_offset;
-        self
-    }
-    pub fn render(&self, max_width: usize, show_controls: bool) -> String {
-        if show_controls {
-            self.render_controls(max_width)
-        } else {
-            self.render_empty_line(max_width)
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn render_controls(&self, max_width: usize) -> String {
-        let loading_animation =
-            LoadingAnimation::new(&self.scanning_indication, self.animation_offset);
-        let full_length = loading_animation.full_len()
-            + self.controls.iter().map(|c| c.full_len()).sum::<usize>();
-        let mid_length =
-            loading_animation.mid_len() + self.controls.iter().map(|c| c.mid_len()).sum::<usize>();
-        let short_length = loading_animation.short_len()
-            + self.controls.iter().map(|c| c.short_len()).sum::<usize>();
-        if max_width >= full_length {
-            let mut to_render = String::new();
-            for control in &self.controls {
-                to_render.push_str(&control.render_full_length());
-            }
-            to_render.push_str(&self.render_padding(max_width.saturating_sub(full_length)));
-            to_render.push_str(&loading_animation.render_full_length());
-            to_render
-        } else if max_width >= mid_length {
-            let mut to_render = String::new();
-            for control in &self.controls {
-                to_render.push_str(&control.render_mid_length());
-            }
-            to_render.push_str(&self.render_padding(max_width.saturating_sub(mid_length)));
-            to_render.push_str(&loading_animation.render_mid_length());
-            to_render
-        } else if max_width >= short_length {
-            let mut to_render = String::new();
-            for control in &self.controls {
-                to_render.push_str(&control.render_short_length());
-            }
-            to_render.push_str(&self.render_padding(max_width.saturating_sub(short_length)));
-            to_render.push_str(&loading_animation.render_short_length());
-            to_render
-        } else {
-            format!("")
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn render_empty_line(&self, max_width: usize) -> String {
-        let loading_animation =
-            LoadingAnimation::new(&self.scanning_indication, self.animation_offset);
-        let mut to_render = String::new();
-        if max_width >= loading_animation.full_len() {
-            to_render.push_str(
-                &self.render_padding(max_width.saturating_sub(loading_animation.full_len())),
-            );
-            to_render.push_str(&loading_animation.render_full_length());
-        } else if max_width >= loading_animation.mid_len() {
-            to_render.push_str(
-                &self.render_padding(max_width.saturating_sub(loading_animation.mid_len())),
-            );
-            to_render.push_str(&loading_animation.render_mid_length());
-        } else if max_width >= loading_animation.short_len() {
-            to_render.push_str(
-                &self.render_padding(max_width.saturating_sub(loading_animation.short_len())),
-            );
-            to_render.push_str(&loading_animation.render_short_length());
-        }
-        to_render
-    }
-    fn render_padding(&self, padding: usize) -> String {
-        // TODO: color whole line
-        format!("{}\u{1b}[{}C", color_line_to_end(GRAY_LIGHT), padding)
-    }
-}
-
-pub struct Control {
-    key: &'static str,
-    options: Vec<&'static str>,
-    option_index: (usize, usize), // eg. 1 out of 2 (1, 2)
-    keycode_background_color: u8,
-    keycode_foreground_color: u8,
-    control_text_background_color: u8,
-    control_text_foreground_color: u8,
-    active_dot_color: u8,
-}
-
-impl Default for Control {
-    fn default() -> Self {
-        Control {
-            key: "",
-            options: vec![],
-            option_index: (0, 0),
-            keycode_background_color: GRAY_LIGHT,
-            keycode_foreground_color: WHITE,
-            control_text_background_color: GRAY_DARK,
-            control_text_foreground_color: BLACK,
-            active_dot_color: RED,
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-impl Control {
-    pub fn new(
-        key: &'static str,
-        options: Vec<&'static str>,
-        option_index: (usize, usize),
-    ) -> Self {
-        Control {
-            key,
-            options,
-            option_index,
-            ..Default::default()
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn new_floating_control(key: &'static str, should_open_floating: bool) -> Self {
-        if should_open_floating {
-            Control::new(key, vec!["OPEN FLOATING", "FLOATING", "F"], (2, 2))
-        } else {
-            Control::new(key, vec!["OPEN TILED", "TILED", "T"], (1, 2))
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn new_filter_control(key: &'static str, search_filter: &SearchType) -> Self {
-        match search_filter {
-            SearchType::NamesAndContents => Control::new(
-                key,
-                vec!["FILE NAMES AND CONTENTS", "NAMES + CONTENTS", "N+C"],
-                (1, 3),
-            ),
-            SearchType::Names => Control::new(key, vec!["FILE NAMES", "NAMES", "N"], (2, 3)),
-            SearchType::Contents => {
-                Control::new(key, vec!["FILE CONTENTS", "CONTENTS", "C"], (3, 3))
-            },
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn short_len(&self) -> usize {
-        let short_text = self
-            .options
-            .get(2)
-            .or_else(|| self.options.get(1))
-            .or_else(|| self.options.get(0))
-            .unwrap_or(&"");
-        short_text.chars().count() + self.key.chars().count() + self.option_index.1 + 7
-        // 7 for all the spaces and decorations
-    }
-    pub fn mid_len(&self) -> usize {
-        let mid_text = self
-            .options
-            .get(1)
-            .or_else(|| self.options.get(0))
-            .unwrap_or(&"");
-        mid_text.chars().count() + self.key.chars().count() + self.option_index.1 + 7
-        // 7 for all the spaces and decorations
-    }
-    pub fn full_len(&self) -> usize {
-        let full_text = self.options.get(0).unwrap_or(&"");
-        full_text.chars().count() + self.key.chars().count() + self.option_index.1 + 7
-        // 7 for all the spaces and decorations
-    }
-    pub fn render_short_length(&self) -> String {
-        let short_text = self
-            .options
-            .get(2)
-            .or_else(|| self.options.get(1))
-            .or_else(|| self.options.get(0))
-            .unwrap_or(&"");
-        self.render(short_text)
-    }
-    pub fn render_mid_length(&self) -> String {
-        let mid_text = self
-            .options
-            .get(1)
-            .or_else(|| self.options.get(0))
-            .unwrap_or(&"");
-        self.render(mid_text)
-    }
-    pub fn render_full_length(&self) -> String {
-        let full_text = self.options.get(0).unwrap_or(&"");
-        self.render(full_text)
-    }
-    fn render(&self, text: &str) -> String {
-        format!(
-            "{}{}{}{}{}{}",
-            self.render_keycode(&format!(" {} ", self.key)),
-            arrow(
-                self.keycode_background_color,
-                self.control_text_background_color
-            ),
-            self.render_selection_dots(),
-            self.render_control_text(&format!("{} ", text)),
-            arrow(
-                self.control_text_background_color,
-                self.keycode_background_color
-            ),
-            color_line_to_end(self.keycode_background_color),
-        )
-    }
-    fn render_keycode(&self, text: &str) -> String {
-        styled_text(
-            self.keycode_foreground_color,
-            self.keycode_background_color,
-            &bold(text),
-        )
-    }
-    fn render_control_text(&self, text: &str) -> String {
-        styled_text(
-            self.control_text_foreground_color,
-            self.control_text_background_color,
-            &bold(text),
-        )
-    }
-    fn render_selection_dots(&self) -> String {
-        let mut selection_dots = String::from(" ");
-        for i in 1..=self.option_index.1 {
-            if i == self.option_index.0 {
-                selection_dots.push_str(&dot(
-                    self.active_dot_color,
-                    self.control_text_background_color,
-                ));
-            } else {
-                selection_dots.push_str(&dot(
-                    self.control_text_foreground_color,
-                    self.control_text_background_color,
-                ));
-            }
-        }
-        selection_dots.push_str(" ");
-        selection_dots
-    }
-}
-
-struct LoadingAnimation {
-    scanning_indication: Option<Vec<&'static str>>,
-    animation_offset: u8,
-    background_color: u8,
-    foreground_color: u8,
-}
-impl LoadingAnimation {
-    pub fn new(scanning_indication: &Option<Vec<&'static str>>, animation_offset: u8) -> Self {
-        LoadingAnimation {
-            scanning_indication: scanning_indication.clone(),
-            animation_offset,
-            background_color: GRAY_LIGHT,
-            foreground_color: WHITE,
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn full_len(&self) -> usize {
-        self.scanning_indication
-            .as_ref()
-            .and_then(|scanning_indication| scanning_indication.get(0))
-            .map(|s| s.chars().count() + 3) // 3 for animation dots
-            .unwrap_or(0)
-    }
-    pub fn mid_len(&self) -> usize {
-        self.scanning_indication
-            .as_ref()
-            .and_then(|scanning_indication| {
-                scanning_indication
-                    .get(1)
-                    .or_else(|| scanning_indication.get(0))
-            })
-            .map(|s| s.chars().count() + 3) // 3 for animation dots
-            .unwrap_or(0)
-    }
-    pub fn short_len(&self) -> usize {
-        self.scanning_indication
-            .as_ref()
-            .and_then(|scanning_indication| {
-                scanning_indication
-                    .get(2)
-                    .or_else(|| scanning_indication.get(1))
-                    .or_else(|| scanning_indication.get(0))
-            })
-            .map(|s| s.chars().count() + 3) // 3 for animation dots
-            .unwrap_or(0)
-    }
-    pub fn render_full_length(&self) -> String {
-        self.scanning_indication
-            .as_ref()
-            .and_then(|scanning_indication| scanning_indication.get(0))
-            .map(|s| {
-                styled_text(
-                    self.foreground_color,
-                    self.background_color,
-                    &bold(&(s.to_string() + &self.animation_dots())),
-                )
-            })
-            .unwrap_or_else(String::new)
-    }
-    pub fn render_mid_length(&self) -> String {
-        self.scanning_indication
-            .as_ref()
-            .and_then(|scanning_indication| {
-                scanning_indication
-                    .get(1)
-                    .or_else(|| scanning_indication.get(0))
-            })
-            .map(|s| {
-                styled_text(
-                    self.background_color,
-                    self.foreground_color,
-                    &bold(&(s.to_string() + &self.animation_dots())),
-                )
-            })
-            .unwrap_or_else(String::new)
-    }
-    pub fn render_short_length(&self) -> String {
-        self.scanning_indication
-            .as_ref()
-            .and_then(|scanning_indication| {
-                scanning_indication
-                    .get(2)
-                    .or_else(|| scanning_indication.get(1))
-                    .or_else(|| scanning_indication.get(0))
-            })
-            .map(|s| {
-                styled_text(
-                    self.background_color,
-                    self.foreground_color,
-                    &bold(&(s.to_string() + &self.animation_dots())),
-                )
-            })
-            .unwrap_or_else(String::new)
-    }
-    fn animation_dots(&self) -> String {
-        let mut to_render = String::from("");
-        let dot_count = self.animation_offset % 4;
-        for _ in 0..dot_count {
-            to_render.push('.');
-        }
-        to_render
-    }
-}
diff --git a/default-plugins/strider/src/search/mod.rs b/default-plugins/strider/src/search/mod.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index 6ffa60cb..00000000
--- a/default-plugins/strider/src/search/mod.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,317 +0,0 @@
-pub mod controls_line;
-pub mod search_results;
-pub mod search_state;
-pub mod selection_controls_area;
-pub mod ui;
-
-use crate::state::{CURRENT_SEARCH_TERM, ROOT};
-use crate::MessageToPlugin;
-use search_state::SearchType;
-use std::collections::{BTreeMap, BTreeSet, HashMap};
-use std::path::{Path, PathBuf};
-
-use unicode_width::UnicodeWidthStr;
-use zellij_tile::prelude::*;
-
-use fuzzy_matcher::skim::SkimMatcherV2;
-use fuzzy_matcher::FuzzyMatcher;
-use ignore::Walk;
-use search_results::SearchResult;
-use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
-
-use std::io::{self, BufRead};
-
-#[derive(Default, Serialize, Deserialize)]
-pub struct Search {
-    search_type: SearchType,
-    file_names: BTreeSet<String>,
-    file_contents: BTreeMap<(String, usize), String>, // file_name, line_number, line
-    cached_file_name_results: HashMap<String, Vec<SearchResult>>,
-    cached_file_contents_results: HashMap<String, Vec<SearchResult>>,
-}
-
-impl Search {
-    pub fn new(search_type: SearchType) -> Self {
-        Search {
-            search_type,
-            ..Default::default()
-        }
-    }
-    fn on_message(&mut self, message: String, payload: String) {
-        match serde_json::from_str::<MessageToSearch>(&message) {
-            Ok(MessageToSearch::ScanFolder) => {
-                self.scan_hd();
-                post_message_to_plugin(PluginMessage {
-                    worker_name: None,
-                    name: serde_json::to_string(&MessageToPlugin::DoneScanningFolder).unwrap(),
-                    payload: "".to_owned(),
-                });
-            },
-            Ok(MessageToSearch::Search) => {
-                if let Some(current_search_term) = self.read_search_term_from_hd_cache() {
-                    self.search(current_search_term);
-                }
-            },
-            Ok(MessageToSearch::FileSystemCreate) => {
-                self.rescan_files(payload);
-            },
-            Ok(MessageToSearch::FileSystemUpdate) => {
-                self.rescan_files(payload);
-            },
-            Ok(MessageToSearch::FileSystemDelete) => {
-                self.delete_files(payload);
-            },
-            Err(e) => eprintln!("Failed to deserialize worker message {:?}", e),
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn scan_hd(&mut self) {
-        for result in Walk::new(ROOT) {
-            if let Ok(entry) = result {
-                self.add_file_entry(entry.path(), entry.metadata().ok());
-            }
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn search(&mut self, search_term: String) {
-        let search_results_limit = 100; // artificial limit to prevent probably unwanted chaos
-                                        // let mut matcher = SkimMatcherV2::default().use_cache(true).element_limit(search_results_limit);
-        let mut file_names_search_results = None;
-        let mut file_contents_search_results = None;
-        if let SearchType::Names | SearchType::NamesAndContents = self.search_type {
-            let file_names_matches = match self.cached_file_name_results.get(&search_term) {
-                Some(cached_results) => cached_results.clone(),
-                None => {
-                    let mut matcher = SkimMatcherV2::default().use_cache(true);
-                    let results = self.search_file_names(&search_term, &mut matcher);
-                    self.cached_file_name_results
-                        .insert(search_term.clone(), results.clone());
-                    results
-                },
-            };
-            file_names_search_results = Some(
-                ResultsOfSearch::new(search_term.clone(), file_names_matches)
-                    .limit_search_results(search_results_limit),
-            );
-        };
-        if let SearchType::Contents | SearchType::NamesAndContents = self.search_type {
-            let file_contents_matches = match self.cached_file_contents_results.get(&search_term) {
-                Some(cached_results) => cached_results.clone(),
-                None => {
-                    let mut matcher = SkimMatcherV2::default().use_cache(true);
-                    let results = self.search_file_contents(&search_term, &mut matcher);
-                    self.cached_file_contents_results
-                        .insert(search_term.clone(), results.clone());
-                    results
-                },
-            };
-            file_contents_search_results = Some(
-                ResultsOfSearch::new(search_term.clone(), file_contents_matches)
-                    .limit_search_results(search_results_limit),
-            );
-        };
-
-        // if the search term changed before we finished, let's search again!
-        if let Some(current_search_term) = self.read_search_term_from_hd_cache() {
-            if current_search_term != search_term {
-                return self.search(current_search_term.into());
-            }
-        }
-        if let Some(file_names_search_results) = file_names_search_results {
-            post_message_to_plugin(PluginMessage {
-                name: serde_json::to_string(&MessageToPlugin::UpdateFileNameSearchResults).unwrap(),
-                payload: serde_json::to_string(&file_names_search_results).unwrap(),
-                ..Default::default()
-            });
-        }
-        if let Some(file_contents_search_results) = file_contents_search_results {
-            post_message_to_plugin(PluginMessage {
-                name: serde_json::to_string(&MessageToPlugin::UpdateFileContentsSearchResults)
-                    .unwrap(),
-                payload: serde_json::to_string(&file_contents_search_results).unwrap(),
-                ..Default::default()
-            });
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn rescan_files(&mut self, paths: String) {
-        match serde_json::from_str::<Vec<PathBuf>>(&paths) {
-            Ok(paths) => {
-                for path in paths {
-                    self.add_file_entry(&path, path.metadata().ok());
-                }
-                self.cached_file_name_results.clear();
-                self.cached_file_contents_results.clear();
-            },
-            Err(e) => eprintln!("Failed to deserialize paths: {:?}", e),
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn delete_files(&mut self, paths: String) {
-        match serde_json::from_str::<Vec<PathBuf>>(&paths) {
-            Ok(paths) => {
-                self.remove_existing_entries(&paths);
-                self.cached_file_name_results.clear();
-                self.cached_file_contents_results.clear();
-            },
-            Err(e) => eprintln!("Failed to deserialize paths: {:?}", e),
-        }
-    }
-    fn add_file_entry(&mut self, file_name: &Path, file_metadata: Option<std::fs::Metadata>) {
-        let file_path = file_name.display().to_string();
-        let file_path_stripped_prefix = self.strip_file_prefix(&file_name);
-
-        self.file_names.insert(file_path_stripped_prefix.clone());
-        if let SearchType::NamesAndContents | SearchType::Contents = self.search_type {
-            if file_metadata.map(|f| f.is_file()).unwrap_or(false) {
-                if let Ok(file) = std::fs::File::open(&file_path) {
-                    let lines = io::BufReader::new(file).lines();
-                    for (index, line) in lines.enumerate() {
-                        match line {
-                            Ok(line) => {
-                                self.file_contents.insert(
-                                    (file_path_stripped_prefix.clone(), index + 1),
-                                    String::from_utf8_lossy(
-                                        &strip_ansi_escapes::strip(line).unwrap(),
-                                    )
-                                    .to_string(),
-                                );
-                            },
-                            Err(_) => {
-                                break; // probably a binary file, skip it
-                            },
-                        }
-                    }
-                }
-            }
-        }
-    }
-    fn search_file_names(
-        &self,
-        search_term: &str,
-        matcher: &mut SkimMatcherV2,
-    ) -> Vec<SearchResult> {
-        let mut matches = vec![];
-        for entry in &self.file_names {
-            if let Some((score, indices)) = matcher.fuzzy_indices(&entry, &search_term) {
-                matches.push(SearchResult::new_file_name(
-                    score,
-                    indices,
-                    entry.to_owned(),
-                ));
-            }
-        }
-        matches
-    }
-    fn search_file_contents(
-        &self,
-        search_term: &str,
-        matcher: &mut SkimMatcherV2,
-    ) -> Vec<SearchResult> {
-        let mut matches = vec![];
-        for ((file_name, line_number), line_entry) in &self.file_contents {
-            if let Some((score, indices)) = matcher.fuzzy_indices(&line_entry, &search_term) {
-                matches.push(SearchResult::new_file_line(
-                    score,
-                    indices,
-                    file_name.clone(),
-                    line_entry.clone(),
-                    *line_number,
-                ));
-            }
-        }
-        matches
-    }
-    fn strip_file_prefix(&self, file_name: &Path) -> String {
-        let mut file_path_stripped_prefix = file_name.display().to_string().split_off(ROOT.width());
-        if file_path_stripped_prefix.starts_with('/') {
-            file_path_stripped_prefix.remove(0);
-        }
-        file_path_stripped_prefix
-    }
-    fn read_search_term_from_hd_cache(&self) -> Option<String> {
-        match std::fs::read(CURRENT_SEARCH_TERM) {
-            Ok(current_search_term) => {
-                Some(String::from_utf8_lossy(&current_search_term).to_string())
-            },
-            _ => None,
-        }
-    }
-    fn remove_existing_entries(&mut self, paths: &Vec<PathBuf>) {
-        let file_path_stripped_prefixes: Vec<String> =
-            paths.iter().map(|p| self.strip_file_prefix(&p)).collect();
-        self.file_names
-            .retain(|file_name| !file_path_stripped_prefixes.contains(file_name));
-        self.file_contents.retain(|(file_name, _line_in_file), _| {
-            !file_path_stripped_prefixes.contains(file_name)
-        });
-    }
-}
-
-#[derive(Serialize, Deserialize)]
-pub enum MessageToSearch {
-    ScanFolder,
-    Search,
-    FileSystemCreate,
-    FileSystemUpdate,
-    FileSystemDelete,
-}
-
-#[derive(Serialize, Deserialize)]
-pub struct FileNameWorker {
-    search: Search,
-}
-
-impl Default for FileNameWorker {
-    fn default() -> Self {
-        FileNameWorker {
-            search: Search::new(SearchType::Names),
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-#[derive(Serialize, Deserialize)]
-pub struct FileContentsWorker {
-    search: Search,
-}
-
-impl Default for FileContentsWorker {
-    fn default() -> Self {
-        FileContentsWorker {
-            search: Search::new(SearchType::Contents),
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-impl<'de> ZellijWorker<'de> for FileNameWorker {
-    fn on_message(&mut self, message: String, payload: String) {
-        self.search.on_message(message, payload);
-    }
-}
-
-impl<'de> ZellijWorker<'de> for FileContentsWorker {
-    fn on_message(&mut self, message: String, payload: String) {
-        self.search.on_message(message, payload);
-    }
-}
-
-#[derive(Serialize, Deserialize, Debug, Clone)]
-pub struct ResultsOfSearch {
-    pub search_term: String,
-    pub search_results: Vec<SearchResult>,
-}
-
-impl ResultsOfSearch {
-    pub fn new(search_term: String, search_results: Vec<SearchResult>) -> Self {
-        ResultsOfSearch {
-            search_term,
-            search_results,
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn limit_search_results(mut self, max_results: usize) -> Self {
-        self.search_results
-            .sort_by(|a, b| b.score().cmp(&a.score()));
-        self.search_results = if self.search_results.len() > max_results {
-            self.search_results.drain(..max_results).collect()
-        } else {
-            self.search_results.drain(..).collect()
-        };
-        self
-    }
-}
diff --git a/default-plugins/strider/src/search/search_results.rs b/default-plugins/strider/src/search/search_results.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index b76200ae..00000000
--- a/default-plugins/strider/src/search/search_results.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,308 +0,0 @@
-use crate::search::ui::{
-    bold, styled_text, styled_text_background, styled_text_foreground, underline, GRAY_LIGHT,
-    GREEN, ORANGE,
-};
-use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
-use unicode_width::UnicodeWidthStr;
-
-#[derive(Serialize, Deserialize, Debug, Clone)]
-pub enum SearchResult {
-    File {
-        path: String,
-        score: i64,
-        indices: Vec<usize>,
-    },
-    LineInFile {
-        path: String,
-        line: String,
-        line_number: usize,
-        score: i64,
-        indices: Vec<usize>,
-    },
-}
-
-impl SearchResult {
-    pub fn new_file_name(score: i64, indices: Vec<usize>, path: String) -> Self {
-        SearchResult::File {
-            path,
-            score,
-            indices,
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn new_file_line(
-        score: i64,
-        indices: Vec<usize>,
-        path: String,
-        line: String,
-        line_number: usize,
-    ) -> Self {
-        SearchResult::LineInFile {
-            path,
-            score,
-            indices,
-            line,
-            line_number,
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn score(&self) -> i64 {
-        match self {
-            SearchResult::File { score, .. } => *score,
-            SearchResult::LineInFile { score, .. } => *score,
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn rendered_height(&self) -> usize {
-        match self {
-            SearchResult::File { .. } => 1,
-            SearchResult::LineInFile { .. } => 2,
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn is_same_entry(&self, other: &Self) -> bool {
-        match (&self, other) {
-            (
-                SearchResult::File { path: my_path, .. },
-                SearchResult::File {
-                    path: other_path, ..
-                },
-            ) => my_path == other_path,
-            (
-                SearchResult::LineInFile {
-                    path: my_path,
-                    line_number: my_line_number,
-                    ..
-                },
-                SearchResult::LineInFile {
-                    path: other_path,
-                    line_number: other_line_number,
-                    ..
-                },
-            ) => my_path == other_path && my_line_number == other_line_number,
-            _ => false,
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn render(
-        &self,
-        max_width: usize,
-        is_selected: bool,
-        is_below_search_result: bool,
-    ) -> String {
-        let max_width = max_width.saturating_sub(4); // for the UI left line separator
-        match self {
-            SearchResult::File { path, indices, .. } => self.render_file_result(
-                path,
-                indices,
-                is_selected,
-                is_below_search_result,
-                max_width,
-            ),
-            SearchResult::LineInFile {
-                path,
-                line,
-                line_number,
-                indices,
-                ..
-            } => self.render_line_in_file_result(
-                path,
-                line,
-                *line_number,
-                indices,
-                is_selected,
-                is_below_search_result,
-                max_width,
-            ),
-        }
-    }
-    fn render_file_result(
-        &self,
-        path: &String,
-        indices: &Vec<usize>,
-        is_selected: bool,
-        is_below_search_result: bool,
-        max_width: usize,
-    ) -> String {
-        if is_selected {
-            let line = self.render_line_with_indices(
-                path,
-                indices,
-                max_width.saturating_sub(3),
-                Some(GREEN),
-            );
-            let selection_arrow = styled_text_foreground(ORANGE, "┌>");
-            format!("{} {}", selection_arrow, line)
-        } else {
-            let line_prefix = if is_below_search_result { "│ " } else { "  " };
-            let line =
-                self.render_line_with_indices(path, indices, max_width.saturating_sub(3), None);
-            format!("{} {}", line_prefix, line)
-        }
-    }
-    fn render_line_in_file_result(
-        &self,
-        path: &String,
-        line: &String,
-        line_number: usize,
-        indices: &Vec<usize>,
-        is_selected: bool,
-        is_below_search_result: bool,
-        max_width: usize,
-    ) -> String {
-        let line_number_prefix_text = format!("└ {} ", line_number);
-        let max_width_of_line_in_file = max_width
-            .saturating_sub(3)
-            .saturating_sub(line_number_prefix_text.width());
-        if is_selected {
-            let file_name_line = self.render_line_with_indices(
-                path,
-                &vec![],
-                max_width.saturating_sub(3),
-                Some(GREEN),
-            );
-            let line_in_file = self.render_line_with_indices(
-                line,
-                indices,
-                max_width_of_line_in_file,
-                Some(GREEN),
-            );
-            let line_number_prefix = styled_text_foreground(GREEN, &bold(&line_number_prefix_text));
-            format!(
-                "{} {}\n│  {}{}",
-                styled_text_foreground(ORANGE, "┌>"),
-                file_name_line,
-                line_number_prefix,
-                line_in_file
-            )
-        } else {
-            let file_name_line =
-                self.render_line_with_indices(path, &vec![], max_width.saturating_sub(3), None);
-            let line_in_file =
-                self.render_line_with_indices(line, indices, max_width_of_line_in_file, None);
-            let line_number_prefix = bold(&line_number_prefix_text);
-            let line_prefix = if is_below_search_result { "│ " } else { "  " };
-            format!(
-                "{} {}\n{} {}{}",
-                line_prefix, file_name_line, line_prefix, line_number_prefix, line_in_file
-            )
-        }
-    }
-    fn render_line_with_indices(
-        &self,
-        line_to_render: &String,
-        indices: &Vec<usize>,
-        max_width: usize,
-        foreground_color: Option<u8>,
-    ) -> String {
-        let non_index_character_style = |c: &str| match foreground_color {
-            Some(foreground_color) => styled_text_foreground(foreground_color, &bold(c)),
-            None => bold(c),
-        };
-        let index_character_style = |c: &str| match foreground_color {
-            Some(foreground_color) => {
-                styled_text(foreground_color, GRAY_LIGHT, &bold(&underline(c)))
-            },
-            None => styled_text_background(GRAY_LIGHT, &bold(&underline(c))),
-        };
-
-        let truncate_positions =
-            self.truncate_line_with_indices(line_to_render, indices, max_width);
-        let truncate_start_position = truncate_positions.map(|p| p.0).unwrap_or(0);
-        let truncate_end_position = truncate_positions
-            .map(|p| p.1)
-            .unwrap_or(line_to_render.chars().count());
-        let mut visible_portion = String::new();
-        for (i, character) in line_to_render.chars().enumerate() {
-            if i >= truncate_start_position && i <= truncate_end_position {
-                if indices.contains(&i) {
-                    visible_portion.push_str(&index_character_style(&character.to_string()));
-                } else {
-                    visible_portion.push_str(&non_index_character_style(&character.to_string()));
-                }
-            }
-        }
-        if truncate_positions.is_some() {
-            let left_truncate_sign = if truncate_start_position == 0 {
-                ""
-            } else {
-                ".."
-            };
-            let right_truncate_sign = if truncate_end_position == line_to_render.chars().count() {
-                ""
-            } else {
-                ".."
-            };
-            format!(
-                "{}{}{}",
-                non_index_character_style(left_truncate_sign),
-                visible_portion,
-                non_index_character_style(right_truncate_sign)
-            )
-        } else {
-            visible_portion
-        }
-    }
-    fn truncate_line_with_indices(
-        &self,
-        line_to_render: &String,
-        indices: &Vec<usize>,
-        max_width: usize,
-    ) -> Option<(usize, usize)> {
-        let first_index = indices.get(0).copied().unwrap_or(0);
-        let last_index = indices
-            .last()
-            .copied()
-            .unwrap_or_else(|| std::cmp::min(line_to_render.chars().count(), max_width));
-        if line_to_render.width() <= max_width {
-            // there's enough room, no need to truncate
-            None
-        } else if last_index.saturating_sub(first_index) < max_width {
-            // truncate around the indices
-            let mut width_remaining = max_width
-                .saturating_sub(1)
-                .saturating_sub(last_index.saturating_sub(first_index));
-
-            let mut string_start_position = first_index;
-            let mut string_end_position = last_index;
-
-            let mut i = 0;
-            loop {
-                if i >= width_remaining {
-                    break;
-                }
-                if string_start_position > 0 && string_end_position < line_to_render.chars().count()
-                {
-                    let take_from_start = i % 2 == 0;
-                    if take_from_start {
-                        string_start_position -= 1;
-                        if string_start_position == 0 {
-                            width_remaining += 2; // no need for truncating dots
-                        }
-                    } else {
-                        string_end_position += 1;
-                        if string_end_position == line_to_render.chars().count() {
-                            width_remaining += 2; // no need for truncating dots
-                        }
-                    }
-                } else if string_end_position < line_to_render.chars().count() {
-                    string_end_position += 1;
-                    if string_end_position == line_to_render.chars().count() {
-                        width_remaining += 2; // no need for truncating dots
-                    }
-                } else if string_start_position > 0 {
-                    string_start_position -= 1;
-                    if string_start_position == 0 {
-                        width_remaining += 2; // no need for truncating dots
-                    }
-                } else {
-                    break;
-                }
-                i += 1;
-            }
-            Some((string_start_position, string_end_position))
-        } else if !indices.is_empty() {
-            // no room for all indices, remove the last one and try again
-            let mut new_indices = indices.clone();
-            new_indices.pop();
-            self.truncate_line_with_indices(line_to_render, &new_indices, max_width)
-        } else {
-            Some((first_index, last_index))
-        }
-    }
-}
diff --git a/default-plugins/strider/src/search/search_state.rs b/default-plugins/strider/src/search/search_state.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index 60d03941..00000000
--- a/default-plugins/strider/src/search/search_state.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,264 +0,0 @@
-use crate::search::search_results::SearchResult;
-use crate::search::{MessageToSearch, ResultsOfSearch};
-use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
-use std::path::PathBuf;
-use zellij_tile::prelude::{
-    hide_self, open_file, open_file_floating, open_terminal, open_terminal_floating,
-    post_message_to, FileToOpen, Key, PluginMessage,
-};
-
-pub const CURRENT_SEARCH_TERM: &str = "/data/current_search_term";
-
-#[derive(Default)]
-pub struct SearchState {
-    pub search_term: String,
-    pub file_name_search_results: Vec<SearchResult>,
-    pub file_contents_search_results: Vec<SearchResult>,
-    pub loading: bool,
-    pub loading_animation_offset: u8,
-    pub selected_search_result: usize,
-    pub should_open_floating: bool,
-    pub search_filter: SearchType,
-    pub display_rows: usize,
-    pub display_columns: usize,
-    pub displayed_search_results: (usize, Vec<SearchResult>), // usize is selected index
-}
-
-impl SearchState {
-    pub fn handle_key(&mut self, key: Key) {
-        match key {
-            Key::Down => self.move_search_selection_down(),
-            Key::Up => self.move_search_selection_up(),
-            Key::Char('\n') => self.open_search_result_in_editor(),
-            Key::BackTab => self.open_search_result_in_terminal(),
-            Key::Ctrl('f') => {
-                self.should_open_floating = !self.should_open_floating;
-            },
-            Key::Ctrl('r') => self.toggle_search_filter(),
-            Key::Esc => {
-                if !self.search_term.is_empty() {
-                    self.clear_state();
-                } else {
-                    hide_self();
-                }
-            },
-            _ => self.append_to_search_term(key),
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn update_file_name_search_results(&mut self, mut results_of_search: ResultsOfSearch) {
-        if self.search_term == results_of_search.search_term {
-            self.file_name_search_results = results_of_search.search_results.drain(..).collect();
-            self.update_displayed_search_results();
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn update_file_contents_search_results(&mut self, mut results_of_search: ResultsOfSearch) {
-        if self.search_term == results_of_search.search_term {
-            self.file_contents_search_results =
-                results_of_search.search_results.drain(..).collect();
-            self.update_displayed_search_results();
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn change_size(&mut self, rows: usize, cols: usize) {
-        self.display_rows = rows;
-        self.display_columns = cols;
-    }
-    pub fn progress_animation(&mut self) {
-        if self.loading_animation_offset == u8::MAX {
-            self.loading_animation_offset = 0;
-        } else {
-            self.loading_animation_offset = self.loading_animation_offset.saturating_add(1);
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn number_of_lines_in_displayed_search_results(&self) -> usize {
-        self.displayed_search_results
-            .1
-            .iter()
-            .map(|l| l.rendered_height())
-            .sum()
-    }
-    fn move_search_selection_down(&mut self) {
-        if self.displayed_search_results.0 < self.max_search_selection_index() {
-            self.displayed_search_results.0 += 1;
-        }
-    }
-    fn move_search_selection_up(&mut self) {
-        self.displayed_search_results.0 = self.displayed_search_results.0.saturating_sub(1);
-    }
-    fn open_search_result_in_editor(&mut self) {
-        match self.selected_search_result_entry() {
-            Some(SearchResult::File { path, .. }) => {
-                if self.should_open_floating {
-                    open_file_floating(
-                        FileToOpen {
-                            path: PathBuf::from(path),
-                            ..Default::default()
-                        },
-                        None,
-                    );
-                } else {
-                    open_file(FileToOpen {
-                        path: PathBuf::from(path),
-                        ..Default::default()
-                    });
-                }
-            },
-            Some(SearchResult::LineInFile {
-                path, line_number, ..
-            }) => {
-                if self.should_open_floating {
-                    open_file_floating(
-                        FileToOpen {
-                            path: PathBuf::from(path),
-                            line_number: Some(line_number),
-                            ..Default::default()
-                        },
-                        None,
-                    );
-                } else {
-                    open_file(FileToOpen {
-                        path: PathBuf::from(path),
-                        line_number: Some(line_number),
-                        ..Default::default()
-                    });
-                }
-            },
-            None => eprintln!("Search results not found"),
-        }
-    }
-    fn open_search_result_in_terminal(&mut self) {
-        let dir_path_of_result = |path: &str| -> PathBuf {
-            let file_path = PathBuf::from(path);
-            let mut dir_path = file_path.components();
-            dir_path.next_back(); // remove file name to stay with just the folder
-            dir_path.as_path().into()
-        };
-        let selected_search_result_entry = self.selected_search_result_entry();
-        if let Some(SearchResult::File { path, .. }) | Some(SearchResult::LineInFile { path, .. }) =
-            selected_search_result_entry
-        {
-            let dir_path = dir_path_of_result(&path);
-            if self.should_open_floating {
-                open_terminal_floating(&dir_path, None);
-            } else {
-                open_terminal(&dir_path);
-            }
-        }
-    }
-    fn toggle_search_filter(&mut self) {
-        self.search_filter.progress();
-        self.send_search_query();
-    }
-    fn clear_state(&mut self) {
-        self.file_name_search_results.clear();
-        self.file_contents_search_results.clear();
-        self.displayed_search_results = (0, vec![]);
-        self.search_term.clear();
-    }
-    fn append_to_search_term(&mut self, key: Key) {
-        match key {
-            Key::Char(character) => {
-                self.search_term.push(character);
-            },
-            Key::Backspace => {
-                self.search_term.pop();
-                if self.search_term.len() == 0 {
-                    self.clear_state();
-                }
-            },
-            _ => {},
-        }
-        self.send_search_query();
-    }
-    fn send_search_query(&mut self) {
-        match std::fs::write(CURRENT_SEARCH_TERM, &self.search_term) {
-            Ok(_) => {
-                if !self.search_term.is_empty() {
-                    post_message_to(PluginMessage {
-                        worker_name: Some("file_name_search".into()),
-                        name: serde_json::to_string(&MessageToSearch::Search).unwrap(),
-                        payload: "".into(),
-                    });
-                    post_message_to(PluginMessage {
-                        worker_name: Some("file_contents_search".into()),
-                        name: serde_json::to_string(&MessageToSearch::Search).unwrap(),
-                        payload: "".into(),
-                    });
-                    self.file_name_search_results.clear();
-                    self.file_contents_search_results.clear();
-                }
-            },
-            Err(e) => eprintln!("Failed to write search term to HD, aborting search: {}", e),
-        }
-    }
-    fn max_search_selection_index(&self) -> usize {
-        self.displayed_search_results.1.len().saturating_sub(1)
-    }
-    fn update_displayed_search_results(&mut self) {
-        if self.search_term.is_empty() {
-            self.clear_state();
-            return;
-        }
-        let mut search_results_of_interest = match self.search_filter {
-            SearchType::NamesAndContents => {
-                let mut all_search_results = self.file_name_search_results.clone();
-                all_search_results.append(&mut self.file_contents_search_results.clone());
-                all_search_results.sort_by(|a, b| b.score().cmp(&a.score()));
-                all_search_results
-            },
-            SearchType::Names => self.file_name_search_results.clone(),
-            SearchType::Contents => self.file_contents_search_results.clone(),
-        };
-        let mut height_taken_up_by_results = 0;
-        let mut displayed_search_results = vec![];
-        for search_result in search_results_of_interest.drain(..) {
-            if height_taken_up_by_results + search_result.rendered_height()
-                > self.rows_for_results()
-            {
-                break;
-            }
-            height_taken_up_by_results += search_result.rendered_height();
-            displayed_search_results.push(search_result);
-        }
-        let new_index = self
-            .selected_search_result_entry()
-            .and_then(|currently_selected_search_result| {
-                displayed_search_results
-                    .iter()
-                    .position(|r| r.is_same_entry(&currently_selected_search_result))
-            })
-            .unwrap_or(0);
-        self.displayed_search_results = (new_index, displayed_search_results);
-    }
-    fn selected_search_result_entry(&self) -> Option<SearchResult> {
-        self.displayed_search_results
-            .1
-            .get(self.displayed_search_results.0)
-            .cloned()
-    }
-    pub fn rows_for_results(&self) -> usize {
-        self.display_rows.saturating_sub(3) // search line and 2 controls lines
-    }
-}
-
-#[derive(Serialize, Deserialize)]
-pub enum SearchType {
-    NamesAndContents,
-    Names,
-    Contents,
-}
-
-impl SearchType {
-    pub fn progress(&mut self) {
-        match &self {
-            &SearchType::NamesAndContents => *self = SearchType::Names,
-            &SearchType::Names => *self = SearchType::Contents,
-            &SearchType::Contents => *self = SearchType::NamesAndContents,
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-impl Default for SearchType {
-    fn default() -> Self {
-        SearchType::NamesAndContents
-    }
-}
diff --git a/default-plugins/strider/src/search/selection_controls_area.rs b/default-plugins/strider/src/search/selection_controls_area.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index 0805e1e4..00000000
--- a/default-plugins/strider/src/search/selection_controls_area.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,61 +0,0 @@
-use crate::search::ui::{bold, styled_text_foreground, ORANGE};
-
-pub struct SelectionControlsArea {
-    display_lines: usize,
-    display_columns: usize,
-}
-
-impl SelectionControlsArea {
-    pub fn new(display_lines: usize, display_columns: usize) -> Self {
-        SelectionControlsArea {
-            display_lines,
-            display_columns,
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn render(&self, result_count: usize) -> String {
-        let mut to_render = String::new();
-        let padding = self.display_lines.saturating_sub(result_count);
-        for _ in 0..padding {
-            to_render.push_str(&self.render_padding_line());
-        }
-        let selection_controls = self.render_selection_controls();
-        to_render.push_str(&selection_controls);
-        to_render
-    }
-    pub fn render_empty_lines(&self) -> String {
-        let mut to_render = String::new();
-        for _ in 0..self.display_lines {
-            to_render.push_str("\n");
-        }
-        to_render
-    }
-    fn render_padding_line(&self) -> String {
-        format!("│\n")
-    }
-    fn render_selection_controls(&self) -> String {
-        if self.display_columns >= self.full_selection_controls_len() {
-            self.render_full_selection_controls()
-        } else {
-            self.render_truncated_selection_controls()
-        }
-    }
-    fn full_selection_controls_len(&self) -> usize {
-        62
-    }
-    fn render_full_selection_controls(&self) -> String {
-        let arrow_tail = "└ ";
-        let enter = styled_text_foreground(ORANGE, &bold("<ENTER>"));
-        let enter_tip = bold(" - open in editor. ");
-        let tab = styled_text_foreground(ORANGE, &bold("<TAB>"));
-        let tab_tip = bold(" - open terminal at location.");
-        format!("{}{}{}{}{}", arrow_tail, enter, enter_tip, tab, tab_tip)
-    }
-    fn render_truncated_selection_controls(&self) -> String {
-        let arrow_tail = "└ ";
-        let enter = styled_text_foreground(ORANGE, &bold("<ENTER>"));
-        let enter_tip = bold(" - edit. ");
-        let tab = styled_text_foreground(ORANGE, &bold("<TAB>"));
-        let tab_tip = bold(" - terminal.");
-        format!("{}{}{}{}{}", arrow_tail, enter, enter_tip, tab, tab_tip)
-    }
-}
diff --git a/default-plugins/strider/src/search/ui.rs b/default-plugins/strider/src/search/ui.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index 5ee5a3e8..00000000
--- a/default-plugins/strider/src/search/ui.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,120 +0,0 @@
-use crate::search::controls_line::{Control, ControlsLine};
-use crate::search::search_state::SearchState;
-use crate::search::selection_controls_area::SelectionControlsArea;
-use std::fmt::{Display, Formatter, Result};
-
-pub const CYAN: u8 = 51;
-pub const GRAY_LIGHT: u8 = 238;
-pub const GRAY_DARK: u8 = 245;
-pub const WHITE: u8 = 15;
-pub const BLACK: u8 = 16;
-pub const RED: u8 = 124;
-pub const GREEN: u8 = 154;
-pub const ORANGE: u8 = 166;
-
-impl Display for SearchState {
-    fn fmt(&self, f: &mut Formatter) -> Result {
-        write!(f, "{}", self.render_search_line())?;
-        write!(f, "{}", self.render_search_results())?;
-        write!(f, "{}", self.render_selection_control_area())?;
-        write!(f, "{}", self.render_controls_line())?;
-        Ok(())
-    }
-}
-
-impl SearchState {
-    pub fn render_search_line(&self) -> String {
-        format!(
-            "{}{}\n",
-            styled_text_foreground(CYAN, &bold("SEARCH: ")),
-            self.search_term
-        )
-    }
-    pub fn render_search_results(&self) -> String {
-        let mut space_for_results = self.display_rows.saturating_sub(3); // title and both controls lines
-        let mut to_render = String::new();
-        for (i, search_result) in self.displayed_search_results.1.iter().enumerate() {
-            let result_height = search_result.rendered_height();
-            if space_for_results < result_height {
-                break;
-            }
-            space_for_results -= result_height;
-            let index_of_selected_result = self.displayed_search_results.0;
-            let is_selected = i == index_of_selected_result;
-            let is_below_search_result = i > index_of_selected_result;
-            let rendered_result =
-                search_result.render(self.display_columns, is_selected, is_below_search_result);
-            to_render.push_str(&format!("{}", rendered_result));
-            to_render.push('\n')
-        }
-        to_render
-    }
-    pub fn render_selection_control_area(&self) -> String {
-        let rows_for_results = self.rows_for_results();
-        if !self.displayed_search_results.1.is_empty() {
-            format!(
-                "{}\n",
-                SelectionControlsArea::new(rows_for_results, self.display_columns)
-                    .render(self.number_of_lines_in_displayed_search_results())
-            )
-        } else {
-            format!(
-                "{}\n",
-                SelectionControlsArea::new(rows_for_results, self.display_columns)
-                    .render_empty_lines()
-            )
-        }
-    }
-    pub fn render_controls_line(&self) -> String {
-        let has_results = !self.displayed_search_results.1.is_empty();
-        let tiled_floating_control =
-            Control::new_floating_control("Ctrl f", self.should_open_floating);
-        let names_contents_control = Control::new_filter_control("Ctrl r", &self.search_filter);
-        if self.loading {
-            ControlsLine::new(
-                vec![tiled_floating_control, names_contents_control],
-                Some(vec!["Scanning folder", "Scanning", "S"]),
-            )
-            .with_animation_offset(self.loading_animation_offset)
-            .render(self.display_columns, has_results)
-        } else {
-            ControlsLine::new(vec![tiled_floating_control, names_contents_control], None)
-                .render(self.display_columns, has_results)
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-pub fn bold(text: &str) -> String {
-    format!("\u{1b}[1m{}\u{1b}[m", text)
-}
-
-pub fn underline(text: &str) -> String {
-    format!("\u{1b}[4m{}\u{1b}[m", text)
-}
-
-pub fn styled_text(foreground_color: u8, background_color: u8, text: &str) -> String {
-    format!(
-        "\u{1b}[38;5;{};48;5;{}m{}\u{1b}[m",
-        foreground_color, background_color, text
-    )
-}
-
-pub fn styled_text_foreground(foreground_color: u8, text: &str) -> String {
-    format!("\u{1b}[38;5;{}m{}\u{1b}[m", foreground_color, text)
-}
-
-pub fn styled_text_background(background_color: u8, text: &str) -> String {
-    format!("\u{1b}[48;5;{}m{}\u{1b}[m", background_color, text)
-}
-
-pub fn color_line_to_end(background_color: u8) -> String {
-    format!("\u{1b}[48;5;{}m\u{1b}[0K", background_color)
-}
-
-pub fn arrow(foreground: u8, background: u8) -> String {
-    format!("\u{1b}[38;5;{}m\u{1b}[48;5;{}m", foreground, background)
-}
-
-pub fn dot(foreground: u8, background: u8) -> String {
-    format!("\u{1b}[38;5;{};48;5;{}m•", foreground, background)
-}
diff --git a/default-plugins/strider/src/state.rs b/default-plugins/strider/src/state.rs
index 67e9b891..be4ede4b 100644
--- a/default-plugins/strider/src/state.rs
+++ b/default-plugins/strider/src/state.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,3 @@
-use crate::search::search_results::SearchResult;
-use crate::search::search_state::SearchState;
-use crate::search::search_state::SearchType;
 use pretty_bytes::converter as pb;
 use std::{
     collections::{HashMap, VecDeque},
@@ -11,7 +8,6 @@ use std::{
 use zellij_tile::prelude::*;
 
 pub const ROOT: &str = "/host";
-pub const CURRENT_SEARCH_TERM: &str = "/data/current_search_term";
 
 #[derive(Default)]
 pub struct State {
@@ -20,30 +16,12 @@ pub struct State {
     pub cursor_hist: HashMap<PathBuf, (usize, usize)>,
     pub hide_hidden_files: bool,
     pub ev_history: VecDeque<(Event, Instant)>, // stores last event, can be expanded in future
-    pub search_state: SearchState,
-    pub search_paths: Vec<String>,
-    pub search_term: Option<String>,
-    pub file_name_search_results: Vec<SearchResult>,
-    pub file_contents_search_results: Vec<SearchResult>,
     pub loading: bool,
     pub loading_animation_offset: u8,
-    pub typing_search_term: bool,
-    pub selected_search_result: usize,
-    pub processed_search_index: usize,
     pub should_open_floating: bool,
-    pub search_filter: SearchType,
 }
 
 impl State {
-    pub fn typing_search_term(&self) -> bool {
-        self.typing_search_term
-    }
-    pub fn start_typing_search_term(&mut self) {
-        self.typing_search_term = true;
-    }
-    pub fn stop_typing_search_term(&mut self) {
-        self.typing_search_term = false;
-    }
     pub fn selected_mut(&mut self) -> &mut usize {
         &mut self.cursor_hist.entry(self.path.clone()).or_default().0
     }
diff --git a/zellij-client/src/lib.rs b/zellij-client/src/lib.rs
index 640cbcd8..06c2477a 100644
--- a/zellij-client/src/lib.rs
+++ b/zellij-client/src/lib.rs
@@ -242,7 +242,7 @@ pub fn start_client(
                     Box::new(opts),
                     Box::new(config_options.clone()),
                     Box::new(layout.unwrap()),
-                    Some(config.plugins.clone()),
+                    Box::new(config.plugins.clone()),
                 ),
                 ipc_pipe,
             )
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/lib.rs b/zellij-server/src/lib.rs
index 00895570..acab5c27 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/lib.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/lib.rs
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ use zellij_utils::{
         get_mode_info,
         layout::Layout,
         options::Options,
-        plugins::PluginsConfig,
+        plugins::PluginAliases,
     },
     ipc::{ClientAttributes, ExitReason, ServerToClientMsg},
 };
@@ -65,8 +65,8 @@ pub enum ServerInstruction {
         Box<CliArgs>,
         Box<Options>,
         Box<Layout>,
+        Box<PluginAliases>,
         ClientId,
-        Option<PluginsConfig>,
     ),
     Render(Option<HashMap<ClientId, String>>),
     UnblockInputThread,
@@ -365,8 +365,8 @@ pub fn start_server(mut os_input: Box<dyn ServerOsApi>, socket_path: PathBuf) {
                 opts,
                 config_options,
                 layout,
+                plugin_aliases,
                 client_id,
-                plugins,
             ) => {
                 let session = init_session(
                     os_input.clone(),
@@ -375,9 +375,9 @@ pub fn start_server(mut os_input: Box<dyn ServerOsApi>, socket_path: PathBuf) {
                     SessionOptions {
                         opts,
                         layout: layout.clone(),
-                        plugins,
                         config_options: config_options.clone(),
                     },
+                    plugin_aliases,
                 );
                 *session_data.write().unwrap() = Some(session);
                 session_state
@@ -832,7 +832,6 @@ pub struct SessionOptions {
     pub opts: Box<CliArgs>,
     pub config_options: Box<Options>,
     pub layout: Box<Layout>,
-    pub plugins: Option<PluginsConfig>,
 }
 
 fn init_session(
@@ -840,12 +839,12 @@ fn init_session(
     to_server: SenderWithContext<ServerInstruction>,
     client_attributes: ClientAttributes,
     options: SessionOptions,
+    plugin_aliases: Box<PluginAliases>,
 ) -> SessionMetaData {
     let SessionOptions {
         opts,
         config_options,
         layout,
-        plugins,
     } = options;
 
     let _ = SCROLL_BUFFER_SIZE.set(
@@ -975,13 +974,13 @@ fn init_session(
                     plugin_bus,
                     store,
                     data_dir,
-                    plugins.unwrap_or_default(),
                     layout,
                     path_to_default_shell,
                     zellij_cwd,
                     capabilities,
                     client_attributes,
                     default_shell,
+                    plugin_aliases,
                 )
                 .fatal()
             }
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/panes/floating_panes/mod.rs b/zellij-server/src/panes/floating_panes/mod.rs
index ad1a03fd..07ed6173 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/panes/floating_panes/mod.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/panes/floating_panes/mod.rs
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ use zellij_utils::{
     data::{ModeInfo, Style},
     errors::prelude::*,
     input::command::RunCommand,
-    input::layout::{FloatingPaneLayout, Run, RunPlugin},
+    input::layout::{FloatingPaneLayout, Run, RunPlugin, RunPluginOrAlias},
     pane_size::{Dimension, Offset, PaneGeom, Size, SizeInPixels, Viewport},
 };
 
@@ -872,11 +872,10 @@ impl FloatingPanes {
             self.focus_pane_for_all_clients(active_pane_id);
         }
     }
-    pub fn get_plugin_pane_id(&self, run_plugin: &RunPlugin) -> Option<PaneId> {
-        let run = Some(Run::Plugin(run_plugin.clone()));
+    pub fn get_plugin_pane_id(&self, run_plugin_or_alias: &RunPluginOrAlias) -> Option<PaneId> {
         self.panes
             .iter()
-            .find(|(_id, s_p)| s_p.invoked_with() == &run)
+            .find(|(_id, pane)| run_plugin_or_alias.is_equivalent_to_run(pane.invoked_with()))
             .map(|(id, _)| *id)
     }
     pub fn focus_pane_if_exists(&mut self, pane_id: PaneId, client_id: ClientId) -> Result<()> {
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/panes/tiled_panes/mod.rs b/zellij-server/src/panes/tiled_panes/mod.rs
index 6477a8af..8e594b27 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/panes/tiled_panes/mod.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/panes/tiled_panes/mod.rs
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ use zellij_utils::{
     errors::prelude::*,
     input::{
         command::RunCommand,
-        layout::{Run, RunPlugin, SplitDirection},
+        layout::{Run, RunPlugin, RunPluginOrAlias, SplitDirection},
     },
     pane_size::{Offset, PaneGeom, Size, SizeInPixels, Viewport},
 };
@@ -1744,11 +1744,10 @@ impl TiledPanes {
     fn reset_boundaries(&mut self) {
         self.client_id_to_boundaries.clear();
     }
-    pub fn get_plugin_pane_id(&self, run_plugin: &RunPlugin) -> Option<PaneId> {
-        let run = Some(Run::Plugin(run_plugin.clone()));
+    pub fn get_plugin_pane_id(&self, run_plugin_or_alias: &RunPluginOrAlias) -> Option<PaneId> {
         self.panes
             .iter()
-            .find(|(_id, s_p)| s_p.invoked_with() == &run)
+            .find(|(_id, pane)| run_plugin_or_alias.is_equivalent_to_run(pane.invoked_with()))
             .map(|(id, _)| *id)
     }
     pub fn pane_info(&self) -> Vec<PaneInfo> {
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/mod.rs b/zellij-server/src/plugins/mod.rs
index ebae02a3..80a59045 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/plugins/mod.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/mod.rs
@@ -32,11 +32,8 @@ use zellij_utils::{
     errors::{prelude::*, ContextType, PluginContext},
     input::{
         command::TerminalAction,
-        layout::{
-            FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, PluginUserConfiguration, Run, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation,
-            TiledPaneLayout,
-        },
-        plugins::PluginsConfig,
+        layout::{FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, Run, RunPlugin, RunPluginOrAlias, TiledPaneLayout},
+        plugins::PluginAliases,
     },
     ipc::ClientAttributes,
     pane_size::Size,
@@ -50,7 +47,7 @@ pub enum PluginInstruction {
         Option<bool>,   // should float
         bool,           // should be opened in place
         Option<String>, // pane title
-        RunPlugin,
+        RunPluginOrAlias,
         usize,          // tab index
         Option<PaneId>, // pane id to replace if this is to be opened "in-place"
         ClientId,
@@ -63,7 +60,7 @@ pub enum PluginInstruction {
     Reload(
         Option<bool>,   // should float
         Option<String>, // pane title
-        RunPlugin,
+        RunPluginOrAlias,
         usize, // tab index
         Size,
     ),
@@ -173,19 +170,18 @@ pub(crate) fn plugin_thread_main(
     bus: Bus<PluginInstruction>,
     store: Store,
     data_dir: PathBuf,
-    plugins: PluginsConfig,
-    layout: Box<Layout>,
+    mut layout: Box<Layout>,
     path_to_default_shell: PathBuf,
     zellij_cwd: PathBuf,
     capabilities: PluginCapabilities,
     client_attributes: ClientAttributes,
     default_shell: Option<TerminalAction>,
+    plugin_aliases: Box<PluginAliases>,
 ) -> Result<()> {
     info!("Wasm main thread starts");
-
     let plugin_dir = data_dir.join("plugins/");
     let plugin_global_data_dir = plugin_dir.join("data");
-
+    layout.populate_plugin_aliases_in_layout(&plugin_aliases);
     let store = Arc::new(Mutex::new(store));
 
     // use this channel to ensure that tasks spawned from this thread terminate before exiting
@@ -193,7 +189,6 @@ pub(crate) fn plugin_thread_main(
     let (shutdown_send, shutdown_receive) = channel::bounded::<()>(1);
 
     let mut wasm_bridge = WasmBridge::new(
-        plugins,
         bus.senders.clone(),
         store,
         plugin_dir,
@@ -213,38 +208,42 @@ pub(crate) fn plugin_thread_main(
                 should_float,
                 should_be_open_in_place,
                 pane_title,
-                run,
+                mut run_plugin_or_alias,
                 tab_index,
                 pane_id_to_replace,
                 client_id,
                 size,
                 cwd,
                 skip_cache,
-            ) => match wasm_bridge.load_plugin(
-                &run,
-                Some(tab_index),
-                size,
-                cwd.clone(),
-                skip_cache,
-                Some(client_id),
-                None,
-            ) {
-                Ok((plugin_id, client_id)) => {
-                    drop(bus.senders.send_to_screen(ScreenInstruction::AddPlugin(
-                        should_float,
-                        should_be_open_in_place,
-                        run,
-                        pane_title,
-                        Some(tab_index),
-                        plugin_id,
-                        pane_id_to_replace,
-                        cwd,
-                        Some(client_id),
-                    )));
-                },
-                Err(e) => {
-                    log::error!("Failed to load plugin: {e}");
-                },
+            ) => {
+                run_plugin_or_alias.populate_run_plugin_if_needed(&plugin_aliases);
+                let run_plugin = run_plugin_or_alias.get_run_plugin();
+                match wasm_bridge.load_plugin(
+                    &run_plugin,
+                    Some(tab_index),
+                    size,
+                    cwd.clone(),
+                    skip_cache,
+                    Some(client_id),
+                    None,
+                ) {
+                    Ok((plugin_id, client_id)) => {
+                        drop(bus.senders.send_to_screen(ScreenInstruction::AddPlugin(
+                            should_float,
+                            should_be_open_in_place,
+                            run_plugin_or_alias,
+                            pane_title,
+                            Some(tab_index),
+                            plugin_id,
+                            pane_id_to_replace,
+                            cwd,
+                            Some(client_id),
+                        )));
+                    },
+                    Err(e) => {
+                        log::error!("Failed to load plugin: {e}");
+                    },
+                }
             },
             PluginInstruction::Update(updates) => {
                 wasm_bridge.update_plugins(updates, shutdown_send.clone())?;
@@ -252,50 +251,69 @@ pub(crate) fn plugin_thread_main(
             PluginInstruction::Unload(pid) => {
                 wasm_bridge.unload_plugin(pid)?;
             },
-            PluginInstruction::Reload(should_float, pane_title, run, tab_index, size) => {
-                match wasm_bridge.reload_plugin(&run) {
-                    Ok(_) => {
-                        let _ = bus
-                            .senders
-                            .send_to_server(ServerInstruction::UnblockInputThread);
-                    },
-                    Err(err) => match err.downcast_ref::<ZellijError>() {
-                        Some(ZellijError::PluginDoesNotExist) => {
-                            log::warn!("Plugin {} not found, starting it instead", run.location);
-                            // we intentionally do not provide the client_id here because it belongs to
-                            // the cli who spawned the command and is not an existing client_id
-                            let skip_cache = true; // when reloading we always skip cache
-                            match wasm_bridge.load_plugin(
-                                &run,
-                                Some(tab_index),
-                                size,
-                                None,
-                                skip_cache,
-                                None,
-                                None,
-                            ) {
-                                Ok((plugin_id, _client_id)) => {
-                                    let should_be_open_in_place = false;
-                                    drop(bus.senders.send_to_screen(ScreenInstruction::AddPlugin(
-                                        should_float,
-                                        should_be_open_in_place,
-                                        run,
-                                        pane_title,
+            PluginInstruction::Reload(
+                should_float,
+                pane_title,
+                mut run_plugin_or_alias,
+                tab_index,
+                size,
+            ) => {
+                run_plugin_or_alias.populate_run_plugin_if_needed(&plugin_aliases);
+                match run_plugin_or_alias.get_run_plugin() {
+                    Some(run_plugin) => {
+                        match wasm_bridge.reload_plugin(&run_plugin) {
+                            Ok(_) => {
+                                let _ = bus
+                                    .senders
+                                    .send_to_server(ServerInstruction::UnblockInputThread);
+                            },
+                            Err(err) => match err.downcast_ref::<ZellijError>() {
+                                Some(ZellijError::PluginDoesNotExist) => {
+                                    log::warn!(
+                                        "Plugin {} not found, starting it instead",
+                                        run_plugin.location
+                                    );
+                                    // we intentionally do not provide the client_id here because it belongs to
+                                    // the cli who spawned the command and is not an existing client_id
+                                    let skip_cache = true; // when reloading we always skip cache
+                                    match wasm_bridge.load_plugin(
+                                        &Some(run_plugin),
                                         Some(tab_index),
-                                        plugin_id,
+                                        size,
                                         None,
+                                        skip_cache,
                                         None,
                                         None,
-                                    )));
+                                    ) {
+                                        Ok((plugin_id, _client_id)) => {
+                                            let should_be_open_in_place = false;
+                                            drop(bus.senders.send_to_screen(
+                                                ScreenInstruction::AddPlugin(
+                                                    should_float,
+                                                    should_be_open_in_place,
+                                                    run_plugin_or_alias,
+                                                    pane_title,
+                                                    Some(tab_index),
+                                                    plugin_id,
+                                                    None,
+                                                    None,
+                                                    None,
+                                                ),
+                                            ));
+                                        },
+                                        Err(e) => {
+                                            log::error!("Failed to load plugin: {e}");
+                                        },
+                                    };
                                 },
-                                Err(e) => {
-                                    log::error!("Failed to load plugin: {e}");
+                                _ => {
+                                    return Err(err);
                                 },
-                            };
-                        },
-                        _ => {
-                            return Err(err);
-                        },
+                            },
+                        }
+                    },
+                    None => {
+                        log::error!("Failed to find plugin info for: {:?}", run_plugin_or_alias)
                     },
                 }
             },
@@ -311,15 +329,21 @@ pub(crate) fn plugin_thread_main(
             PluginInstruction::NewTab(
                 cwd,
                 terminal_action,
-                tab_layout,
-                floating_panes_layout,
+                mut tab_layout,
+                mut floating_panes_layout,
                 tab_index,
                 client_id,
             ) => {
-                let mut plugin_ids: HashMap<
-                    (RunPluginLocation, PluginUserConfiguration),
-                    Vec<PluginId>,
-                > = HashMap::new();
+                let mut plugin_ids: HashMap<RunPluginOrAlias, Vec<PluginId>> = HashMap::new();
+                tab_layout = tab_layout.or_else(|| Some(layout.new_tab().0));
+                tab_layout
+                    .as_mut()
+                    .map(|t| t.populate_plugin_aliases_in_layout(&plugin_aliases));
+                floating_panes_layout.iter_mut().for_each(|f| {
+                    f.run
+                        .as_mut()
+                        .map(|f| f.populate_run_plugin_if_needed(&plugin_aliases));
+                });
                 let mut extracted_run_instructions = tab_layout
                     .clone()
                     .unwrap_or_else(|| layout.new_tab().0)
@@ -337,10 +361,11 @@ pub(crate) fn plugin_thread_main(
                     .collect();
                 extracted_run_instructions.append(&mut extracted_floating_plugins);
                 for run_instruction in extracted_run_instructions {
-                    if let Some(Run::Plugin(run)) = run_instruction {
+                    if let Some(Run::Plugin(run_plugin_or_alias)) = run_instruction {
+                        let run_plugin = run_plugin_or_alias.get_run_plugin();
                         let skip_cache = false;
                         let (plugin_id, _client_id) = wasm_bridge.load_plugin(
-                            &run,
+                            &run_plugin,
                             Some(tab_index),
                             size,
                             None,
@@ -349,7 +374,7 @@ pub(crate) fn plugin_thread_main(
                             None,
                         )?;
                         plugin_ids
-                            .entry((run.location, run.configuration))
+                            .entry(run_plugin_or_alias.clone())
                             .or_default()
                             .push(plugin_id);
                     }
@@ -488,6 +513,7 @@ pub(crate) fn plugin_thread_main(
                             &args,
                             &bus,
                             &mut wasm_bridge,
+                            &plugin_aliases,
                         );
                     },
                     None => {
@@ -550,6 +576,7 @@ pub(crate) fn plugin_thread_main(
                             &Some(message.message_args),
                             &bus,
                             &mut wasm_bridge,
+                            &plugin_aliases,
                         );
                     },
                     None => {
@@ -660,16 +687,19 @@ fn pipe_to_specific_plugins(
     args: &Option<BTreeMap<String, String>>,
     bus: &Bus<PluginInstruction>,
     wasm_bridge: &mut WasmBridge,
+    plugin_aliases: &PluginAliases,
 ) {
     let is_private = true;
     let size = Size::default();
-    match RunPlugin::from_url(&plugin_url) {
-        Ok(mut run_plugin) => {
-            if let Some(configuration) = configuration {
-                run_plugin.configuration = PluginUserConfiguration::new(configuration.clone());
-            }
+    match RunPluginOrAlias::from_url(
+        &plugin_url,
+        configuration,
+        Some(plugin_aliases),
+        cwd.clone(),
+    ) {
+        Ok(run_plugin_or_alias) => {
             let all_plugin_ids = wasm_bridge.get_or_load_plugins(
-                run_plugin,
+                run_plugin_or_alias,
                 size,
                 cwd.clone(),
                 skip_cache,
@@ -683,7 +713,7 @@ fn pipe_to_specific_plugins(
                 pipe_messages.push((
                     Some(plugin_id),
                     client_id,
-                    PipeMessage::new(pipe_source.clone(), name, payload, args, is_private), // PipeMessage::new(PipeSource::Cli(pipe_id.clone()), &name, &payload, &args, is_private)
+                    PipeMessage::new(pipe_source.clone(), name, payload, args, is_private),
                 ));
             }
         },
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/plugin_tests.rs b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/plugin_tests.rs
index 98fe1a07..07212c3b 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/plugin_tests.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/plugin_tests.rs
@@ -8,9 +8,11 @@ use tempfile::tempdir;
 use wasmer::Store;
 use zellij_utils::data::{Event, Key, PermissionStatus, PermissionType, PluginCapabilities};
 use zellij_utils::errors::ErrorContext;
-use zellij_utils::input::layout::{Layout, PluginUserConfiguration, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation};
+use zellij_utils::input::layout::{
+    Layout, PluginAlias, PluginUserConfiguration, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation, RunPluginOrAlias,
+};
 use zellij_utils::input::permission::PermissionCache;
-use zellij_utils::input::plugins::PluginsConfig;
+use zellij_utils::input::plugins::PluginAliases;
 use zellij_utils::ipc::ClientAttributes;
 use zellij_utils::lazy_static::lazy_static;
 use zellij_utils::pane_size::Size;
@@ -249,6 +251,17 @@ fn create_plugin_thread(
     let plugin_capabilities = PluginCapabilities::default();
     let client_attributes = ClientAttributes::default();
     let default_shell_action = None; // TODO: change me
+    let mut plugin_aliases = PluginAliases::default();
+    plugin_aliases.aliases.insert(
+        "fixture_plugin_for_tests".to_owned(),
+        RunPlugin::from_url(&format!(
+            "file:{}/../target/e2e-data/plugins/fixture-plugin-for-tests.wasm",
+            std::env::var_os("CARGO_MANIFEST_DIR")
+                .unwrap()
+                .to_string_lossy()
+        ))
+        .unwrap(),
+    );
     let plugin_thread = std::thread::Builder::new()
         .name("plugin_thread".to_string())
         .spawn(move || {
@@ -257,13 +270,13 @@ fn create_plugin_thread(
                 plugin_bus,
                 store,
                 data_dir,
-                PluginsConfig::default(),
                 Box::new(Layout::default()),
                 default_shell,
                 zellij_cwd,
                 plugin_capabilities,
                 client_attributes,
                 default_shell_action,
+                Box::new(plugin_aliases),
             )
             .expect("TEST")
         })
@@ -335,13 +348,13 @@ fn create_plugin_thread_with_server_receiver(
                 plugin_bus,
                 store,
                 data_dir,
-                PluginsConfig::default(),
                 Box::new(Layout::default()),
                 default_shell,
                 zellij_cwd,
                 plugin_capabilities,
                 client_attributes,
                 default_shell_action,
+                Box::new(PluginAliases::default()),
             )
             .expect("TEST");
         })
@@ -419,13 +432,13 @@ fn create_plugin_thread_with_pty_receiver(
                 plugin_bus,
                 store,
                 data_dir,
-                PluginsConfig::default(),
                 Box::new(Layout::default()),
                 default_shell,
                 zellij_cwd,
                 plugin_capabilities,
                 client_attributes,
                 default_shell_action,
+                Box::new(PluginAliases::default()),
             )
             .expect("TEST")
         })
@@ -498,13 +511,13 @@ fn create_plugin_thread_with_background_jobs_receiver(
                 plugin_bus,
                 store,
                 data_dir,
-                PluginsConfig::default(),
                 Box::new(Layout::default()),
                 default_shell,
                 zellij_cwd,
                 plugin_capabilities,
                 client_attributes,
                 default_shell_action,
+                Box::new(PluginAliases::default()),
             )
             .expect("TEST")
         })
@@ -554,11 +567,90 @@ pub fn load_new_plugin_from_hd() {
     let (plugin_thread_sender, screen_receiver, teardown) = create_plugin_thread(None);
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
+    });
+    let tab_index = 1;
+    let client_id = 1;
+    let size = Size {
+        cols: 121,
+        rows: 20,
     };
+    let received_screen_instructions = Arc::new(Mutex::new(vec![]));
+    let screen_thread = grant_permissions_and_log_actions_in_thread!(
+        received_screen_instructions,
+        ScreenInstruction::PluginBytes,
+        screen_receiver,
+        1,
+        &PermissionType::ChangeApplicationState,
+        cache_path,
+        plugin_thread_sender,
+        client_id
+    );
+
+    let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::AddClient(client_id));
+    let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Load(
+        plugin_should_float,
+        false,
+        plugin_title,
+        run_plugin,
+        tab_index,
+        None,
+        client_id,
+        size,
+        None,
+        false,
+    ));
+    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
+    let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
+        None,
+        Some(client_id),
+        Event::InputReceived,
+    )])); // will be cached and sent to the plugin once it's loaded
+    screen_thread.join().unwrap(); // this might take a while if the cache is cold
+    teardown();
+    let plugin_bytes_event = received_screen_instructions
+        .lock()
+        .unwrap()
+        .iter()
+        .find_map(|i| {
+            if let ScreenInstruction::PluginBytes(plugin_render_assets) = i {
+                for plugin_render_asset in plugin_render_assets {
+                    let plugin_id = plugin_render_asset.plugin_id;
+                    let client_id = plugin_render_asset.client_id;
+                    let plugin_bytes = plugin_render_asset.bytes.clone();
+                    let plugin_bytes = String::from_utf8_lossy(plugin_bytes.as_slice()).to_string();
+                    if plugin_bytes.contains("InputReceived") {
+                        return Some((plugin_id, client_id, plugin_bytes));
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            None
+        });
+    assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", plugin_bytes_event));
+}
+
+#[test]
+#[ignore]
+pub fn load_new_plugin_with_plugin_alias() {
+    // here we load our fixture plugin into the plugin thread, and then send it an update message
+    // expecting tha thte plugin will log the received event and render it later after the update
+    // message (this is what the fixture plugin does)
+    // we then listen on our mock screen receiver to make sure we got a PluginBytes instruction
+    // that contains said render, and assert against it
+    let temp_folder = tempdir().unwrap(); // placed explicitly in the test scope because its
+    let plugin_host_folder = PathBuf::from(temp_folder.path());
+    let cache_path = plugin_host_folder.join("permissions_test.kdl");
+    let (plugin_thread_sender, screen_receiver, teardown) = create_plugin_thread(None);
+    let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
+    let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(PluginAlias {
+        name: "fixture_plugin_for_tests".to_owned(),
+        configuration: Default::default(),
+        run_plugin: None,
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -629,11 +721,11 @@ pub fn plugin_workers() {
     let plugin_host_folder = PathBuf::from(temp_folder.path());
     let cache_path = plugin_host_folder.join("permissions_test.kdl");
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -708,11 +800,11 @@ pub fn plugin_workers_persist_state() {
     let plugin_host_folder = PathBuf::from(temp_folder.path());
     let cache_path = plugin_host_folder.join("permissions_test.kdl");
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -797,11 +889,11 @@ pub fn can_subscribe_to_hd_events() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -874,11 +966,11 @@ pub fn switch_to_mode_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -945,11 +1037,11 @@ pub fn switch_to_mode_plugin_command_permission_denied() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -1016,11 +1108,11 @@ pub fn new_tabs_with_layout_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -1101,11 +1193,11 @@ pub fn new_tab_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -1172,11 +1264,11 @@ pub fn go_to_next_tab_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -1242,11 +1334,11 @@ pub fn go_to_previous_tab_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -1312,11 +1404,11 @@ pub fn resize_focused_pane_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -1382,11 +1474,11 @@ pub fn resize_focused_pane_with_direction_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -1452,11 +1544,11 @@ pub fn focus_next_pane_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -1522,11 +1614,11 @@ pub fn focus_previous_pane_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -1592,11 +1684,11 @@ pub fn move_focus_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -1662,11 +1754,11 @@ pub fn move_focus_or_tab_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -1732,11 +1824,11 @@ pub fn edit_scrollback_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -1802,11 +1894,11 @@ pub fn write_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -1872,11 +1964,11 @@ pub fn write_chars_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -1942,11 +2034,11 @@ pub fn toggle_tab_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2012,11 +2104,11 @@ pub fn move_pane_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2082,11 +2174,11 @@ pub fn move_pane_with_direction_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2152,11 +2244,11 @@ pub fn clear_screen_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2223,11 +2315,11 @@ pub fn scroll_up_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2294,11 +2386,11 @@ pub fn scroll_down_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2364,11 +2456,11 @@ pub fn scroll_to_top_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2434,11 +2526,11 @@ pub fn scroll_to_bottom_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2504,11 +2596,11 @@ pub fn page_scroll_up_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2574,11 +2666,11 @@ pub fn page_scroll_down_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2644,11 +2736,11 @@ pub fn toggle_focus_fullscreen_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2714,11 +2806,11 @@ pub fn toggle_pane_frames_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2784,11 +2876,11 @@ pub fn toggle_pane_embed_or_eject_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2854,11 +2946,11 @@ pub fn undo_rename_pane_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2924,11 +3016,11 @@ pub fn close_focus_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -2994,11 +3086,11 @@ pub fn toggle_active_tab_sync_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -3064,11 +3156,11 @@ pub fn close_focused_tab_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -3134,11 +3226,11 @@ pub fn undo_rename_tab_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -3204,11 +3296,11 @@ pub fn previous_swap_layout_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -3274,11 +3366,11 @@ pub fn next_swap_layout_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -3344,11 +3436,11 @@ pub fn go_to_tab_name_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -3414,11 +3506,11 @@ pub fn focus_or_create_tab_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -3484,11 +3576,11 @@ pub fn go_to_tab() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -3554,11 +3646,11 @@ pub fn start_or_reload_plugin() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -3624,11 +3716,11 @@ pub fn quit_zellij_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_server_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -3701,11 +3793,11 @@ pub fn detach_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_server_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -3778,11 +3870,11 @@ pub fn open_file_floating_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_pty_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -3859,11 +3951,11 @@ pub fn open_file_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_pty_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -3940,11 +4032,11 @@ pub fn open_file_with_line_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_pty_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -4022,11 +4114,11 @@ pub fn open_file_with_line_floating_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_pty_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -4103,11 +4195,11 @@ pub fn open_terminal_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_pty_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -4180,11 +4272,11 @@ pub fn open_terminal_floating_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_pty_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -4257,11 +4349,11 @@ pub fn open_command_pane_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_pty_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -4334,11 +4426,11 @@ pub fn open_command_pane_floating_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_pty_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -4411,11 +4503,11 @@ pub fn switch_to_tab_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -4481,11 +4573,11 @@ pub fn hide_self_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -4551,11 +4643,11 @@ pub fn show_self_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -4620,11 +4712,11 @@ pub fn close_terminal_pane_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -4690,11 +4782,11 @@ pub fn close_plugin_pane_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -4760,11 +4852,11 @@ pub fn focus_terminal_pane_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -4830,11 +4922,11 @@ pub fn focus_plugin_pane_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -4900,11 +4992,11 @@ pub fn rename_terminal_pane_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -4970,11 +5062,11 @@ pub fn rename_plugin_pane_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -5040,11 +5132,11 @@ pub fn rename_tab_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -5119,11 +5211,11 @@ pub fn send_configuration_to_plugins() {
         "fake_config_key_2".to_owned(),
         "fake_config_value_2".to_owned(),
     );
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: PluginUserConfiguration::new(configuration),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -5190,11 +5282,11 @@ pub fn request_plugin_permissions() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -5256,11 +5348,11 @@ pub fn granted_permission_request_result() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -5324,7 +5416,7 @@ pub fn granted_permission_request_result() {
 
     let permission_cache = PermissionCache::from_path_or_default(Some(cache_path));
     let mut permissions = permission_cache
-        .get_permissions(run_plugin.location.to_string())
+        .get_permissions(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE).display().to_string())
         .clone();
     let permissions = permissions.as_mut().map(|p| {
         let mut permissions = p.clone();
@@ -5346,11 +5438,11 @@ pub fn denied_permission_request_result() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -5413,7 +5505,8 @@ pub fn denied_permission_request_result() {
     teardown();
 
     let permission_cache = PermissionCache::from_path_or_default(Some(cache_path));
-    let permissions = permission_cache.get_permissions(run_plugin.location.to_string());
+    let permissions =
+        permission_cache.get_permissions(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE).display().to_string());
 
     assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", permissions));
 }
@@ -5429,11 +5522,11 @@ pub fn run_command_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_background_jobs_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -5506,11 +5599,11 @@ pub fn run_command_with_env_vars_and_cwd_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_background_jobs_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -5583,11 +5676,11 @@ pub fn web_request_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_background_jobs_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -5660,11 +5753,11 @@ pub fn unblock_input_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -5741,11 +5834,11 @@ pub fn block_input_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -5823,11 +5916,11 @@ pub fn pipe_output_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_server_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -5912,11 +6005,11 @@ pub fn pipe_message_to_plugin_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -5998,11 +6091,11 @@ pub fn switch_session_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_server_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -6078,11 +6171,11 @@ pub fn switch_session_with_layout_plugin_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_server_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
@@ -6158,11 +6251,11 @@ pub fn disconnect_other_clients_plugins_command() {
         create_plugin_thread_with_server_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
     let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
     let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+    let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    };
+    });
     let tab_index = 1;
     let client_id = 1;
     let size = Size {
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__load_new_plugin_with_plugin_alias.snap b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__load_new_plugin_with_plugin_alias.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b5b7ef4a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__load_new_plugin_with_plugin_alias.snap
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+---
+source: zellij-server/src/plugins/./unit/plugin_tests.rs
+assertion_line: 706
+expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", plugin_bytes_event)"
+---
+Some(
+    (
+        0,
+        1,
+        "Rows: 20, Cols: 121, Received events: [InputReceived]\n\r",
+    ),
+)
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__start_or_reload_plugin.snap b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__start_or_reload_plugin.snap
index 05002124..a55b17ec 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__start_or_reload_plugin.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__start_or_reload_plugin.snap
@@ -1,19 +1,21 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/plugins/./unit/plugin_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 2931
+assertion_line: 3700
 expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", new_tab_event)"
 ---
 Some(
     StartOrReloadPluginPane(
-        RunPlugin {
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: File(
-                "/path/to/my/plugin.wasm",
-            ),
-            configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
+        RunPlugin(
+            RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: File(
+                    "/path/to/my/plugin.wasm",
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+        ),
         None,
     ),
 )
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/wasm_bridge.rs b/zellij-server/src/plugins/wasm_bridge.rs
index f4679b5e..10a1f51a 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/plugins/wasm_bridge.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/wasm_bridge.rs
@@ -37,8 +37,8 @@ use zellij_utils::{
     errors::prelude::*,
     input::{
         command::TerminalAction,
-        layout::{Layout, PluginUserConfiguration, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation},
-        plugins::PluginsConfig,
+        layout::{Layout, PluginUserConfiguration, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation, RunPluginOrAlias},
+        plugins::PluginConfig,
     },
     ipc::ClientAttributes,
     pane_size::Size,
@@ -76,7 +76,6 @@ impl PluginRenderAsset {
 
 pub struct WasmBridge {
     connected_clients: Arc<Mutex<Vec<ClientId>>>,
-    plugins: PluginsConfig,
     senders: ThreadSenders,
     store: Arc<Mutex<Store>>,
     plugin_dir: PathBuf,
@@ -106,7 +105,6 @@ pub struct WasmBridge {
 
 impl WasmBridge {
     pub fn new(
-        plugins: PluginsConfig,
         senders: ThreadSenders,
         store: Arc<Mutex<Store>>,
         plugin_dir: PathBuf,
@@ -124,7 +122,6 @@ impl WasmBridge {
         let watcher = None;
         WasmBridge {
             connected_clients,
-            plugins,
             senders,
             store,
             plugin_dir,
@@ -150,7 +147,7 @@ impl WasmBridge {
     }
     pub fn load_plugin(
         &mut self,
-        run: &RunPlugin,
+        run: &Option<RunPlugin>,
         tab_index: Option<usize>,
         size: Size,
         cwd: Option<PathBuf>,
@@ -176,95 +173,109 @@ impl WasmBridge {
 
         let plugin_id = self.next_plugin_id;
 
-        let mut plugin = self
-            .plugins
-            .get(run)
-            .with_context(|| format!("failed to resolve plugin {run:?}"))
-            .with_context(err_context)?;
-        let plugin_name = run.location.to_string();
+        match run {
+            Some(run) => {
+                let mut plugin = PluginConfig::from_run_plugin(run)
+                    .with_context(|| format!("failed to resolve plugin {run:?}"))
+                    .with_context(err_context)?;
+                let plugin_name = run.location.to_string();
 
-        self.cached_events_for_pending_plugins
-            .insert(plugin_id, vec![]);
-        self.cached_resizes_for_pending_plugins
-            .insert(plugin_id, (size.rows, size.cols));
+                self.cached_events_for_pending_plugins
+                    .insert(plugin_id, vec![]);
+                self.cached_resizes_for_pending_plugins
+                    .insert(plugin_id, (size.rows, size.cols));
 
-        let load_plugin_task = task::spawn({
-            let plugin_dir = self.plugin_dir.clone();
-            let plugin_cache = self.plugin_cache.clone();
-            let senders = self.senders.clone();
-            let store = self.store.clone();
-            let plugin_map = self.plugin_map.clone();
-            let connected_clients = self.connected_clients.clone();
-            let path_to_default_shell = self.path_to_default_shell.clone();
-            let zellij_cwd = cwd.unwrap_or_else(|| self.zellij_cwd.clone());
-            let capabilities = self.capabilities.clone();
-            let client_attributes = self.client_attributes.clone();
-            let default_shell = self.default_shell.clone();
-            let default_layout = self.default_layout.clone();
-            async move {
-                let _ =
-                    senders.send_to_background_jobs(BackgroundJob::AnimatePluginLoading(plugin_id));
-                let mut loading_indication = LoadingIndication::new(plugin_name.clone());
+                let load_plugin_task = task::spawn({
+                    let plugin_dir = self.plugin_dir.clone();
+                    let plugin_cache = self.plugin_cache.clone();
+                    let senders = self.senders.clone();
+                    let store = self.store.clone();
+                    let plugin_map = self.plugin_map.clone();
+                    let connected_clients = self.connected_clients.clone();
+                    let path_to_default_shell = self.path_to_default_shell.clone();
+                    let zellij_cwd = cwd.unwrap_or_else(|| self.zellij_cwd.clone());
+                    let capabilities = self.capabilities.clone();
+                    let client_attributes = self.client_attributes.clone();
+                    let default_shell = self.default_shell.clone();
+                    let default_layout = self.default_layout.clone();
+                    async move {
+                        let _ = senders.send_to_background_jobs(
+                            BackgroundJob::AnimatePluginLoading(plugin_id),
+                        );
+                        let mut loading_indication = LoadingIndication::new(plugin_name.clone());
 
-                if let RunPluginLocation::Remote(url) = &plugin.location {
-                    let file_name: String = PortableHash::default()
-                        .hash128(url.as_bytes())
-                        .iter()
-                        .map(ToString::to_string)
-                        .collect();
+                        if let RunPluginLocation::Remote(url) = &plugin.location {
+                            let file_name: String = PortableHash::default()
+                                .hash128(url.as_bytes())
+                                .iter()
+                                .map(ToString::to_string)
+                                .collect();
 
-                    let downloader = Downloader::new(ZELLIJ_CACHE_DIR.to_path_buf());
-                    match downloader.download(url, Some(&file_name)).await {
-                        Ok(_) => plugin.path = ZELLIJ_CACHE_DIR.join(&file_name),
-                        Err(e) => handle_plugin_loading_failure(
-                            &senders,
+                            let downloader = Downloader::new(ZELLIJ_CACHE_DIR.to_path_buf());
+                            match downloader.download(url, Some(&file_name)).await {
+                                Ok(_) => plugin.path = ZELLIJ_CACHE_DIR.join(&file_name),
+                                Err(e) => handle_plugin_loading_failure(
+                                    &senders,
+                                    plugin_id,
+                                    &mut loading_indication,
+                                    e,
+                                    cli_client_id,
+                                ),
+                            }
+                        }
+
+                        match PluginLoader::start_plugin(
                             plugin_id,
+                            client_id,
+                            &plugin,
+                            tab_index,
+                            plugin_dir,
+                            plugin_cache,
+                            senders.clone(),
+                            store,
+                            plugin_map,
+                            size,
+                            connected_clients.clone(),
                             &mut loading_indication,
-                            e,
-                            cli_client_id,
-                        ),
+                            path_to_default_shell,
+                            zellij_cwd.clone(),
+                            capabilities,
+                            client_attributes,
+                            default_shell,
+                            default_layout,
+                            skip_cache,
+                        ) {
+                            Ok(_) => handle_plugin_successful_loading(&senders, plugin_id),
+                            Err(e) => handle_plugin_loading_failure(
+                                &senders,
+                                plugin_id,
+                                &mut loading_indication,
+                                e,
+                                cli_client_id,
+                            ),
+                        }
+                        let _ = senders.send_to_plugin(PluginInstruction::ApplyCachedEvents {
+                            plugin_ids: vec![plugin_id],
+                            done_receiving_permissions: false,
+                        });
                     }
-                }
-
-                match PluginLoader::start_plugin(
+                });
+                self.loading_plugins
+                    .insert((plugin_id, run.clone()), load_plugin_task);
+                self.next_plugin_id += 1;
+            },
+            None => {
+                self.next_plugin_id += 1;
+                let mut loading_indication = LoadingIndication::new(format!("{}", plugin_id));
+                handle_plugin_loading_failure(
+                    &self.senders,
                     plugin_id,
-                    client_id,
-                    &plugin,
-                    tab_index,
-                    plugin_dir,
-                    plugin_cache,
-                    senders.clone(),
-                    store,
-                    plugin_map,
-                    size,
-                    connected_clients.clone(),
                     &mut loading_indication,
-                    path_to_default_shell,
-                    zellij_cwd.clone(),
-                    capabilities,
-                    client_attributes,
-                    default_shell,
-                    default_layout,
-                    skip_cache,
-                ) {
-                    Ok(_) => handle_plugin_successful_loading(&senders, plugin_id),
-                    Err(e) => handle_plugin_loading_failure(
-                        &senders,
-                        plugin_id,
-                        &mut loading_indication,
-                        e,
-                        cli_client_id,
-                    ),
-                }
-                let _ = senders.send_to_plugin(PluginInstruction::ApplyCachedEvents {
-                    plugin_ids: vec![plugin_id],
-                    done_receiving_permissions: false,
-                });
-            }
-        });
-        self.loading_plugins
-            .insert((plugin_id, run.clone()), load_plugin_task);
-        self.next_plugin_id += 1;
+                    "Failed to resolve plugin alias",
+                    None,
+                );
+            },
+        }
         Ok((plugin_id, client_id))
     }
     pub fn unload_plugin(&mut self, pid: PluginId) -> Result<()> {
@@ -1076,7 +1087,7 @@ impl WasmBridge {
     // returns its details
     pub fn get_or_load_plugins(
         &mut self,
-        run_plugin: RunPlugin,
+        run_plugin_or_alias: RunPluginOrAlias,
         size: Size,
         cwd: Option<PathBuf>,
         skip_cache: bool,
@@ -1086,52 +1097,62 @@ impl WasmBridge {
         pane_id_to_replace: Option<PaneId>,
         cli_client_id: Option<ClientId>,
     ) -> Vec<(PluginId, Option<ClientId>)> {
-        let all_plugin_ids = self.all_plugin_and_client_ids_for_plugin_location(
-            &run_plugin.location,
-            &run_plugin.configuration,
-        );
-        if all_plugin_ids.is_empty() {
-            if let Some(loading_plugin_id) =
-                self.plugin_id_of_loading_plugin(&run_plugin.location, &run_plugin.configuration)
-            {
-                return vec![(loading_plugin_id, None)];
-            }
-            match self.load_plugin(
-                &run_plugin,
-                None,
-                size,
-                cwd.clone(),
-                skip_cache,
-                None,
-                cli_client_id,
-            ) {
-                Ok((plugin_id, client_id)) => {
-                    drop(self.senders.send_to_screen(ScreenInstruction::AddPlugin(
-                        Some(should_float),
-                        should_be_open_in_place,
-                        run_plugin,
-                        pane_title,
+        let run_plugin = run_plugin_or_alias.get_run_plugin();
+        match run_plugin {
+            Some(run_plugin) => {
+                let all_plugin_ids = self.all_plugin_and_client_ids_for_plugin_location(
+                    &run_plugin.location,
+                    &run_plugin.configuration,
+                );
+                if all_plugin_ids.is_empty() {
+                    if let Some(loading_plugin_id) = self.plugin_id_of_loading_plugin(
+                        &run_plugin.location,
+                        &run_plugin.configuration,
+                    ) {
+                        return vec![(loading_plugin_id, None)];
+                    }
+                    match self.load_plugin(
+                        &Some(run_plugin),
                         None,
-                        plugin_id,
-                        pane_id_to_replace,
-                        cwd,
-                        Some(client_id),
-                    )));
-                    vec![(plugin_id, Some(client_id))]
-                },
-                Err(e) => {
-                    log::error!("Failed to load plugin: {e}");
-                    if let Some(cli_client_id) = cli_client_id {
-                        let _ = self.senders.send_to_server(ServerInstruction::LogError(
-                            vec![format!("Failed to log plugin: {e}")],
-                            cli_client_id,
-                        ));
+                        size,
+                        cwd.clone(),
+                        skip_cache,
+                        None,
+                        cli_client_id,
+                    ) {
+                        Ok((plugin_id, client_id)) => {
+                            drop(self.senders.send_to_screen(ScreenInstruction::AddPlugin(
+                                Some(should_float),
+                                should_be_open_in_place,
+                                run_plugin_or_alias,
+                                pane_title,
+                                None,
+                                plugin_id,
+                                pane_id_to_replace,
+                                cwd,
+                                Some(client_id),
+                            )));
+                            vec![(plugin_id, Some(client_id))]
+                        },
+                        Err(e) => {
+                            log::error!("Failed to load plugin: {e}");
+                            if let Some(cli_client_id) = cli_client_id {
+                                let _ = self.senders.send_to_server(ServerInstruction::LogError(
+                                    vec![format!("Failed to log plugin: {e}")],
+                                    cli_client_id,
+                                ));
+                            }
+                            vec![]
+                        },
                     }
-                    vec![]
-                },
-            }
-        } else {
-            all_plugin_ids
+                } else {
+                    all_plugin_ids
+                }
+            },
+            None => {
+                log::error!("Plugin not found for alias");
+                vec![]
+            },
         }
     }
     pub fn clear_plugin_map_cache(&mut self) {
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/zellij_exports.rs b/zellij-server/src/plugins/zellij_exports.rs
index 19bac282..533d85f2 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/plugins/zellij_exports.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/zellij_exports.rs
@@ -27,8 +27,6 @@ use zellij_utils::{
     ipc::{ClientToServerMsg, IpcSenderWithContext},
 };
 
-use url::Url;
-
 use crate::{panes::PaneId, screen::ScreenInstruction};
 
 use zellij_utils::{
@@ -41,7 +39,7 @@ use zellij_utils::{
     input::{
         actions::Action,
         command::{RunCommand, RunCommandAction, TerminalAction},
-        layout::{Layout, PluginUserConfiguration, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation},
+        layout::{Layout, RunPluginOrAlias},
         plugins::PluginType,
     },
     plugin_api::{
@@ -1226,15 +1224,9 @@ fn start_or_reload_plugin(env: &ForeignFunctionEnv, url: &str) -> Result<()> {
         )
     };
     let cwd = std::env::current_dir().unwrap_or_else(|_| PathBuf::from("."));
-    let url = Url::parse(&url).map_err(|e| anyhow!("Failed to parse url: {}", e))?;
-    let run_plugin_location = RunPluginLocation::parse(url.as_str(), Some(cwd))
+    let run_plugin_or_alias = RunPluginOrAlias::from_url(url, &None, None, Some(cwd))
         .map_err(|e| anyhow!("Failed to parse plugin location: {}", e))?;
-    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
-        location: run_plugin_location,
-        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration::new(BTreeMap::new()), // TODO: allow passing configuration
-    };
-    let action = Action::StartOrReloadPlugin(run_plugin);
+    let action = Action::StartOrReloadPlugin(run_plugin_or_alias);
     apply_action!(action, error_msg, env);
     Ok(())
 }
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/pty.rs b/zellij-server/src/pty.rs
index 0f9001a2..20997053 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/pty.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/pty.rs
@@ -19,8 +19,8 @@ use zellij_utils::{
     input::{
         command::{RunCommand, TerminalAction},
         layout::{
-            FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, PluginUserConfiguration, Run, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation,
-            TiledPaneLayout,
+            FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, PluginUserConfiguration, Run, RunPluginLocation,
+            RunPluginOrAlias, TiledPaneLayout,
         },
     },
     pane_size::Size,
@@ -62,8 +62,8 @@ pub enum PtyInstruction {
         Option<TerminalAction>,
         Option<TiledPaneLayout>,
         Vec<FloatingPaneLayout>,
-        usize,                                                           // tab_index
-        HashMap<(RunPluginLocation, PluginUserConfiguration), Vec<u32>>, // plugin_ids
+        usize,                               // tab_index
+        HashMap<RunPluginOrAlias, Vec<u32>>, // plugin_ids
         ClientId,
     ), // the String is the tab name
     ClosePane(PaneId),
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ pub enum PtyInstruction {
         Option<bool>,   // should float
         bool,           // should be opened in place
         Option<String>, // pane title
-        RunPlugin,
+        RunPluginOrAlias,
         usize,          // tab index
         Option<PaneId>, // pane id to replace if this is to be opened "in-place"
         ClientId,
@@ -874,7 +874,7 @@ impl Pty {
         layout: TiledPaneLayout,
         floating_panes_layout: Vec<FloatingPaneLayout>,
         default_shell: Option<TerminalAction>,
-        plugin_ids: HashMap<(RunPluginLocation, PluginUserConfiguration), Vec<u32>>,
+        plugin_ids: HashMap<RunPluginOrAlias, Vec<u32>>,
         tab_index: usize,
         client_id: ClientId,
     ) -> Result<()> {
@@ -1337,7 +1337,7 @@ impl Pty {
         should_float: Option<bool>,
         should_open_in_place: bool, // should be opened in place
         pane_title: Option<String>, // pane title
-        run: RunPlugin,
+        run: RunPluginOrAlias,
         tab_index: usize,                   // tab index
         pane_id_to_replace: Option<PaneId>, // pane id to replace if this is to be opened "in-place"
         client_id: ClientId,
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/route.rs b/zellij-server/src/route.rs
index 120f8f50..c8a7f419 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/route.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/route.rs
@@ -1023,15 +1023,15 @@ pub(crate) fn route_thread_main(
                             cli_args,
                             opts,
                             layout,
-                            plugin_config,
+                            plugin_aliases,
                         ) => {
                             let new_client_instruction = ServerInstruction::NewClient(
                                 client_attributes,
                                 cli_args,
                                 opts,
                                 layout,
+                                plugin_aliases,
                                 client_id,
-                                plugin_config,
                             );
                             to_server
                                 .send(new_client_instruction)
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/screen.rs b/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
index b8ebf4e3..4594fe3c 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ use zellij_utils::{
     envs::set_session_name,
     input::command::TerminalAction,
     input::layout::{
-        FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, PluginUserConfiguration, Run, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation,
+        FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, Run, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation, RunPluginOrAlias,
         SwapFloatingLayout, SwapTiledLayout, TiledPaneLayout,
     },
     position::Position,
@@ -220,7 +220,7 @@ pub enum ScreenInstruction {
         Vec<FloatingPaneLayout>,
         Vec<(u32, HoldForCommand)>, // new pane pids
         Vec<(u32, HoldForCommand)>, // new floating pane pids
-        HashMap<(RunPluginLocation, PluginUserConfiguration), Vec<u32>>,
+        HashMap<RunPluginOrAlias, Vec<u32>>,
         usize, // tab_index
         ClientId,
     ),
@@ -279,10 +279,16 @@ pub enum ScreenInstruction {
     PreviousSwapLayout(ClientId),
     NextSwapLayout(ClientId),
     QueryTabNames(ClientId),
-    NewTiledPluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>, bool, Option<PathBuf>, ClientId), // Option<String> is
+    NewTiledPluginPane(
+        RunPluginOrAlias,
+        Option<String>,
+        bool,
+        Option<PathBuf>,
+        ClientId,
+    ), // Option<String> is
     // optional pane title, bool is skip cache, Option<PathBuf> is an optional cwd
     NewFloatingPluginPane(
-        RunPlugin,
+        RunPluginOrAlias,
         Option<String>,
         bool,
         Option<PathBuf>,
@@ -291,13 +297,13 @@ pub enum ScreenInstruction {
     ), // Option<String> is an
     // optional pane title, bool
     // is skip cache, Option<PathBuf> is an optional cwd
-    NewInPlacePluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>, PaneId, bool, ClientId), // Option<String> is an
+    NewInPlacePluginPane(RunPluginOrAlias, Option<String>, PaneId, bool, ClientId), // Option<String> is an
     // optional pane title, bool is skip cache
-    StartOrReloadPluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>),
+    StartOrReloadPluginPane(RunPluginOrAlias, Option<String>),
     AddPlugin(
         Option<bool>, // should_float
         bool,         // should be opened in place
-        RunPlugin,
+        RunPluginOrAlias,
         Option<String>, // pane title
         Option<usize>,  // tab index
         u32,            // plugin id
@@ -309,9 +315,17 @@ pub enum ScreenInstruction {
     StartPluginLoadingIndication(u32, LoadingIndication), // u32 - plugin_id
     ProgressPluginLoadingOffset(u32),                 // u32 - plugin id
     RequestStateUpdateForPlugins,
-    LaunchOrFocusPlugin(RunPlugin, bool, bool, bool, Option<PaneId>, bool, ClientId), // bools are: should_float, move_to_focused_tab, should_open_in_place, Option<PaneId> is the pane id to replace, bool following it is skip_cache
+    LaunchOrFocusPlugin(
+        RunPluginOrAlias,
+        bool,
+        bool,
+        bool,
+        Option<PaneId>,
+        bool,
+        ClientId,
+    ), // bools are: should_float, move_to_focused_tab, should_open_in_place, Option<PaneId> is the pane id to replace, bool following it is skip_cache
     LaunchPlugin(
-        RunPlugin,
+        RunPluginOrAlias,
         bool,
         bool,
         Option<PaneId>,
@@ -1224,7 +1238,7 @@ impl Screen {
         floating_panes_layout: Vec<FloatingPaneLayout>,
         new_terminal_ids: Vec<(u32, HoldForCommand)>,
         new_floating_terminal_ids: Vec<(u32, HoldForCommand)>,
-        new_plugin_ids: HashMap<(RunPluginLocation, PluginUserConfiguration), Vec<u32>>,
+        new_plugin_ids: HashMap<RunPluginOrAlias, Vec<u32>>,
         tab_index: usize,
         client_id: ClientId,
     ) -> Result<()> {
@@ -1830,7 +1844,7 @@ impl Screen {
 
     pub fn focus_plugin_pane(
         &mut self,
-        run_plugin: &RunPlugin,
+        run_plugin: &RunPluginOrAlias,
         should_float: bool,
         move_to_focused_tab: bool,
         client_id: ClientId,
@@ -3452,7 +3466,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
             ScreenInstruction::AddPlugin(
                 should_float,
                 should_be_in_place,
-                run_plugin_location,
+                run_plugin_or_alias,
                 pane_title,
                 tab_index,
                 plugin_id,
@@ -3465,10 +3479,10 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                         "({}) - {}",
                         cwd.map(|cwd| cwd.display().to_string())
                             .unwrap_or(".".to_owned()),
-                        run_plugin_location.location
+                        run_plugin_or_alias.location_string()
                     )
                 });
-                let run_plugin = Run::Plugin(run_plugin_location);
+                let run_plugin = Run::Plugin(run_plugin_or_alias);
 
                 if should_be_in_place {
                     if let Some(pane_id_to_replace) = pane_id_to_replace {
@@ -3571,33 +3585,35 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                 skip_cache,
                 client_id,
             ) => match pane_id_to_replace {
-                Some(pane_id_to_replace) => match screen.active_tab_indices.values().next() {
-                    Some(tab_index) => {
-                        let size = Size::default();
-                        screen
-                            .bus
-                            .senders
-                            .send_to_pty(PtyInstruction::FillPluginCwd(
-                                Some(should_float),
-                                should_open_in_place,
-                                None,
-                                run_plugin,
-                                *tab_index,
-                                Some(pane_id_to_replace),
-                                client_id,
-                                size,
-                                skip_cache,
-                                None,
-                                None,
-                            ))?;
-                    },
-                    None => {
-                        log::error!(
+                Some(pane_id_to_replace) if should_open_in_place => {
+                    match screen.active_tab_indices.values().next() {
+                        Some(tab_index) => {
+                            let size = Size::default();
+                            screen
+                                .bus
+                                .senders
+                                .send_to_pty(PtyInstruction::FillPluginCwd(
+                                    Some(should_float),
+                                    should_open_in_place,
+                                    None,
+                                    run_plugin,
+                                    *tab_index,
+                                    Some(pane_id_to_replace),
+                                    client_id,
+                                    size,
+                                    skip_cache,
+                                    None,
+                                    None,
+                                ))?;
+                        },
+                        None => {
+                            log::error!(
                             "Could not find an active tab - is there at least 1 connected user?"
                         );
-                    },
+                        },
+                    }
                 },
-                None => {
+                _ => {
                     let client_id = if screen.active_tab_indices.contains_key(&client_id) {
                         Some(client_id)
                     } else {
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/session_layout_metadata.rs b/zellij-server/src/session_layout_metadata.rs
index f746d14b..da19bc90 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/session_layout_metadata.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/session_layout_metadata.rs
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ use zellij_utils::common_path::common_path_all;
 use zellij_utils::pane_size::PaneGeom;
 use zellij_utils::{
     input::command::RunCommand,
-    input::layout::{Layout, Run, RunPlugin},
+    input::layout::{Layout, Run, RunPlugin, RunPluginOrAlias},
     session_serialization::{GlobalLayoutManifest, PaneLayoutManifest, TabLayoutManifest},
 };
 
@@ -178,7 +178,8 @@ impl SessionLayoutMetadata {
         let mut update_cmd_in_pane_metadata = |pane_layout_metadata: &mut PaneLayoutMetadata| {
             if let PaneId::Plugin(id) = pane_layout_metadata.id {
                 if let Some(run_plugin) = plugin_ids_to_run_plugins.remove(&id) {
-                    pane_layout_metadata.run = Some(Run::Plugin(run_plugin));
+                    pane_layout_metadata.run =
+                        Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(run_plugin)));
                 }
             }
         };
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/tab/layout_applier.rs b/zellij-server/src/tab/layout_applier.rs
index 9fcb0360..c66fac17 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/tab/layout_applier.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/tab/layout_applier.rs
@@ -18,9 +18,7 @@ use std::collections::{BTreeMap, HashMap, HashSet};
 use std::rc::Rc;
 use zellij_utils::{
     data::{Palette, Style},
-    input::layout::{
-        FloatingPaneLayout, PluginUserConfiguration, Run, RunPluginLocation, TiledPaneLayout,
-    },
+    input::layout::{FloatingPaneLayout, Run, RunPluginOrAlias, TiledPaneLayout},
     pane_size::{Offset, PaneGeom, Size, SizeInPixels, Viewport},
 };
 
@@ -104,7 +102,7 @@ impl<'a> LayoutApplier<'a> {
         floating_panes_layout: Vec<FloatingPaneLayout>,
         new_terminal_ids: Vec<(u32, HoldForCommand)>,
         new_floating_terminal_ids: Vec<(u32, HoldForCommand)>,
-        mut new_plugin_ids: HashMap<(RunPluginLocation, PluginUserConfiguration), Vec<u32>>,
+        mut new_plugin_ids: HashMap<RunPluginOrAlias, Vec<u32>>,
         client_id: ClientId,
     ) -> Result<bool> {
         // true => should_show_floating_panes
@@ -208,7 +206,7 @@ impl<'a> LayoutApplier<'a> {
         &mut self,
         layout: TiledPaneLayout,
         new_terminal_ids: Vec<(u32, HoldForCommand)>,
-        new_plugin_ids: &mut HashMap<(RunPluginLocation, PluginUserConfiguration), Vec<u32>>,
+        new_plugin_ids: &mut HashMap<RunPluginOrAlias, Vec<u32>>,
         client_id: ClientId,
     ) -> Result<()> {
         let err_context = || format!("failed to apply tiled panes layout");
@@ -263,9 +261,9 @@ impl<'a> LayoutApplier<'a> {
                 let positions_and_size = positions_in_layout.iter();
                 for (layout, position_and_size) in positions_and_size {
                     if let Some(Run::Plugin(run)) = layout.run.clone() {
-                        let pane_title = run.location.to_string();
+                        let pane_title = run.location_string();
                         let pid = new_plugin_ids
-                            .get_mut(&(run.location, run.configuration))
+                            .get_mut(&run)
                             .and_then(|ids| ids.pop())
                             .with_context(err_context)?;
                         let mut new_plugin = PluginPane::new(
@@ -372,7 +370,7 @@ impl<'a> LayoutApplier<'a> {
         &mut self,
         floating_panes_layout: Vec<FloatingPaneLayout>,
         new_floating_terminal_ids: Vec<(u32, HoldForCommand)>,
-        new_plugin_ids: &mut HashMap<(RunPluginLocation, PluginUserConfiguration), Vec<u32>>,
+        new_plugin_ids: &mut HashMap<RunPluginOrAlias, Vec<u32>>,
         layout_name: Option<String>,
     ) -> Result<bool> {
         // true => has floating panes
@@ -392,9 +390,9 @@ impl<'a> LayoutApplier<'a> {
                     position_and_size,
                 );
             } else if let Some(Run::Plugin(run)) = floating_pane_layout.run.clone() {
-                let pane_title = run.location.to_string();
+                let pane_title = run.location_string();
                 let pid = new_plugin_ids
-                    .get_mut(&(run.location, run.configuration))
+                    .get_mut(&run)
                     .and_then(|ids| ids.pop())
                     .with_context(err_context)?;
                 let mut new_pane = PluginPane::new(
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/tab/mod.rs b/zellij-server/src/tab/mod.rs
index de1beccc..8c135b7d 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/tab/mod.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/tab/mod.rs
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ use zellij_utils::{
         command::TerminalAction,
         layout::{
             FloatingPaneLayout, PluginUserConfiguration, Run, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation,
-            SwapFloatingLayout, SwapTiledLayout, TiledPaneLayout,
+            RunPluginOrAlias, SwapFloatingLayout, SwapTiledLayout, TiledPaneLayout,
         },
         parse_keys,
     },
@@ -636,7 +636,7 @@ impl Tab {
         floating_panes_layout: Vec<FloatingPaneLayout>,
         new_terminal_ids: Vec<(u32, HoldForCommand)>,
         new_floating_terminal_ids: Vec<(u32, HoldForCommand)>,
-        new_plugin_ids: HashMap<(RunPluginLocation, PluginUserConfiguration), Vec<u32>>,
+        new_plugin_ids: HashMap<RunPluginOrAlias, Vec<u32>>,
         client_id: ClientId,
     ) -> Result<()> {
         self.swap_layouts
@@ -3587,15 +3587,16 @@ impl Tab {
         self.set_force_render();
     }
 
-    pub fn find_plugin(&self, run_plugin: &RunPlugin) -> Option<PaneId> {
+    pub fn find_plugin(&self, run_plugin_or_alias: &RunPluginOrAlias) -> Option<PaneId> {
         self.tiled_panes
-            .get_plugin_pane_id(run_plugin)
-            .or_else(|| self.floating_panes.get_plugin_pane_id(run_plugin))
+            .get_plugin_pane_id(run_plugin_or_alias)
+            .or_else(|| self.floating_panes.get_plugin_pane_id(run_plugin_or_alias))
             .or_else(|| {
-                let run = Some(Run::Plugin(run_plugin.clone()));
                 self.suppressed_panes
                     .iter()
-                    .find(|(_id, s_p)| s_p.1.invoked_with() == &run)
+                    .find(|(_id, (_, pane))| {
+                        run_plugin_or_alias.is_equivalent_to_run(pane.invoked_with())
+                    })
                     .map(|(id, _)| *id)
             })
     }
@@ -3769,7 +3770,7 @@ pub fn pane_info_for_pane(pane_id: &PaneId, pane: &Box<dyn Pane>) -> PaneInfo {
             pane_info.id = *plugin_id;
             pane_info.is_plugin = true;
             pane_info.plugin_url = pane.invoked_with().as_ref().and_then(|c| match c {
-                Run::Plugin(run_plugin) => Some(run_plugin.location.to_string()),
+                Run::Plugin(run_plugin_or_alias) => Some(run_plugin_or_alias.location_string()),
                 _ => None,
             });
         },
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__base_floating_layout_is_included_in_swap_layouts.snap b/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__base_floating_layout_is_included_in_swap_layouts.snap
index cd3f576f..e60c5fd3 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__base_floating_layout_is_included_in_swap_layouts.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__base_floating_layout_is_included_in_swap_layouts.snap
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/tab/./unit/tab_integration_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 6071
+assertion_line: 6089
 expression: snapshot
 ---
-00 (C): ┌ tab-bar ────────────────────────────────────────┌ status-bar ──────────────────────────────────────────────┐──────────┐
+00 (C): ┌ zellij:tab-bar ─────────────────────────────────┌ zellij:status-bar ───────────────────────────────────────┐──────────┐
 01 (C): │I am a tab bar                                   │I am a                                                    │          │
 02 (C): │                                                 │status bar                                                │          │
 03 (C): │                                                 │                                                          │          │
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__floating_layout_with_plugins_and_commands_swaped_properly.snap b/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__floating_layout_with_plugins_and_commands_swaped_properly.snap
index 10982475..1d8dfe04 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__floating_layout_with_plugins_and_commands_swaped_properly.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__floating_layout_with_plugins_and_commands_swaped_properly.snap
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/tab/./unit/tab_integration_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 5971
+assertion_line: 5995
 expression: snapshot
 ---
-00 (C): ┌ status-bar ──────────────────────────────────────────────┐─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐──────────┐
+00 (C): ┌ zellij:status-bar ───────────────────────────────────────┐ab-bar ──────────────────────────────────────────┐──────────┐
 01 (C): │I am a                                                    │b bar                                            │          │
 02 (C): │status bar                                                │                                                 │          │
 03 (C): │                                                          │                                                 │          │
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_floating_layouts_including_command_panes_absent_from_existing_layout.snap b/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_floating_layouts_including_command_panes_absent_from_existing_layout.snap
index 6bdd963e..fb7d9176 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_floating_layouts_including_command_panes_absent_from_existing_layout.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_floating_layouts_including_command_panes_absent_from_existing_layout.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/tab/./unit/tab_integration_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 5541
+assertion_line: 6180
 expression: snapshot
 ---
 00 (C): ┌ Pane #2 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ expression: snapshot
 02 (C): │                                                          │                                                            │
 03 (C): │                                                          │                                                            │
 04 (C): │                                                          │                                                            │
-05 (C): │                             ┌ status-bar ──────────────────────────────────────────────┐                              │
+05 (C): │                             ┌ zellij:status-bar ───────────────────────────────────────┐                              │
 06 (C): │                             │I am a                                                    │                              │
 07 (C): │                             │status bar                                                │─┐                            │
 08 (C): │                             │                                                          │ │                            │
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_floating_layouts_not_including_command_panes_present_in_existing_layout.snap b/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_floating_layouts_not_including_command_panes_present_in_existing_layout.snap
index 8db6a06a..01d107cd 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_floating_layouts_not_including_command_panes_present_in_existing_layout.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_floating_layouts_not_including_command_panes_present_in_existing_layout.snap
@@ -1,14 +1,14 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/tab/./unit/tab_integration_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 6269
+assertion_line: 6275
 expression: snapshot
 ---
 00 (C): ┌ Pane #1 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
 01 (C): │                                                                                                                       │
 02 (C): │ ┌ command2 ────────────── SCROLL:  0/1 ┐                                                                              │
 03 (C): │ │      Waiting to run: command2        │                                                                              │
-04 (C): │ │ ┌ tab-bar ─────────────────────────────┐                                                                            │
-05 (C): │ │<│I am a tab bar           ┌ status-bar ──────────────────────────────────────────────┐                              │
+04 (C): │ │ ┌ zellij:tab-bar ──────────────────────┐                                                                            │
+05 (C): │ │<│I am a tab bar           ┌ zellij:status-bar ───────────────────────────────────────┐                              │
 06 (C): │ │l│                         │I am a                                                    │                              │
 07 (C): │ └─│                         │status bar                                                │─┐                            │
 08 (C): │   │                         │                                                          │ │                            │
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_floating_layouts_not_including_plugin_panes_present_in_existing_layout.snap b/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_floating_layouts_not_including_plugin_panes_present_in_existing_layout.snap
index 278676fa..bb542c19 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_floating_layouts_not_including_plugin_panes_present_in_existing_layout.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_floating_layouts_not_including_plugin_panes_present_in_existing_layout.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/tab/./unit/tab_integration_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 6363
+assertion_line: 6432
 expression: snapshot
 ---
 00 (C): ┌ Pane #1 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
@@ -8,11 +8,11 @@ expression: snapshot
 02 (C): │                                                                                                                       │
 03 (C): │                                                                                                                       │
 04 (C): │                                                                                                                       │
-05 (C): │                             ┌ tab-bar ─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐                              │
+05 (C): │                             ┌ zellij:tab-bar ──────────────────────────────────────────┐                              │
 06 (C): │                             │I am a tab bar                                            │                              │
 07 (C): │                             │ ┌ Pane #2 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐                            │
 08 (C): │                             │ │                                                          │                            │
-09 (C): │                             │ │ ┌ status-bar ──────────────────────────────────────────────┐                          │
+09 (C): │                             │ │ ┌ zellij:status-bar ───────────────────────────────────────┐                          │
 10 (C): │                             │ │ │I am a                                                    │                          │
 11 (C): │                             │ │ │status bar                                                │                          │
 12 (C): │                             │ │ │                                                          │                          │
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_layouts_not_including_plugin_panes_present_in_existing_layout.snap b/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_layouts_not_including_plugin_panes_present_in_existing_layout.snap
index 1c8c7f77..9a5f4867 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_layouts_not_including_plugin_panes_present_in_existing_layout.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__tab__tab_integration_tests__swap_layouts_not_including_plugin_panes_present_in_existing_layout.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/tab/./unit/tab_integration_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 5481
+assertion_line: 5510
 expression: snapshot
 ---
 00 (C): ┌ Pane #2 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
@@ -17,10 +17,10 @@ expression: snapshot
 11 (C): │                                                                                                                       │
 12 (C): │                                   <ENTER> run, <ESC> drop to shell, <Ctrl-c> exit                                     │
 13 (C): └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
-14 (C): ┌ status-bar ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
+14 (C): ┌ zellij:status-bar ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
 15 (C): │I am a                                                                                                                 │
 16 (C): │status bar                                                                                                             │
 17 (C): │                                                                                                                       │
 18 (C): └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
-19 (C): ┌ tab-bar ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
+19 (C): ┌ zellij:tab-bar ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
 
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/tab_integration_tests.rs b/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/tab_integration_tests.rs
index ef5cc1bf..f8953235 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/tab_integration_tests.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/tab/unit/tab_integration_tests.rs
@@ -20,8 +20,8 @@ use zellij_utils::data::ResizeStrategy;
 use zellij_utils::envs::set_session_name;
 use zellij_utils::errors::{prelude::*, ErrorContext};
 use zellij_utils::input::layout::{
-    FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, PluginUserConfiguration, RunPluginLocation, SwapFloatingLayout,
-    SwapTiledLayout, TiledPaneLayout,
+    FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, PluginUserConfiguration, RunPluginLocation, RunPluginOrAlias,
+    SwapFloatingLayout, SwapTiledLayout, TiledPaneLayout,
 };
 use zellij_utils::input::plugins::PluginTag;
 use zellij_utils::ipc::IpcReceiverWithContext;
@@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ fn create_new_tab_with_swap_layouts(
         Vec<FloatingPaneLayout>,
         Vec<(u32, Option<RunCommand>)>,
         Vec<(u32, Option<RunCommand>)>,
-        HashMap<(RunPluginLocation, PluginUserConfiguration), Vec<u32>>,
+        HashMap<RunPluginOrAlias, Vec<u32>>,
     )>,
     draw_pane_frames: bool,
 ) -> Tab {
@@ -5022,17 +5022,11 @@ fn layout_with_plugins_and_commands_swaped_properly() {
     let new_floating_terminal_ids = vec![];
     let mut new_plugin_ids = HashMap::new();
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("tab-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:tab-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![1],
     );
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("status-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:status-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![2],
     );
 
@@ -5123,17 +5117,11 @@ fn base_layout_is_included_in_swap_layouts() {
     let new_floating_terminal_ids = vec![];
     let mut new_plugin_ids = HashMap::new();
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("tab-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:tab-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![1],
     );
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("status-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:status-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![2],
     );
 
@@ -5221,17 +5209,11 @@ fn swap_layouts_including_command_panes_absent_from_existing_layout() {
     let new_floating_terminal_ids = vec![];
     let mut new_plugin_ids = HashMap::new();
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("tab-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:tab-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![1],
     );
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("status-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:status-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![2],
     );
 
@@ -5322,17 +5304,11 @@ fn swap_layouts_not_including_command_panes_present_in_existing_layout() {
     let new_floating_terminal_ids = vec![];
     let mut new_plugin_ids = HashMap::new();
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("tab-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:tab-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![1],
     );
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("status-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:status-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![2],
     );
 
@@ -5496,17 +5472,11 @@ fn swap_layouts_not_including_plugin_panes_present_in_existing_layout() {
     let new_floating_terminal_ids = vec![];
     let mut new_plugin_ids = HashMap::new();
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("tab-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:tab-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![1],
     );
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("status-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:status-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![2],
     );
 
@@ -5987,17 +5957,11 @@ fn floating_layout_with_plugins_and_commands_swaped_properly() {
     let new_terminal_ids = vec![(4, None)];
     let mut new_plugin_ids = HashMap::new();
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("tab-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:tab-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![1],
     );
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("status-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:status-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![2],
     );
 
@@ -6086,17 +6050,11 @@ fn base_floating_layout_is_included_in_swap_layouts() {
     let new_terminal_ids = vec![(4, None)];
     let mut new_plugin_ids = HashMap::new();
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("tab-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:tab-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![1],
     );
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("status-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:status-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![2],
     );
 
@@ -6184,17 +6142,11 @@ fn swap_floating_layouts_including_command_panes_absent_from_existing_layout() {
     let new_terminal_ids = vec![(4, None)];
     let mut new_plugin_ids = HashMap::new();
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("tab-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:tab-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![1],
     );
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("status-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:status-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![2],
     );
 
@@ -6285,17 +6237,11 @@ fn swap_floating_layouts_not_including_command_panes_present_in_existing_layout(
     let new_terminal_ids = vec![(4, None)];
     let mut new_plugin_ids = HashMap::new();
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("tab-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:tab-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![1],
     );
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("status-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:status-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![2],
     );
 
@@ -6448,17 +6394,11 @@ fn swap_floating_layouts_not_including_plugin_panes_present_in_existing_layout()
     let new_terminal_ids = vec![(4, None)];
     let mut new_plugin_ids = HashMap::new();
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("tab-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:tab-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![1],
     );
     new_plugin_ids.insert(
-        (
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("status-bar")),
-            Default::default(),
-        ),
+        RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("zellij:status-bar", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
         vec![2],
     );
 
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs b/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs
index dc8939e6..64b1e188 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs
@@ -15,8 +15,8 @@ use zellij_utils::errors::{prelude::*, ErrorContext};
 use zellij_utils::input::actions::Action;
 use zellij_utils::input::command::{RunCommand, TerminalAction};
 use zellij_utils::input::layout::{
-    FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, Run, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation, SplitDirection, SplitSize,
-    TiledPaneLayout,
+    FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, PluginAlias, PluginUserConfiguration, Run, RunPlugin,
+    RunPluginLocation, RunPluginOrAlias, SplitDirection, SplitSize, TiledPaneLayout,
 };
 use zellij_utils::input::options::Options;
 use zellij_utils::ipc::IpcReceiverWithContext;
@@ -338,10 +338,91 @@ impl MockScreen {
         let mut floating_pane_ids = vec![];
         let mut plugin_ids = HashMap::new();
         plugin_ids.insert(
-            (
-                RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from("/path/to/fake/plugin")),
-                Default::default(),
-            ),
+            RunPluginOrAlias::from_url("file:/path/to/fake/plugin", &None, None, None).unwrap(),
+            vec![1],
+        );
+        for i in 0..pane_count {
+            pane_ids.push((i as u32, None));
+        }
+        for i in 0..floating_pane_count {
+            floating_pane_ids.push((i as u32, None));
+        }
+        let default_shell = None;
+        let tab_name = None;
+        let tab_index = self.last_opened_tab_index.map(|l| l + 1).unwrap_or(0);
+        let _ = self.to_screen.send(ScreenInstruction::NewTab(
+            None,
+            default_shell,
+            Some(pane_layout.clone()),
+            initial_floating_panes_layout.clone(),
+            tab_name,
+            (vec![], vec![]), // swap layouts
+            self.main_client_id,
+        ));
+        let _ = self.to_screen.send(ScreenInstruction::ApplyLayout(
+            pane_layout,
+            initial_floating_panes_layout,
+            pane_ids,
+            floating_pane_ids,
+            plugin_ids,
+            tab_index,
+            self.main_client_id,
+        ));
+        self.last_opened_tab_index = Some(tab_index);
+        screen_thread
+    }
+    // same as the above function, but starts a plugin with a plugin alias
+    pub fn run_with_alias(
+        &mut self,
+        initial_layout: Option<TiledPaneLayout>,
+        initial_floating_panes_layout: Vec<FloatingPaneLayout>,
+    ) -> std::thread::JoinHandle<()> {
+        let config_options = self.config_options.clone();
+        let client_attributes = self.client_attributes.clone();
+        let screen_bus = Bus::new(
+            vec![self.screen_receiver.take().unwrap()],
+            None,
+            Some(&self.to_pty.clone()),
+            Some(&self.to_plugin.clone()),
+            Some(&self.to_server.clone()),
+            Some(&self.to_pty_writer.clone()),
+            Some(&self.to_background_jobs.clone()),
+            Some(Box::new(self.os_input.clone())),
+        )
+        .should_silently_fail();
+        let debug = false;
+        let screen_thread = std::thread::Builder::new()
+            .name("screen_thread".to_string())
+            .spawn(move || {
+                set_var("ZELLIJ_SESSION_NAME", "zellij-test");
+                screen_thread_main(
+                    screen_bus,
+                    None,
+                    client_attributes,
+                    Box::new(config_options),
+                    debug,
+                    Box::new(Layout::default()),
+                )
+                .expect("TEST")
+            })
+            .unwrap();
+        let pane_layout = initial_layout.unwrap_or_default();
+        let pane_count = pane_layout.extract_run_instructions().len();
+        let floating_pane_count = initial_floating_panes_layout.len();
+        let mut pane_ids = vec![];
+        let mut floating_pane_ids = vec![];
+        let mut plugin_ids = HashMap::new();
+        plugin_ids.insert(
+            RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(PluginAlias {
+                name: "fixture_plugin_for_tests".to_owned(),
+                configuration: Some(Default::default()),
+                run_plugin: Some(RunPlugin {
+                    location: RunPluginLocation::parse("file:/path/to/fake/plugin", None).unwrap(),
+                    configuration: PluginUserConfiguration::default(),
+                    ..Default::default()
+                }),
+                ..Default::default()
+            }),
             vec![1],
         );
         for i in 0..pane_count {
@@ -358,7 +439,6 @@ impl MockScreen {
             default_shell,
             Some(pane_layout.clone()),
             initial_floating_panes_layout.clone(),
-            // vec![], // floating_panes_layout
             tab_name,
             (vec![], vec![]), // swap layouts
             self.main_client_id,
@@ -366,10 +446,8 @@ impl MockScreen {
         let _ = self.to_screen.send(ScreenInstruction::ApplyLayout(
             pane_layout,
             initial_floating_panes_layout,
-            // vec![], // floating panes layout
             pane_ids,
             floating_pane_ids,
-            // vec![], // floating pane ids
             plugin_ids,
             tab_index,
             self.main_client_id,
@@ -2884,7 +2962,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_launch_or_focus_plugin_action() {
         floating: true,
         in_place: false,
         move_to_focused_tab: true,
-        url: url::Url::parse("file:/path/to/fake/plugin").unwrap(),
+        url: "file:/path/to/fake/plugin".to_owned(),
         configuration: Default::default(),
         skip_plugin_cache: false,
     };
@@ -2917,11 +2995,11 @@ pub fn send_cli_launch_or_focus_plugin_action_when_plugin_is_already_loaded() {
     let session_metadata = mock_screen.clone_session_metadata();
     let mut initial_layout = TiledPaneLayout::default();
     let existing_plugin_pane = TiledPaneLayout {
-        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
+        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
             _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
             location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from("/path/to/fake/plugin")),
             configuration: Default::default(),
-        })),
+        }))),
         ..Default::default()
     };
     initial_layout.children_split_direction = SplitDirection::Vertical;
@@ -2944,7 +3022,89 @@ pub fn send_cli_launch_or_focus_plugin_action_when_plugin_is_already_loaded() {
         floating: true,
         in_place: false,
         move_to_focused_tab: true,
-        url: url::Url::parse("file:/path/to/fake/plugin").unwrap(),
+        url: "file:/path/to/fake/plugin".to_owned(),
+        configuration: Default::default(),
+        skip_plugin_cache: false,
+    };
+    send_cli_action_to_server(&session_metadata, cli_action, client_id);
+    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(100)); // give time for actions to be
+    mock_screen.teardown(vec![plugin_thread, server_thread, screen_thread]);
+
+    let plugin_load_instruction_sent = received_plugin_instructions
+        .lock()
+        .unwrap()
+        .iter()
+        .find(|instruction| match instruction {
+            PluginInstruction::Load(..) => true,
+            _ => false,
+        })
+        .is_some();
+    assert!(
+        !plugin_load_instruction_sent,
+        "Plugin Load instruction should not be sent for an already loaded plugin"
+    );
+    let snapshots = take_snapshots_and_cursor_coordinates_from_render_events(
+        received_server_instructions.lock().unwrap().iter(),
+        size,
+    );
+    let snapshot_count = snapshots.len();
+    assert_eq!(
+        snapshot_count, 2,
+        "Another render was sent for focusing the already loaded plugin"
+    );
+    for (cursor_coordinates, _snapshot) in snapshots.iter().skip(1) {
+        assert!(
+            cursor_coordinates.is_none(),
+            "Cursor moved to existing plugin in final snapshot indicating focus changed"
+        );
+    }
+}
+
+#[test]
+pub fn send_cli_launch_or_focus_plugin_action_when_plugin_is_already_loaded_for_plugin_alias() {
+    let size = Size {
+        cols: 121,
+        rows: 20,
+    };
+    let client_id = 10; // fake client id should not appear in the screen's state
+    let mut mock_screen = MockScreen::new(size);
+    let plugin_receiver = mock_screen.plugin_receiver.take().unwrap();
+    let session_metadata = mock_screen.clone_session_metadata();
+    let mut initial_layout = TiledPaneLayout::default();
+    let existing_plugin_pane = TiledPaneLayout {
+        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(PluginAlias {
+            name: "fixture_plugin_for_tests".to_owned(),
+            configuration: Some(Default::default()),
+            run_plugin: Some(RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from("/path/to/fake/plugin")),
+                configuration: Default::default(),
+            }),
+            ..Default::default()
+        }))),
+        ..Default::default()
+    };
+    initial_layout.children_split_direction = SplitDirection::Vertical;
+    initial_layout.children = vec![TiledPaneLayout::default(), existing_plugin_pane];
+    let screen_thread = mock_screen.run_with_alias(Some(initial_layout), vec![]);
+    let received_plugin_instructions = Arc::new(Mutex::new(vec![]));
+    let plugin_thread = log_actions_in_thread!(
+        received_plugin_instructions,
+        PluginInstruction::Exit,
+        plugin_receiver
+    );
+    let received_server_instructions = Arc::new(Mutex::new(vec![]));
+    let server_receiver = mock_screen.server_receiver.take().unwrap();
+    let server_thread = log_actions_in_thread!(
+        received_server_instructions,
+        ServerInstruction::KillSession,
+        server_receiver
+    );
+    let cli_action = CliAction::LaunchOrFocusPlugin {
+        floating: true,
+        in_place: false,
+        move_to_focused_tab: true,
+        url: "fixture_plugin_for_tests".to_owned(),
         configuration: Default::default(),
         skip_plugin_cache: false,
     };
@@ -3184,11 +3344,11 @@ pub fn screen_can_break_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab() {
     let mut initial_layout = TiledPaneLayout::default();
     let mut pane_to_break_free = TiledPaneLayout::default();
     pane_to_break_free.name = Some("plugin_pane_to_break_free".to_owned());
-    pane_to_break_free.run = Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
+    pane_to_break_free.run = Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from("/path/to/fake/plugin")),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    }));
+    })));
     let mut pane_to_stay = TiledPaneLayout::default();
     pane_to_stay.name = Some("pane_to_stay".to_owned());
     initial_layout.children_split_direction = SplitDirection::Vertical;
@@ -3254,11 +3414,11 @@ pub fn screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab() {
     pane_to_break_free.name = Some("tiled_pane".to_owned());
     let mut floating_pane = FloatingPaneLayout::default();
     floating_pane.name = Some("floating_plugin_pane_to_eject".to_owned());
-    floating_pane.run = Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
+    floating_pane.run = Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
         _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
         location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from("/path/to/fake/plugin")),
         configuration: Default::default(),
-    }));
+    })));
     let mut floating_panes_layout = vec![floating_pane];
     initial_layout.children_split_direction = SplitDirection::Vertical;
     initial_layout.children = vec![pane_to_break_free];
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-2.snap b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-2.snap
index 85285fcf..9ca5b2aa 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-2.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-2.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/./unit/screen_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 2986
+assertion_line: 3171
 expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 ---
 00 (C): ┌ tiled_pane ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
@@ -8,8 +8,8 @@ expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 02 (C): │                                                                              │
 03 (C): │                                                                              │
 04 (C): │                                                                              │
-05 (C): │                   ┌ /path/to/fake/plugin ────────────────┐                   │
-06 (C): │                   │Loading /path/to/fake/plugin          │                   │
+05 (C): │                   ┌ file:/path/to/fake/plugin ───────────┐                   │
+06 (C): │                   │Loading file:/path/to/fake/plugin     │                   │
 07 (C): │                   │                                      │                   │
 08 (C): │                   │                                      │                   │
 09 (C): │                   │                                      │                   │
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-3.snap b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-3.snap
index bf91ddbd..1305aa26 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-3.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-3.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/./unit/screen_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 2986
+assertion_line: 3171
 expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 ---
 00 (C): ┌ Pane #1 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 04 (C): │                                                                              │
 05 (C): │                                                                              │
 06 (C): │                                                                              │
-07 (C): │                     ┌ /path/to/fake/plugin ────────────────┐                 │
-08 (C): │                     │Loading /path/to/fake/plugin          │                 │
+07 (C): │                     ┌ file:/path/to/fake/plugin ───────────┐                 │
+08 (C): │                     │Loading file:/path/to/fake/plugin     │                 │
 09 (C): │                     │                                      │                 │
 10 (C): │                     │                                      │                 │
 11 (C): │                     │                                      │                 │
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-4.snap b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-4.snap
index bf91ddbd..1305aa26 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-4.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-4.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/./unit/screen_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 2986
+assertion_line: 3171
 expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 ---
 00 (C): ┌ Pane #1 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 04 (C): │                                                                              │
 05 (C): │                                                                              │
 06 (C): │                                                                              │
-07 (C): │                     ┌ /path/to/fake/plugin ────────────────┐                 │
-08 (C): │                     │Loading /path/to/fake/plugin          │                 │
+07 (C): │                     ┌ file:/path/to/fake/plugin ───────────┐                 │
+08 (C): │                     │Loading file:/path/to/fake/plugin     │                 │
 09 (C): │                     │                                      │                 │
 10 (C): │                     │                                      │                 │
 11 (C): │                     │                                      │                 │
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-6.snap b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-6.snap
index bf91ddbd..1305aa26 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-6.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-6.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/./unit/screen_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 2986
+assertion_line: 3171
 expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 ---
 00 (C): ┌ Pane #1 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 04 (C): │                                                                              │
 05 (C): │                                                                              │
 06 (C): │                                                                              │
-07 (C): │                     ┌ /path/to/fake/plugin ────────────────┐                 │
-08 (C): │                     │Loading /path/to/fake/plugin          │                 │
+07 (C): │                     ┌ file:/path/to/fake/plugin ───────────┐                 │
+08 (C): │                     │Loading file:/path/to/fake/plugin     │                 │
 09 (C): │                     │                                      │                 │
 10 (C): │                     │                                      │                 │
 11 (C): │                     │                                      │                 │
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-7.snap b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-7.snap
index bf91ddbd..1305aa26 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-7.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-7.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/./unit/screen_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 2986
+assertion_line: 3171
 expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 ---
 00 (C): ┌ Pane #1 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 04 (C): │                                                                              │
 05 (C): │                                                                              │
 06 (C): │                                                                              │
-07 (C): │                     ┌ /path/to/fake/plugin ────────────────┐                 │
-08 (C): │                     │Loading /path/to/fake/plugin          │                 │
+07 (C): │                     ┌ file:/path/to/fake/plugin ───────────┐                 │
+08 (C): │                     │Loading file:/path/to/fake/plugin     │                 │
 09 (C): │                     │                                      │                 │
 10 (C): │                     │                                      │                 │
 11 (C): │                     │                                      │                 │
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab.snap b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab.snap
index 85285fcf..9ca5b2aa 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_floating_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/./unit/screen_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 2986
+assertion_line: 3171
 expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 ---
 00 (C): ┌ tiled_pane ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
@@ -8,8 +8,8 @@ expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 02 (C): │                                                                              │
 03 (C): │                                                                              │
 04 (C): │                                                                              │
-05 (C): │                   ┌ /path/to/fake/plugin ────────────────┐                   │
-06 (C): │                   │Loading /path/to/fake/plugin          │                   │
+05 (C): │                   ┌ file:/path/to/fake/plugin ───────────┐                   │
+06 (C): │                   │Loading file:/path/to/fake/plugin     │                   │
 07 (C): │                   │                                      │                   │
 08 (C): │                   │                                      │                   │
 09 (C): │                   │                                      │                   │
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-3.snap b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-3.snap
index e0a620f3..b938c7bc 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-3.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-3.snap
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/./unit/screen_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 2914
+assertion_line: 3097
 expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 ---
 00 (C): ┌ plugin_pane_to_break_free ───────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
-01 (C): │Loading /path/to/fake/plugin                                                  │
+01 (C): │Loading file:/path/to/fake/plugin                                             │
 02 (C): │                                                                              │
 03 (C): │                                                                              │
 04 (C): │                                                                              │
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-4.snap b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-4.snap
index e0a620f3..b938c7bc 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-4.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab-4.snap
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/./unit/screen_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 2914
+assertion_line: 3097
 expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 ---
 00 (C): ┌ plugin_pane_to_break_free ───────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
-01 (C): │Loading /path/to/fake/plugin                                                  │
+01 (C): │Loading file:/path/to/fake/plugin                                             │
 02 (C): │                                                                              │
 03 (C): │                                                                              │
 04 (C): │                                                                              │
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab.snap b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab.snap
index 4d4ae3f9..a2011a8f 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__screen_can_break_plugin_pane_to_a_new_tab.snap
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/./unit/screen_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 2914
+assertion_line: 3097
 expression: "format!(\"{}\", snapshot)"
 ---
 00 (C): ┌ plugin_pane_to_break_free ───────────┐┌ pane_to_stay ────────────────────────┐
-01 (C): │Loading /path/to/fake/plugin          ││                                      │
+01 (C): │Loading file:/path/to/fake/plugin     ││                                      │
 02 (C): │                                      ││                                      │
 03 (C): │                                      ││                                      │
 04 (C): │                                      ││                                      │
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__send_cli_launch_or_focus_plugin_action.snap b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__send_cli_launch_or_focus_plugin_action.snap
index 28a3f4bb..56b466ed 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__send_cli_launch_or_focus_plugin_action.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__send_cli_launch_or_focus_plugin_action.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/./unit/screen_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 2639
+assertion_line: 2758
 expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", pty_fill_plugin_cwd_instruction)"
 ---
 Some(
@@ -10,15 +10,17 @@ Some(
         ),
         false,
         None,
-        RunPlugin {
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: File(
-                "/path/to/fake/plugin",
-            ),
-            configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
+        RunPlugin(
+            RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: File(
+                    "/path/to/fake/plugin",
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+        ),
         0,
         None,
         1,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/config/default.kdl b/zellij-utils/assets/config/default.kdl
index f8dc9a75..c8e61bf4 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/assets/config/default.kdl
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/config/default.kdl
@@ -186,11 +186,15 @@ keybinds {
 }
 
 plugins {
-    tab-bar { path "tab-bar"; }
-    status-bar { path "status-bar"; }
-    strider { path "strider"; }
-    compact-bar { path "compact-bar"; }
-    session-manager { path "session-manager"; }
+    tab-bar location="zellij:tab-bar"
+    status-bar location="zellij:status-bar"
+    strider location="zellij:strider"
+    compact-bar location="zellij:compact-bar"
+    session-manager location="zellij:session-manager"
+    welcome-screen location="zellij:session-manager" {
+        welcome_screen true
+    }
+    filepicker location="zellij:strider"
 }
 
 // Choose what to do when zellij receives SIGTERM, SIGINT, SIGQUIT or SIGHUP
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/compact.kdl b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/compact.kdl
index 7871ad40..0ac57ee3 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/compact.kdl
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/compact.kdl
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 layout {
     pane
     pane size=1 borderless=true {
-        plugin location="zellij:compact-bar"
+        plugin location="compact-bar"
     }
 }
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/compact.swap.kdl b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/compact.swap.kdl
index 923a117c..300b4bdf 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/compact.swap.kdl
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/compact.swap.kdl
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 tab_template name="ui" {
    children
    pane size=1 borderless=true {
-       plugin location="zellij:compact-bar"
+       plugin location="compact-bar"
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/default.kdl b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/default.kdl
index 4434b29b..460aee8a 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/default.kdl
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/default.kdl
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 layout {
     pane size=1 borderless=true {
-        plugin location="zellij:tab-bar"
+        plugin location="tab-bar"
     }
     pane
     pane size=2 borderless=true {
-        plugin location="zellij:status-bar"
+        plugin location="status-bar"
     }
 }
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/default.swap.kdl b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/default.swap.kdl
index 6d5cdb55..71a6dfe9 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/default.swap.kdl
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/default.swap.kdl
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 tab_template name="ui" {
    pane size=1 borderless=true {
-       plugin location="zellij:tab-bar"
+       plugin location="tab-bar"
    }
    children
    pane size=2 borderless=true {
-       plugin location="zellij:status-bar"
+       plugin location="status-bar"
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/disable-status-bar.kdl b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/disable-status-bar.kdl
index 5eca5b0c..36a194e7 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/disable-status-bar.kdl
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/disable-status-bar.kdl
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 layout {
     pane size=1 borderless=true {
-        plugin location="zellij:tab-bar"
+        plugin location="tab-bar"
     }
     pane
 }
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/strider.kdl b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/strider.kdl
index 57ec01a7..96600061 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/strider.kdl
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/strider.kdl
@@ -1,14 +1,14 @@
 layout {
     pane size=1 borderless=true {
-        plugin location="zellij:tab-bar"
+        plugin location="tab-bar"
     }
     pane split_direction="Vertical" {
         pane size="20%" {
-            plugin location="zellij:strider"
+            plugin location="strider"
         }
         pane
     }
     pane size=2 borderless=true {
-        plugin location="zellij:status-bar"
+        plugin location="status-bar"
     }
 }
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/strider.swap.kdl b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/strider.swap.kdl
index 579fcc8e..b53444ff 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/strider.swap.kdl
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/strider.swap.kdl
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 tab_template name="ui" {
     pane size=1 borderless=true {
-        plugin location="zellij:tab-bar"
+        plugin location="tab-bar"
     }
     pane split_direction="Vertical" {
         pane size="20%" {
-            plugin location="zellij:strider"
+            plugin location="strider"
         }
         pane {
             children
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ tab_template name="ui" {
 
     }
     pane size=2 borderless=true {
-        plugin location="zellij:status-bar"
+        plugin location="status-bar"
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/welcome.kdl b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/welcome.kdl
index 1884fe1f..0ee72ce0 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/welcome.kdl
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/welcome.kdl
@@ -1,8 +1,6 @@
 layout {
     pane borderless=true {
-        plugin location="zellij:session-manager" {
-            welcome_screen true
-        }
+        plugin location="welcome-screen"
     }
 }
 session_serialization false // this will apply only to the initial welcome screen layout, and is intended to prevent lots of garbage sessions left around
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/cli.rs b/zellij-utils/src/cli.rs
index 595293f4..e5b65d39 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/cli.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/cli.rs
@@ -627,7 +627,7 @@ pub enum CliAction {
         in_place: bool,
         #[clap(short, long, value_parser)]
         move_to_focused_tab: bool,
-        url: Url,
+        url: String,
         #[clap(short, long, value_parser)]
         configuration: Option<PluginUserConfiguration>,
         #[clap(short, long, value_parser)]
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs
index b19529e4..18ed0a8d 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs
@@ -2,8 +2,8 @@
 
 use super::command::RunCommandAction;
 use super::layout::{
-    FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation, SwapFloatingLayout, SwapTiledLayout,
-    TiledPaneLayout,
+    FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, PluginAlias, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation, RunPluginOrAlias,
+    SwapFloatingLayout, SwapTiledLayout, TiledPaneLayout,
 };
 use crate::cli::CliAction;
 use crate::data::{Direction, Resize};
@@ -217,9 +217,9 @@ pub enum Action {
     LeftClick(Position),
     RightClick(Position),
     MiddleClick(Position),
-    LaunchOrFocusPlugin(RunPlugin, bool, bool, bool, bool), // bools => should float,
+    LaunchOrFocusPlugin(RunPluginOrAlias, bool, bool, bool, bool), // bools => should float,
     // move_to_focused_tab, should_open_in_place, skip_cache
-    LaunchPlugin(RunPlugin, bool, bool, bool, Option<PathBuf>), // bools => should float,
+    LaunchPlugin(RunPluginOrAlias, bool, bool, bool, Option<PathBuf>), // bools => should float,
     // should_open_in_place, skip_cache, Option<PathBuf> is cwd
     LeftMouseRelease(Position),
     RightMouseRelease(Position),
@@ -246,19 +246,19 @@ pub enum Action {
     /// Query all tab names
     QueryTabNames,
     /// Open a new tiled (embedded, non-floating) plugin pane
-    NewTiledPluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>, bool, Option<PathBuf>), // String is an optional name, bool is
+    NewTiledPluginPane(RunPluginOrAlias, Option<String>, bool, Option<PathBuf>), // String is an optional name, bool is
     // skip_cache, Option<PathBuf> is cwd
     NewFloatingPluginPane(
-        RunPlugin,
+        RunPluginOrAlias,
         Option<String>,
         bool,
         Option<PathBuf>,
         Option<FloatingPaneCoordinates>,
     ), // String is an optional name, bool is
     // skip_cache, Option<PathBuf> is cwd
-    NewInPlacePluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>, bool), // String is an optional name, bool is
+    NewInPlacePluginPane(RunPluginOrAlias, Option<String>, bool), // String is an optional name, bool is
     // skip_cache
-    StartOrReloadPlugin(RunPlugin),
+    StartOrReloadPlugin(RunPluginOrAlias),
     CloseTerminalPane(u32),
     ClosePluginPane(u32),
     FocusTerminalPaneWithId(u32, bool), // bool is should_float_if_hidden
@@ -351,14 +351,20 @@ impl Action {
                 let cwd = cwd
                     .map(|cwd| current_dir.join(cwd))
                     .or_else(|| Some(current_dir));
-                let user_configuration = configuration.unwrap_or_default();
                 if let Some(plugin) = plugin {
-                    let location = RunPluginLocation::parse(&plugin, cwd.clone())
-                        .map_err(|e| format!("Failed to parse plugin loction {plugin}: {}", e))?;
-                    let plugin = RunPlugin {
-                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                        location,
-                        configuration: user_configuration,
+                    let plugin = match RunPluginLocation::parse(&plugin, cwd.clone()) {
+                        Ok(location) => {
+                            let user_configuration = configuration.unwrap_or_default();
+                            RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
+                                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                                location,
+                                configuration: user_configuration,
+                            })
+                        },
+                        Err(_) => RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(PluginAlias::new(
+                            &plugin,
+                            &configuration.map(|c| c.inner().clone()),
+                        )),
                     };
                     if floating {
                         Ok(vec![Action::NewFloatingPluginPane(
@@ -571,14 +577,13 @@ impl Action {
             CliAction::QueryTabNames => Ok(vec![Action::QueryTabNames]),
             CliAction::StartOrReloadPlugin { url, configuration } => {
                 let current_dir = get_current_dir();
-                let run_plugin_location = RunPluginLocation::parse(&url, Some(current_dir))
-                    .map_err(|e| format!("Failed to parse plugin location: {}", e))?;
-                let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
-                    location: run_plugin_location,
-                    _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                    configuration: configuration.unwrap_or_default(),
-                };
-                Ok(vec![Action::StartOrReloadPlugin(run_plugin)])
+                let run_plugin_or_alias = RunPluginOrAlias::from_url(
+                    &url,
+                    &configuration.map(|c| c.inner().clone()),
+                    None,
+                    Some(current_dir),
+                )?;
+                Ok(vec![Action::StartOrReloadPlugin(run_plugin_or_alias)])
             },
             CliAction::LaunchOrFocusPlugin {
                 url,
@@ -589,15 +594,14 @@ impl Action {
                 skip_plugin_cache,
             } => {
                 let current_dir = get_current_dir();
-                let run_plugin_location = RunPluginLocation::parse(url.as_str(), Some(current_dir))
-                    .map_err(|e| format!("Failed to parse plugin location: {}", e))?;
-                let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
-                    location: run_plugin_location,
-                    _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                    configuration: configuration.unwrap_or_default(),
-                };
+                let run_plugin_or_alias = RunPluginOrAlias::from_url(
+                    url.as_str(),
+                    &configuration.map(|c| c.inner().clone()),
+                    None,
+                    Some(current_dir),
+                )?;
                 Ok(vec![Action::LaunchOrFocusPlugin(
-                    run_plugin,
+                    run_plugin_or_alias,
                     floating,
                     move_to_focused_tab,
                     in_place,
@@ -612,16 +616,14 @@ impl Action {
                 skip_plugin_cache,
             } => {
                 let current_dir = get_current_dir();
-                let run_plugin_location =
-                    RunPluginLocation::parse(url.as_str(), Some(current_dir.clone()))
-                        .map_err(|e| format!("Failed to parse plugin location: {}", e))?;
-                let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
-                    location: run_plugin_location,
-                    _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                    configuration: configuration.unwrap_or_default(),
-                };
+                let run_plugin_or_alias = RunPluginOrAlias::from_url(
+                    &url.as_str(),
+                    &configuration.map(|c| c.inner().clone()),
+                    None,
+                    Some(current_dir.clone()),
+                )?;
                 Ok(vec![Action::LaunchPlugin(
-                    run_plugin,
+                    run_plugin_or_alias,
                     floating,
                     in_place,
                     skip_plugin_cache,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/config.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/config.rs
index eb8fe521..cf6620a9 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/config.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/config.rs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ use std::convert::TryFrom;
 
 use super::keybinds::Keybinds;
 use super::options::Options;
-use super::plugins::{PluginsConfig, PluginsConfigError};
+use super::plugins::{PluginAliases, PluginsConfigError};
 use super::theme::{Themes, UiConfig};
 use crate::cli::{CliArgs, Command};
 use crate::envs::EnvironmentVariables;
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ pub struct Config {
     pub keybinds: Keybinds,
     pub options: Options,
     pub themes: Themes,
-    pub plugins: PluginsConfig,
+    pub plugins: PluginAliases,
     pub ui: UiConfig,
     pub env: EnvironmentVariables,
 }
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@ impl Config {
         self.options = self.options.merge(other.options);
         self.keybinds.merge(other.keybinds.clone());
         self.themes = self.themes.merge(other.themes);
-        self.plugins = self.plugins.merge(other.plugins);
+        self.plugins.merge(other.plugins);
         self.ui = self.ui.merge(other.ui);
         self.env = self.env.merge(other.env);
         Ok(())
@@ -237,11 +237,11 @@ impl Config {
 mod config_test {
     use super::*;
     use crate::data::{InputMode, Palette, PaletteColor, PluginTag};
-    use crate::input::layout::RunPluginLocation;
+    use crate::input::layout::{RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation};
     use crate::input::options::{Clipboard, OnForceClose};
-    use crate::input::plugins::{PluginConfig, PluginType, PluginsConfig};
+    use crate::input::plugins::{PluginConfig, PluginType};
     use crate::input::theme::{FrameConfig, Theme, Themes, UiConfig};
-    use std::collections::HashMap;
+    use std::collections::{BTreeMap, HashMap};
     use std::io::Write;
     use tempfile::tempdir;
 
@@ -591,60 +591,54 @@ mod config_test {
     fn can_define_plugin_configuration_in_configfile() {
         let config_contents = r#"
             plugins {
-                tab-bar { path "tab-bar"; }
-                status-bar { path "status-bar"; }
-                strider {
-                    path "strider"
-                    _allow_exec_host_cmd true
+                tab-bar location="zellij:tab-bar"
+                status-bar location="zellij:status-bar"
+                strider location="zellij:strider"
+                compact-bar location="zellij:compact-bar"
+                session-manager location="zellij:session-manager"
+                welcome-screen location="zellij:session-manager" {
+                    welcome_screen true
                 }
-                compact-bar { path "compact-bar"; }
+                filepicker location="zellij:strider"
             }
         "#;
         let config = Config::from_kdl(config_contents, None).unwrap();
-        let mut expected_plugin_configuration = HashMap::new();
+        let mut expected_plugin_configuration = BTreeMap::new();
         expected_plugin_configuration.insert(
-            PluginTag::new("tab-bar"),
-            PluginConfig {
-                path: PathBuf::from("tab-bar"),
-                run: PluginType::Pane(None),
-                location: RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("tab-bar")),
-                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                userspace_configuration: Default::default(),
-            },
+            "tab-bar".to_owned(),
+            RunPlugin::from_url("zellij:tab-bar").unwrap(),
         );
         expected_plugin_configuration.insert(
-            PluginTag::new("status-bar"),
-            PluginConfig {
-                path: PathBuf::from("status-bar"),
-                run: PluginType::Pane(None),
-                location: RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("status-bar")),
-                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                userspace_configuration: Default::default(),
-            },
+            "status-bar".to_owned(),
+            RunPlugin::from_url("zellij:status-bar").unwrap(),
         );
         expected_plugin_configuration.insert(
-            PluginTag::new("strider"),
-            PluginConfig {
-                path: PathBuf::from("strider"),
-                run: PluginType::Pane(None),
-                location: RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("strider")),
-                _allow_exec_host_cmd: true,
-                userspace_configuration: Default::default(),
-            },
+            "strider".to_owned(),
+            RunPlugin::from_url("zellij:strider").unwrap(),
         );
         expected_plugin_configuration.insert(
-            PluginTag::new("compact-bar"),
-            PluginConfig {
-                path: PathBuf::from("compact-bar"),
-                run: PluginType::Pane(None),
-                location: RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("compact-bar")),
-                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                userspace_configuration: Default::default(),
-            },
+            "compact-bar".to_owned(),
+            RunPlugin::from_url("zellij:compact-bar").unwrap(),
+        );
+        expected_plugin_configuration.insert(
+            "session-manager".to_owned(),
+            RunPlugin::from_url("zellij:session-manager").unwrap(),
+        );
+        let mut welcome_screen_configuration = BTreeMap::new();
+        welcome_screen_configuration.insert("welcome_screen".to_owned(), "true".to_owned());
+        expected_plugin_configuration.insert(
+            "welcome-screen".to_owned(),
+            RunPlugin::from_url("zellij:session-manager")
+                .unwrap()
+                .with_configuration(welcome_screen_configuration),
+        );
+        expected_plugin_configuration.insert(
+            "filepicker".to_owned(),
+            RunPlugin::from_url("zellij:strider").unwrap(),
         );
         assert_eq!(
             config.plugins,
-            PluginsConfig::from_data(expected_plugin_configuration),
+            PluginAliases::from_data(expected_plugin_configuration),
             "Plugins defined in config"
         );
     }
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/layout.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/layout.rs
index 3dfadb40..ad2fca89 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/layout.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/layout.rs
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ use std::cmp::Ordering;
 use std::fmt::{Display, Formatter};
 use std::str::FromStr;
 
-use super::plugins::{PluginTag, PluginsConfigError};
+use super::plugins::{PluginAliases, PluginTag, PluginsConfigError};
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 use std::collections::BTreeMap;
 use std::vec::Vec;
@@ -80,10 +80,122 @@ impl SplitSize {
     }
 }
 
+#[derive(Debug, Serialize, Deserialize, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, Hash)]
+pub enum RunPluginOrAlias {
+    RunPlugin(RunPlugin),
+    Alias(PluginAlias),
+}
+
+impl Default for RunPluginOrAlias {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(Default::default())
+    }
+}
+
+impl RunPluginOrAlias {
+    pub fn location_string(&self) -> String {
+        match self {
+            RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(run_plugin) => run_plugin.location.display(),
+            RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(plugin_alias) => plugin_alias.name.clone(),
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn populate_run_plugin_if_needed(&mut self, plugin_aliases: &PluginAliases) {
+        if let RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(run_plugin_alias) = self {
+            if run_plugin_alias.run_plugin.is_some() {
+                log::warn!("Overriding plugin alias");
+            }
+            let merged_run_plugin = plugin_aliases
+                .aliases
+                .get(run_plugin_alias.name.as_str())
+                .map(|r| {
+                    r.clone().merge_configuration(
+                        &run_plugin_alias
+                            .configuration
+                            .as_ref()
+                            .map(|c| c.inner().clone()),
+                    )
+                });
+            run_plugin_alias.run_plugin = merged_run_plugin;
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn get_run_plugin(&self) -> Option<RunPlugin> {
+        match self {
+            RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(run_plugin) => Some(run_plugin.clone()),
+            RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(plugin_alias) => plugin_alias.run_plugin.clone(),
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn get_configuration(&self) -> Option<PluginUserConfiguration> {
+        self.get_run_plugin().map(|r| r.configuration.clone())
+    }
+    pub fn from_url(
+        url: &str,
+        configuration: &Option<BTreeMap<String, String>>,
+        alias_dict: Option<&PluginAliases>,
+        cwd: Option<PathBuf>,
+    ) -> Result<Self, String> {
+        match RunPluginLocation::parse(&url, cwd) {
+            Ok(location) => Ok(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location,
+                configuration: configuration
+                    .as_ref()
+                    .map(|c| PluginUserConfiguration::new(c.clone()))
+                    .unwrap_or_default(),
+            })),
+            Err(PluginsConfigError::InvalidUrlScheme(_))
+            | Err(PluginsConfigError::InvalidUrl(..)) => {
+                let mut plugin_alias = PluginAlias::new(&url, configuration);
+                if let Some(alias_dict) = alias_dict {
+                    plugin_alias.run_plugin = alias_dict
+                        .aliases
+                        .get(url)
+                        .map(|r| r.clone().merge_configuration(configuration));
+                }
+                Ok(RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(plugin_alias))
+            },
+            Err(e) => {
+                return Err(format!("Failed to parse plugin location {url}: {}", e));
+            },
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn is_equivalent_to_run(&self, run: &Option<Run>) -> bool {
+        match (self, run) {
+            (
+                RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(self_alias),
+                Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(run_alias))),
+            ) => {
+                self_alias.name == run_alias.name
+                    && self_alias
+                        .configuration
+                        .as_ref()
+                        // we do the is_empty() checks because an empty configuration is the same as no
+                        // configuration (i.e. None)
+                        .and_then(|c| if c.inner().is_empty() { None } else { Some(c) })
+                        == run_alias.configuration.as_ref().and_then(|c| {
+                            if c.inner().is_empty() {
+                                None
+                            } else {
+                                Some(c)
+                            }
+                        })
+            },
+            (
+                RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(self_alias),
+                Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(other_run_plugin))),
+            ) => self_alias.run_plugin.as_ref() == Some(other_run_plugin),
+            (
+                RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(self_run_plugin),
+                Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(other_run_plugin))),
+            ) => self_run_plugin == other_run_plugin,
+            _ => false,
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 #[derive(Debug, Serialize, Deserialize, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
 pub enum Run {
     #[serde(rename = "plugin")]
-    Plugin(RunPlugin),
+    Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias),
     #[serde(rename = "command")]
     Command(RunCommand),
     EditFile(PathBuf, Option<usize>, Option<PathBuf>), // TODO: merge this with TerminalAction::OpenFile
@@ -227,6 +339,23 @@ impl Run {
             Run::Cwd(cwd) => Some(cwd.clone()),
         }
     }
+    pub fn get_run_plugin(&self) -> Option<RunPlugin> {
+        match self {
+            Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(run_plugin)) => Some(run_plugin.clone()),
+            Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(plugin_alias)) => {
+                plugin_alias.run_plugin.as_ref().map(|r| r.clone())
+            },
+            _ => None,
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn populate_run_plugin_if_needed(&mut self, alias_dict: &PluginAliases) {
+        match self {
+            Run::Plugin(run_plugin_alias) => {
+                run_plugin_alias.populate_run_plugin_if_needed(alias_dict)
+            },
+            _ => {},
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 #[allow(clippy::derive_hash_xor_eq)]
@@ -246,6 +375,35 @@ impl RunPlugin {
             ..Default::default()
         })
     }
+    pub fn with_configuration(mut self, configuration: BTreeMap<String, String>) -> Self {
+        self.configuration = PluginUserConfiguration::new(configuration);
+        self
+    }
+    pub fn merge_configuration(mut self, configuration: &Option<BTreeMap<String, String>>) -> Self {
+        if let Some(configuration) = configuration {
+            self.configuration.merge(configuration);
+        }
+        self
+    }
+}
+
+#[derive(Debug, Serialize, Deserialize, Clone, Hash, Default, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub struct PluginAlias {
+    pub name: String,
+    pub configuration: Option<PluginUserConfiguration>,
+    pub run_plugin: Option<RunPlugin>,
+}
+
+impl PluginAlias {
+    pub fn new(name: &str, configuration: &Option<BTreeMap<String, String>>) -> Self {
+        PluginAlias {
+            name: name.to_owned(),
+            configuration: configuration
+                .as_ref()
+                .map(|c| PluginUserConfiguration::new(c.clone())),
+            ..Default::default()
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 #[allow(clippy::derive_hash_xor_eq)]
@@ -280,6 +438,11 @@ impl PluginUserConfiguration {
     pub fn insert(&mut self, config_key: impl Into<String>, config_value: impl Into<String>) {
         self.0.insert(config_key.into(), config_value.into());
     }
+    pub fn merge(&mut self, other_config: &BTreeMap<String, String>) {
+        for (key, value) in other_config {
+            self.0.insert(key.to_owned(), value.clone());
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 impl FromStr for PluginUserConfiguration {
@@ -706,6 +869,15 @@ impl TiledPaneLayout {
             child.add_cwd_to_layout(cwd);
         }
     }
+    pub fn populate_plugin_aliases_in_layout(&mut self, plugin_aliases: &PluginAliases) {
+        match self.run.as_mut() {
+            Some(run) => run.populate_run_plugin_if_needed(plugin_aliases),
+            _ => {},
+        }
+        for child in self.children.iter_mut() {
+            child.populate_plugin_aliases_in_layout(plugin_aliases);
+        }
+    }
     pub fn deepest_depth(&self) -> usize {
         let mut deepest_child_depth = 0;
         for child in self.children.iter() {
@@ -1141,6 +1313,26 @@ impl Layout {
             Err(_e) => None,
         }
     }
+    pub fn populate_plugin_aliases_in_layout(&mut self, plugin_aliases: &PluginAliases) {
+        for tab in self.tabs.iter_mut() {
+            tab.1.populate_plugin_aliases_in_layout(plugin_aliases);
+            for floating_pane_layout in tab.2.iter_mut() {
+                floating_pane_layout
+                    .run
+                    .as_mut()
+                    .map(|f| f.populate_run_plugin_if_needed(&plugin_aliases));
+            }
+        }
+        if let Some(template) = self.template.as_mut() {
+            template.0.populate_plugin_aliases_in_layout(plugin_aliases);
+            for floating_pane_layout in template.1.iter_mut() {
+                floating_pane_layout
+                    .run
+                    .as_mut()
+                    .map(|f| f.populate_run_plugin_if_needed(&plugin_aliases));
+            }
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 fn split_space(
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/plugins.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/plugins.rs
index 2a262222..cb3d6891 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/plugins.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/plugins.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 //! Plugins configuration metadata
-use std::borrow::Borrow;
-use std::collections::HashMap;
+use std::collections::BTreeMap;
 use std::fs;
 use std::path::{Path, PathBuf};
 use thiserror::Error;
@@ -14,73 +13,17 @@ use crate::consts::ASSET_MAP;
 pub use crate::data::PluginTag;
 use crate::errors::prelude::*;
 
-use std::collections::BTreeMap;
-use std::fmt;
-
-/// Used in the config struct for plugin metadata
-#[derive(Clone, PartialEq, Deserialize, Serialize)]
-pub struct PluginsConfig(pub HashMap<PluginTag, PluginConfig>);
-
-impl fmt::Debug for PluginsConfig {
-    fn fmt(&self, f: &mut fmt::Formatter) -> fmt::Result {
-        let mut stable_sorted = BTreeMap::new();
-        for (plugin_tag, plugin_config) in self.0.iter() {
-            stable_sorted.insert(plugin_tag, plugin_config);
-        }
-        write!(f, "{:#?}", stable_sorted)
-    }
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, Default, Eq, PartialEq, Deserialize, Serialize)]
+pub struct PluginAliases {
+    pub aliases: BTreeMap<String, RunPlugin>,
 }
 
-impl PluginsConfig {
-    pub fn new() -> Self {
-        Self(HashMap::new())
-    }
-    pub fn from_data(data: HashMap<PluginTag, PluginConfig>) -> Self {
-        PluginsConfig(data)
-    }
-
-    /// Get plugin config from run configuration specified in layout files.
-    pub fn get(&self, run: impl Borrow<RunPlugin>) -> Option<PluginConfig> {
-        let run = run.borrow();
-        match &run.location {
-            RunPluginLocation::File(path) => Some(PluginConfig {
-                path: path.clone(),
-                run: PluginType::Pane(None),
-                _allow_exec_host_cmd: run._allow_exec_host_cmd,
-                location: run.location.clone(),
-                userspace_configuration: run.configuration.clone(),
-            }),
-            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(tag) => self.0.get(tag).cloned().map(|plugin| PluginConfig {
-                _allow_exec_host_cmd: run._allow_exec_host_cmd,
-                userspace_configuration: run.configuration.clone(),
-                ..plugin
-            }),
-            RunPluginLocation::Remote(_) => Some(PluginConfig {
-                path: PathBuf::new(),
-                run: PluginType::Pane(None),
-                _allow_exec_host_cmd: run._allow_exec_host_cmd,
-                location: run.location.clone(),
-                userspace_configuration: run.configuration.clone(),
-            }),
-        }
-    }
-
-    pub fn iter(&self) -> impl Iterator<Item = &PluginConfig> {
-        self.0.values()
+impl PluginAliases {
+    pub fn merge(&mut self, other: Self) {
+        self.aliases.extend(other.aliases);
     }
-
-    /// Merges two PluginConfig structs into one PluginConfig struct
-    /// `other` overrides the PluginConfig of `self`.
-    pub fn merge(&self, other: Self) -> Self {
-        let mut plugin_config = self.0.clone();
-        plugin_config.extend(other.0);
-        Self(plugin_config)
-    }
-}
-
-impl Default for PluginsConfig {
-    fn default() -> Self {
-        PluginsConfig(HashMap::new())
+    pub fn from_data(aliases: BTreeMap<String, RunPlugin>) -> Self {
+        PluginAliases { aliases }
     }
 }
 
@@ -100,6 +43,44 @@ pub struct PluginConfig {
 }
 
 impl PluginConfig {
+    pub fn from_run_plugin(run_plugin: &RunPlugin) -> Option<PluginConfig> {
+        match &run_plugin.location {
+            RunPluginLocation::File(path) => Some(PluginConfig {
+                path: path.clone(),
+                run: PluginType::Pane(None),
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: run_plugin._allow_exec_host_cmd,
+                location: run_plugin.location.clone(),
+                userspace_configuration: run_plugin.configuration.clone(),
+            }),
+            RunPluginLocation::Zellij(tag) => {
+                let tag = tag.to_string();
+                if tag == "status-bar"
+                    || tag == "tab-bar"
+                    || tag == "compact-bar"
+                    || tag == "strider"
+                    || tag == "session-manager"
+                {
+                    Some(PluginConfig {
+                        path: PathBuf::from(&tag),
+                        run: PluginType::Pane(None),
+                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: run_plugin._allow_exec_host_cmd,
+                        location: RunPluginLocation::parse(&format!("zellij:{}", tag), None)
+                            .ok()?,
+                        userspace_configuration: run_plugin.configuration.clone(),
+                    })
+                } else {
+                    None
+                }
+            },
+            RunPluginLocation::Remote(_) => Some(PluginConfig {
+                path: PathBuf::new(),
+                run: PluginType::Pane(None),
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: run_plugin._allow_exec_host_cmd,
+                location: run_plugin.location.clone(),
+                userspace_configuration: run_plugin.configuration.clone(),
+            }),
+        }
+    }
     /// Resolve wasm plugin bytes for the plugin path and given plugin directory.
     ///
     /// If zellij was built without the 'disable_automatic_asset_installation' feature, builtin
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/unit/layout_test.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/unit/layout_test.rs
index 424a5b22..b2070ce1 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/unit/layout_test.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/unit/layout_test.rs
@@ -551,29 +551,29 @@ fn layout_with_plugin_panes() {
             TiledPaneLayout {
                 children: vec![
                     TiledPaneLayout {
-                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
+                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
                             location: RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("tab-bar")),
                             _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
                             configuration: Default::default(),
-                        })),
+                        }))),
                         ..Default::default()
                     },
                     TiledPaneLayout {
-                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
+                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
                             location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(
                                 "/path/to/my/plugin.wasm",
                             )),
                             _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
                             configuration: Default::default(),
-                        })),
+                        }))),
                         ..Default::default()
                     },
                     TiledPaneLayout {
-                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
+                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
                             location: RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("status-bar")),
                             _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
                             configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(expected_plugin_configuration),
-                        })),
+                        }))),
                         ..Default::default()
                     },
                 ],
@@ -2079,6 +2079,9 @@ fn run_plugin_location_parsing() {
             pane {
                 plugin location="file:c:/absolute/windows/plugin.wasm"
             }
+            pane {
+                plugin location="filepicker"
+            }
         }
     "#;
     let layout = Layout::from_kdl(kdl_layout, "layout_file_name".into(), None, None).unwrap();
@@ -2087,59 +2090,67 @@ fn run_plugin_location_parsing() {
             TiledPaneLayout {
                 children: vec![
                     TiledPaneLayout {
-                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
+                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
                             _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
                             location: RunPluginLocation::Zellij(PluginTag::new("tab-bar")),
                             configuration: Default::default(),
-                        })),
+                        }))),
                         ..Default::default()
                     },
                     TiledPaneLayout {
-                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
+                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
                             _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
                             location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(
                                 "/path/to/my/plugin.wasm",
                             )),
                             configuration: Default::default(),
-                        })),
+                        }))),
                         ..Default::default()
                     },
                     TiledPaneLayout {
-                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
+                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
                             _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
                             location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from("plugin.wasm")),
                             configuration: Default::default(),
-                        })),
+                        }))),
                         ..Default::default()
                     },
                     TiledPaneLayout {
-                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
+                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
                             _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
                             location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(
                                 "relative/with space/plugin.wasm",
                             )),
                             configuration: Default::default(),
-                        })),
+                        }))),
                         ..Default::default()
                     },
                     TiledPaneLayout {
-                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
+                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
                             _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
                             location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(
                                 "/absolute/with space/plugin.wasm",
                             )),
                             configuration: Default::default(),
-                        })),
+                        }))),
                         ..Default::default()
                     },
                     TiledPaneLayout {
-                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
+                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
                             _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
                             location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(
                                 "c:/absolute/windows/plugin.wasm",
                             )),
                             configuration: Default::default(),
-                        })),
+                        }))),
+                        ..Default::default()
+                    },
+                    TiledPaneLayout {
+                        run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(PluginAlias {
+                            name: "filepicker".to_owned(),
+                            configuration: Some(PluginUserConfiguration::default()),
+                            ..Default::default()
+                        }))),
                         ..Default::default()
                     },
                 ],
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/unit/snapshots/zellij_utils__input__layout__layout_test__can_load_swap_layouts_from_a_different_file.snap b/zellij-utils/src/input/unit/snapshots/zellij_utils__input__layout__layout_test__can_load_swap_layouts_from_a_different_file.snap
index 0ebdf2ca..abfd8801 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/unit/snapshots/zellij_utils__input__layout__layout_test__can_load_swap_layouts_from_a_different_file.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/unit/snapshots/zellij_utils__input__layout__layout_test__can_load_swap_layouts_from_a_different_file.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-utils/src/input/./unit/layout_test.rs
-assertion_line: 1880
+assertion_line: 1935
 expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", layout)"
 ---
 Layout {
@@ -65,17 +65,19 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "tab-bar",
+                                    RunPlugin(
+                                        RunPlugin {
+                                            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                                            location: Zellij(
+                                                PluginTag(
+                                                    "tab-bar",
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                {},
+                                            ),
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -167,17 +169,19 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "status-bar",
+                                    RunPlugin(
+                                        RunPlugin {
+                                            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                                            location: Zellij(
+                                                PluginTag(
+                                                    "status-bar",
+                                                ),
+                                            ),
+                                            configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                {},
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -220,17 +224,19 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "tab-bar",
+                                    RunPlugin(
+                                        RunPlugin {
+                                            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                                            location: Zellij(
+                                                PluginTag(
+                                                    "tab-bar",
+                                                ),
+                                            ),
+                                            configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                {},
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -387,17 +393,19 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "status-bar",
+                                    RunPlugin(
+                                        RunPlugin {
+                                            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                                            location: Zellij(
+                                                PluginTag(
+                                                    "status-bar",
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                {},
+                                            ),
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -440,17 +448,19 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "tab-bar",
+                                    RunPlugin(
+                                        RunPlugin {
+                                            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                                            location: Zellij(
+                                                PluginTag(
+                                                    "tab-bar",
+                                                ),
+                                            ),
+                                            configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                {},
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -688,17 +698,19 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "status-bar",
+                                    RunPlugin(
+                                        RunPlugin {
+                                            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                                            location: Zellij(
+                                                PluginTag(
+                                                    "status-bar",
+                                                ),
+                                            ),
+                                            configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                {},
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/ipc.rs b/zellij-utils/src/ipc.rs
index 902d0235..b91ff697 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/ipc.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/ipc.rs
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ use crate::{
     data::{ClientId, ConnectToSession, InputMode, Style},
     errors::{get_current_ctx, prelude::*, ErrorContext},
     input::keybinds::Keybinds,
-    input::{actions::Action, layout::Layout, options::Options, plugins::PluginsConfig},
+    input::{actions::Action, layout::Layout, options::Options, plugins::PluginAliases},
     pane_size::{Size, SizeInPixels},
 };
 use interprocess::local_socket::LocalSocketStream;
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ pub enum ClientToServerMsg {
         Box<CliArgs>,
         Box<Options>,
         Box<Layout>,
-        Option<PluginsConfig>,
+        Box<PluginAliases>,
     ),
     AttachClient(
         ClientAttributes,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/kdl/kdl_layout_parser.rs b/zellij-utils/src/kdl/kdl_layout_parser.rs
index 16be5fca..2aa3ba57 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/kdl/kdl_layout_parser.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/kdl/kdl_layout_parser.rs
@@ -3,8 +3,8 @@ use crate::input::{
     config::ConfigError,
     layout::{
         FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, LayoutConstraint, PercentOrFixed, PluginUserConfiguration, Run,
-        RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation, SplitDirection, SplitSize, SwapFloatingLayout,
-        SwapTiledLayout, TiledPaneLayout,
+        RunPluginOrAlias, SplitDirection, SplitSize, SwapFloatingLayout, SwapTiledLayout,
+        TiledPaneLayout,
     },
 };
 
@@ -313,20 +313,21 @@ impl<'a> KdlLayoutParser<'a> {
                 plugin_block.span().len(),
             ),
         )?;
-        let location =
-            RunPluginLocation::parse(&string_url, self.cwd_prefix(None)?).map_err(|e| {
-                ConfigError::new_layout_kdl_error(
-                    e.to_string(),
-                    url_node.span().offset(),
-                    url_node.span().len(),
-                )
-            })?;
         let configuration = KdlLayoutParser::parse_plugin_user_configuration(&plugin_block)?;
-        Ok(Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd,
-            location,
-            configuration,
-        })))
+        let run_plugin_or_alias = RunPluginOrAlias::from_url(
+            &string_url,
+            &Some(configuration.inner().clone()),
+            None,
+            self.cwd_prefix(None)?,
+        )
+        .map_err(|e| {
+            ConfigError::new_kdl_error(
+                format!("Failed to parse plugin: {}", e),
+                url_node.span().offset(),
+                url_node.span().len(),
+            )
+        })?;
+        Ok(Some(Run::Plugin(run_plugin_or_alias)))
     }
     pub fn parse_plugin_user_configuration(
         plugin_block: &KdlNode,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs b/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs
index 1d721090..23d7e69e 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs
@@ -7,10 +7,10 @@ use crate::envs::EnvironmentVariables;
 use crate::home::{find_default_config_dir, get_layout_dir};
 use crate::input::config::{Config, ConfigError, KdlError};
 use crate::input::keybinds::Keybinds;
-use crate::input::layout::{Layout, PluginUserConfiguration, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation};
+use crate::input::layout::{Layout, RunPlugin, RunPluginOrAlias};
 use crate::input::options::{Clipboard, OnForceClose, Options};
 use crate::input::permission::{GrantedPermission, PermissionCache};
-use crate::input::plugins::{PluginConfig, PluginTag, PluginType, PluginsConfig};
+use crate::input::plugins::PluginAliases;
 use crate::input::theme::{FrameConfig, Theme, Themes, UiConfig};
 use kdl_layout_parser::KdlLayoutParser;
 use std::collections::{BTreeMap, HashMap, HashSet};
@@ -981,15 +981,22 @@ impl TryFrom<(&KdlNode, &Options)> for Action {
                     .and_then(|c_m| kdl_child_bool_value_for_entry(c_m, "skip_plugin_cache"))
                     .unwrap_or(false);
                 let current_dir = std::env::current_dir().unwrap_or_else(|_| PathBuf::from("."));
-                let location = RunPluginLocation::parse(&plugin_path, Some(current_dir))?;
                 let configuration = KdlLayoutParser::parse_plugin_user_configuration(&kdl_action)?;
-                let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
-                    location,
-                    _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                    configuration,
-                };
+                let run_plugin_or_alias = RunPluginOrAlias::from_url(
+                    &plugin_path,
+                    &Some(configuration.inner().clone()),
+                    None,
+                    Some(current_dir),
+                )
+                .map_err(|e| {
+                    ConfigError::new_kdl_error(
+                        format!("Failed to parse plugin: {}", e),
+                        kdl_action.span().offset(),
+                        kdl_action.span().len(),
+                    )
+                })?;
                 Ok(Action::LaunchOrFocusPlugin(
-                    run_plugin,
+                    run_plugin_or_alias,
                     should_float,
                     move_to_focused_tab,
                     should_open_in_place,
@@ -1019,15 +1026,22 @@ impl TryFrom<(&KdlNode, &Options)> for Action {
                     .and_then(|c_m| kdl_child_bool_value_for_entry(c_m, "skip_plugin_cache"))
                     .unwrap_or(false);
                 let current_dir = std::env::current_dir().unwrap_or_else(|_| PathBuf::from("."));
-                let location = RunPluginLocation::parse(&plugin_path, Some(current_dir))?;
                 let configuration = KdlLayoutParser::parse_plugin_user_configuration(&kdl_action)?;
-                let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
-                    location,
-                    _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                    configuration,
-                };
+                let run_plugin_or_alias = RunPluginOrAlias::from_url(
+                    &plugin_path,
+                    &Some(configuration.inner().clone()),
+                    None,
+                    Some(current_dir),
+                )
+                .map_err(|e| {
+                    ConfigError::new_kdl_error(
+                        format!("Failed to parse plugin: {}", e),
+                        kdl_action.span().offset(),
+                        kdl_action.span().len(),
+                    )
+                })?;
                 Ok(Action::LaunchPlugin(
-                    run_plugin,
+                    run_plugin_or_alias,
                     should_float,
                     should_open_in_place,
                     skip_plugin_cache,
@@ -1810,9 +1824,9 @@ impl Config {
             let config_themes = Themes::from_kdl(kdl_themes)?;
             config.themes = config.themes.merge(config_themes);
         }
-        if let Some(kdl_plugin_config) = kdl_config.get("plugins") {
-            let config_plugins = PluginsConfig::from_kdl(kdl_plugin_config)?;
-            config.plugins = config.plugins.merge(config_plugins);
+        if let Some(kdl_plugin_aliases) = kdl_config.get("plugins") {
+            let config_plugins = PluginAliases::from_kdl(kdl_plugin_aliases)?;
+            config.plugins.merge(config_plugins);
         }
         if let Some(kdl_ui_config) = kdl_config.get("ui") {
             let config_ui = UiConfig::from_kdl(&kdl_ui_config)?;
@@ -1826,38 +1840,27 @@ impl Config {
     }
 }
 
-impl PluginsConfig {
-    pub fn from_kdl(kdl_plugin_config: &KdlNode) -> Result<Self, ConfigError> {
-        let mut plugins: HashMap<PluginTag, PluginConfig> = HashMap::new();
-        for plugin_config in
-            kdl_children_nodes_or_error!(kdl_plugin_config, "no plugin config found")
-        {
-            let plugin_name = kdl_name!(plugin_config);
-            let plugin_tag = PluginTag::new(plugin_name);
-            let path = kdl_children_property_first_arg_as_string!(plugin_config, "path")
-                .map(|path| PathBuf::from(path))
-                .ok_or(ConfigError::new_kdl_error(
-                    "Plugin path not found or invalid".into(),
-                    plugin_config.span().offset(),
-                    plugin_config.span().len(),
-                ))?;
-            let allow_exec_host_cmd =
-                kdl_children_property_first_arg_as_bool!(plugin_config, "_allow_exec_host_cmd")
-                    .unwrap_or(false);
-            let plugin_config = PluginConfig {
-                path,
-                run: PluginType::Pane(None),
-                location: RunPluginLocation::Zellij(plugin_tag.clone()),
-                _allow_exec_host_cmd: allow_exec_host_cmd,
-                userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration::new(BTreeMap::new()), // TODO: consider removing the whole
-                                                                                        // "plugins" section in the config
-                                                                                        // because it's not used???
-            };
-            plugins.insert(plugin_tag, plugin_config);
+impl PluginAliases {
+    pub fn from_kdl(kdl_plugin_aliases: &KdlNode) -> Result<PluginAliases, ConfigError> {
+        let mut aliases: BTreeMap<String, RunPlugin> = BTreeMap::new();
+        if let Some(kdl_plugin_aliases) = kdl_children_nodes!(kdl_plugin_aliases) {
+            for alias_definition in kdl_plugin_aliases {
+                let alias_name = kdl_name!(alias_definition);
+                if let Some(string_url) =
+                    kdl_get_string_property_or_child_value!(alias_definition, "location")
+                {
+                    let configuration =
+                        KdlLayoutParser::parse_plugin_user_configuration(&alias_definition)?;
+                    let run_plugin = RunPlugin::from_url(string_url)?
+                        .with_configuration(configuration.inner().clone());
+                    aliases.insert(alias_name.to_owned(), run_plugin);
+                }
+            }
         }
-        Ok(PluginsConfig(plugins))
+        Ok(PluginAliases { aliases })
     }
 }
+
 impl UiConfig {
     pub fn from_kdl(kdl_ui_config: &KdlNode) -> Result<UiConfig, ConfigError> {
         let mut ui_config = UiConfig::default();
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.rs b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.rs
index ed657897..5673d1f9 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.rs
@@ -18,9 +18,10 @@ use crate::errors::prelude::*;
 use crate::input::actions::Action;
 use crate::input::actions::{SearchDirection, SearchOption};
 use crate::input::command::RunCommandAction;
-use crate::input::layout::{PluginUserConfiguration, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation};
+use crate::input::layout::{
+    PluginUserConfiguration, RunPlugin, RunPluginLocation, RunPluginOrAlias,
+};
 use crate::position::Position;
-use url::Url;
 
 use std::collections::BTreeMap;
 use std::convert::TryFrom;
@@ -403,24 +404,23 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
             Some(ProtobufActionName::LaunchOrFocusPlugin) => {
                 match protobuf_action.optional_payload {
                     Some(OptionalPayload::LaunchOrFocusPluginPayload(payload)) => {
-                        let run_plugin_location =
-                            RunPluginLocation::parse(&payload.plugin_url, None)
-                                .map_err(|_| "Malformed LaunchOrFocusPlugin payload")?;
                         let configuration: PluginUserConfiguration = payload
                             .plugin_configuration
                             .and_then(|p| PluginUserConfiguration::try_from(p).ok())
                             .unwrap_or_default();
-                        let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
-                            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                            location: run_plugin_location,
-                            configuration,
-                        };
+                        let run_plugin_or_alias = RunPluginOrAlias::from_url(
+                            &payload.plugin_url.as_str(),
+                            &Some(configuration.inner().clone()),
+                            None,
+                            None,
+                        )
+                        .map_err(|_| "Malformed LaunchOrFocusPlugin payload")?;
                         let should_float = payload.should_float;
                         let move_to_focused_tab = payload.move_to_focused_tab;
                         let should_open_in_place = payload.should_open_in_place;
                         let skip_plugin_cache = payload.skip_plugin_cache;
                         Ok(Action::LaunchOrFocusPlugin(
-                            run_plugin,
+                            run_plugin_or_alias,
                             should_float,
                             move_to_focused_tab,
                             should_open_in_place,
@@ -432,25 +432,24 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
             },
             Some(ProtobufActionName::LaunchPlugin) => match protobuf_action.optional_payload {
                 Some(OptionalPayload::LaunchOrFocusPluginPayload(payload)) => {
-                    let run_plugin_location =
-                        RunPluginLocation::parse(&payload.plugin_url, None)
-                            .map_err(|_| "Malformed LaunchOrFocusPlugin payload")?;
                     let configuration: PluginUserConfiguration = payload
                         .plugin_configuration
                         .and_then(|p| PluginUserConfiguration::try_from(p).ok())
                         .unwrap_or_default();
-                    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
-                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                        location: run_plugin_location,
-                        configuration,
-                    };
+                    let run_plugin_or_alias = RunPluginOrAlias::from_url(
+                        &payload.plugin_url.as_str(),
+                        &Some(configuration.inner().clone()),
+                        None,
+                        None,
+                    )
+                    .map_err(|_| "Malformed LaunchOrFocusPlugin payload")?;
                     let should_float = payload.should_float;
                     let _move_to_focused_tab = payload.move_to_focused_tab; // not actually used in
                                                                             // this action
                     let should_open_in_place = payload.should_open_in_place;
                     let skip_plugin_cache = payload.skip_plugin_cache;
                     Ok(Action::LaunchPlugin(
-                        run_plugin,
+                        run_plugin_or_alias,
                         should_float,
                         should_open_in_place,
                         skip_plugin_cache,
@@ -553,11 +552,11 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                         let run_plugin_location =
                             RunPluginLocation::parse(&payload.plugin_url, None)
                                 .map_err(|_| "Malformed NewTiledPluginPane payload")?;
-                        let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+                        let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
                             location: run_plugin_location,
                             _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
                             configuration: PluginUserConfiguration::default(),
-                        };
+                        });
                         let pane_name = payload.pane_name;
                         let skip_plugin_cache = payload.skip_plugin_cache;
                         Ok(Action::NewTiledPluginPane(
@@ -576,11 +575,11 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                         let run_plugin_location =
                             RunPluginLocation::parse(&payload.plugin_url, None)
                                 .map_err(|_| "Malformed NewTiledPluginPane payload")?;
-                        let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+                        let run_plugin = RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(RunPlugin {
                             location: run_plugin_location,
                             _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
                             configuration: PluginUserConfiguration::default(),
-                        };
+                        });
                         let pane_name = payload.pane_name;
                         let skip_plugin_cache = payload.skip_plugin_cache;
                         Ok(Action::NewFloatingPluginPane(
@@ -597,14 +596,11 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
             Some(ProtobufActionName::StartOrReloadPlugin) => {
                 match protobuf_action.optional_payload {
                     Some(OptionalPayload::StartOrReloadPluginPayload(payload)) => {
-                        let run_plugin_location = RunPluginLocation::parse(&payload, None)
-                            .map_err(|_| "Malformed StartOrReloadPluginPayload payload")?;
-                        let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
-                            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                            location: run_plugin_location,
-                            configuration: PluginUserConfiguration::default(),
-                        };
-                        Ok(Action::StartOrReloadPlugin(run_plugin))
+                        let run_plugin_or_alias =
+                            RunPluginOrAlias::from_url(&payload.as_str(), &None, None, None)
+                                .map_err(|_| "Malformed LaunchOrFocusPlugin payload")?;
+
+                        Ok(Action::StartOrReloadPlugin(run_plugin_or_alias))
                     },
                     _ => Err("Wrong payload for Action::StartOrReloadPlugin"),
                 }
@@ -1044,44 +1040,44 @@ impl TryFrom<Action> for ProtobufAction {
                 })
             },
             Action::LaunchOrFocusPlugin(
-                run_plugin,
+                run_plugin_or_alias,
                 should_float,
                 move_to_focused_tab,
                 should_open_in_place,
                 skip_plugin_cache,
             ) => {
-                let url: Url = Url::from(&run_plugin.location);
+                let configuration = run_plugin_or_alias.get_configuration().unwrap_or_default();
                 Ok(ProtobufAction {
                     name: ProtobufActionName::LaunchOrFocusPlugin as i32,
                     optional_payload: Some(OptionalPayload::LaunchOrFocusPluginPayload(
                         LaunchOrFocusPluginPayload {
-                            plugin_url: url.into(),
+                            plugin_url: run_plugin_or_alias.location_string(),
                             should_float,
                             move_to_focused_tab,
                             should_open_in_place,
-                            plugin_configuration: Some(run_plugin.configuration.try_into()?),
+                            plugin_configuration: Some(configuration.try_into()?),
                             skip_plugin_cache,
                         },
                     )),
                 })
             },
             Action::LaunchPlugin(
-                run_plugin,
+                run_plugin_or_alias,
                 should_float,
                 should_open_in_place,
                 skip_plugin_cache,
                 _cwd,
             ) => {
-                let url: Url = Url::from(&run_plugin.location);
+                let configuration = run_plugin_or_alias.get_configuration().unwrap_or_default();
                 Ok(ProtobufAction {
                     name: ProtobufActionName::LaunchPlugin as i32,
                     optional_payload: Some(OptionalPayload::LaunchOrFocusPluginPayload(
                         LaunchOrFocusPluginPayload {
-                            plugin_url: url.into(),
+                            plugin_url: run_plugin_or_alias.location_string(),
                             should_float,
                             move_to_focused_tab: false,
                             should_open_in_place,
-                            plugin_configuration: Some(run_plugin.configuration.try_into()?),
+                            plugin_configuration: Some(configuration.try_into()?),
                             skip_plugin_cache,
                         },
                     )),
@@ -1166,12 +1162,11 @@ impl TryFrom<Action> for ProtobufAction {
                 optional_payload: None,
             }),
             Action::NewTiledPluginPane(run_plugin, pane_name, skip_plugin_cache, _cwd) => {
-                let plugin_url: Url = Url::from(&run_plugin.location);
                 Ok(ProtobufAction {
                     name: ProtobufActionName::NewTiledPluginPane as i32,
                     optional_payload: Some(OptionalPayload::NewTiledPluginPanePayload(
                         NewPluginPanePayload {
-                            plugin_url: plugin_url.into(),
+                            plugin_url: run_plugin.location_string(),
                             pane_name,
                             skip_plugin_cache,
                         },
@@ -1185,27 +1180,30 @@ impl TryFrom<Action> for ProtobufAction {
                 _cwd,
                 _coordinates,
             ) => {
-                let plugin_url: Url = Url::from(&run_plugin.location);
+                //                 let plugin_url: Url = match run_plugin {
+                //                     RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(run_plugin) => Url::from(&run_plugin.location),
+                //                     RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(plugin_alias) => {
+                //                         // TODO: support plugin alias
+                //                         unimplemented!()
+                //                     }
+                //                 };
                 Ok(ProtobufAction {
                     name: ProtobufActionName::NewFloatingPluginPane as i32,
                     optional_payload: Some(OptionalPayload::NewFloatingPluginPanePayload(
                         NewPluginPanePayload {
-                            plugin_url: plugin_url.into(),
+                            plugin_url: run_plugin.location_string(),
                             pane_name,
                             skip_plugin_cache,
                         },
                     )),
                 })
             },
-            Action::StartOrReloadPlugin(run_plugin) => {
-                let plugin_url: Url = Url::from(&run_plugin.location);
-                Ok(ProtobufAction {
-                    name: ProtobufActionName::StartOrReloadPlugin as i32,
-                    optional_payload: Some(OptionalPayload::StartOrReloadPluginPayload(
-                        plugin_url.into(),
-                    )),
-                })
-            },
+            Action::StartOrReloadPlugin(run_plugin) => Ok(ProtobufAction {
+                name: ProtobufActionName::StartOrReloadPlugin as i32,
+                optional_payload: Some(OptionalPayload::StartOrReloadPluginPayload(
+                    run_plugin.location_string(),
+                )),
+            }),
             Action::CloseTerminalPane(terminal_pane_id) => Ok(ProtobufAction {
                 name: ProtobufActionName::CloseTerminalPane as i32,
                 optional_payload: Some(OptionalPayload::CloseTerminalPanePayload(terminal_pane_id)),
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/session_serialization.rs b/zellij-utils/src/session_serialization.rs
index 0cd97328..d34aeb14 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/session_serialization.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/session_serialization.rs
@@ -1,20 +1,11 @@
-//! # Persistence module
-//! !WIP! This module is holding the logic for all persistence sessions need
-//!
-//! # Examples
-//! ```rust,no_run
-//! fn main() {
-//! }
-//! ```
-//!
 use std::collections::BTreeMap;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 
 use crate::{
     input::layout::PluginUserConfiguration,
     input::layout::{
-        FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, PercentOrFixed, Run, SplitDirection, SplitSize,
-        SwapFloatingLayout, SwapTiledLayout, TiledPaneLayout,
+        FloatingPaneLayout, Layout, PercentOrFixed, Run, RunPluginOrAlias, SplitDirection,
+        SplitSize, SwapFloatingLayout, SwapTiledLayout, TiledPaneLayout,
     },
     pane_size::{Constraint, PaneGeom},
 };
@@ -238,10 +229,20 @@ fn extract_plugin_and_config(
     layout_run: &Option<Run>,
 ) -> (Option<String>, Option<PluginUserConfiguration>) {
     match &layout_run {
-        Some(Run::Plugin(run_plugin)) => (
-            Some(run_plugin.location.display()),
-            Some(run_plugin.configuration.clone()),
-        ),
+        Some(Run::Plugin(run_plugin_or_alias)) => match run_plugin_or_alias {
+            RunPluginOrAlias::RunPlugin(run_plugin) => (
+                Some(run_plugin.location.display()),
+                Some(run_plugin.configuration.clone()),
+            ),
+            RunPluginOrAlias::Alias(plugin_alias) => {
+                let name = plugin_alias.name.clone();
+                let configuration = plugin_alias
+                    .run_plugin
+                    .as_ref()
+                    .map(|run_plugin| run_plugin.configuration.clone());
+                (Some(name), configuration)
+            },
+        },
         _ => (None, None),
     }
 }
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/setup.rs b/zellij-utils/src/setup.rs
index bf34a894..d4146587 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/setup.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/setup.rs
@@ -770,20 +770,6 @@ mod setup_test {
         assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", config));
     }
     #[test]
-    fn layout_plugins_override_config_plugins() {
-        let mut cli_args = CliArgs::default();
-        cli_args.config = Some(PathBuf::from(format!(
-            "{}/src/test-fixtures/config-with-plugins-config.kdl",
-            env!("CARGO_MANIFEST_DIR")
-        )));
-        cli_args.layout = Some(PathBuf::from(format!(
-            "{}/src/test-fixtures/layout-with-plugins-config.kdl",
-            env!("CARGO_MANIFEST_DIR")
-        )));
-        let (config, _layout, _options, _, _) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
-        assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", config));
-    }
-    #[test]
     fn layout_themes_override_config_themes() {
         let mut cli_args = CliArgs::default();
         cli_args.config = Some(PathBuf::from(format!(
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments-2.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments-2.snap
index e98379dd..ade6b116 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments-2.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments-2.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-utils/src/setup.rs
-assertion_line: 672
+assertion_line: 699
 expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", layout)"
 ---
 Layout {
@@ -23,17 +23,17 @@ Layout {
                         ),
                         run: Some(
                             Plugin(
-                                RunPlugin {
-                                    _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                    location: Zellij(
-                                        PluginTag(
-                                            "tab-bar",
+                                Alias(
+                                    PluginAlias {
+                                        name: "tab-bar",
+                                        configuration: Some(
+                                            PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                {},
+                                            ),
                                         ),
-                                    ),
-                                    configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                        {},
-                                    ),
-                                },
+                                        run_plugin: None,
+                                    },
+                                ),
                             ),
                         ),
                         borderless: true,
@@ -73,17 +73,17 @@ Layout {
                         ),
                         run: Some(
                             Plugin(
-                                RunPlugin {
-                                    _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                    location: Zellij(
-                                        PluginTag(
-                                            "status-bar",
+                                Alias(
+                                    PluginAlias {
+                                        name: "status-bar",
+                                        configuration: Some(
+                                            PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                {},
+                                            ),
                                         ),
-                                    ),
-                                    configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                        {},
-                                    ),
-                                },
+                                        run_plugin: None,
+                                    },
+                                ),
                             ),
                         ),
                         borderless: true,
@@ -133,17 +133,17 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "tab-bar",
+                                    Alias(
+                                        PluginAlias {
+                                            name: "tab-bar",
+                                            configuration: Some(
+                                                PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                    {},
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            run_plugin: None,
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -235,17 +235,17 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "status-bar",
+                                    Alias(
+                                        PluginAlias {
+                                            name: "status-bar",
+                                            configuration: Some(
+                                                PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                    {},
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            run_plugin: None,
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -288,17 +288,17 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "tab-bar",
+                                    Alias(
+                                        PluginAlias {
+                                            name: "tab-bar",
+                                            configuration: Some(
+                                                PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                    {},
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            run_plugin: None,
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -455,17 +455,17 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "status-bar",
+                                    Alias(
+                                        PluginAlias {
+                                            name: "status-bar",
+                                            configuration: Some(
+                                                PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                    {},
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            run_plugin: None,
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -508,17 +508,17 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "tab-bar",
+                                    Alias(
+                                        PluginAlias {
+                                            name: "tab-bar",
+                                            configuration: Some(
+                                                PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                    {},
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            run_plugin: None,
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -756,17 +756,17 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "status-bar",
+                                    Alias(
+                                        PluginAlias {
+                                            name: "status-bar",
+                                            configuration: Some(
+                                                PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                    {},
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            run_plugin: None,
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -816,17 +816,17 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "tab-bar",
+                                    Alias(
+                                        PluginAlias {
+                                            name: "tab-bar",
+                                            configuration: Some(
+                                                PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                    {},
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            run_plugin: None,
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -899,17 +899,17 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "status-bar",
+                                    Alias(
+                                        PluginAlias {
+                                            name: "status-bar",
+                                            configuration: Some(
+                                                PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                    {},
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            run_plugin: None,
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -952,17 +952,17 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "tab-bar",
+                                    Alias(
+                                        PluginAlias {
+                                            name: "tab-bar",
+                                            configuration: Some(
+                                                PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                    {},
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            run_plugin: None,
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -1119,17 +1119,17 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "status-bar",
+                                    Alias(
+                                        PluginAlias {
+                                            name: "status-bar",
+                                            configuration: Some(
+                                                PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                    {},
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            run_plugin: None,
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -1172,17 +1172,17 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "tab-bar",
+                                    Alias(
+                                        PluginAlias {
+                                            name: "tab-bar",
+                                            configuration: Some(
+                                                PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                    {},
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            run_plugin: None,
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -1420,17 +1420,17 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "status-bar",
+                                    Alias(
+                                        PluginAlias {
+                                            name: "status-bar",
+                                            configuration: Some(
+                                                PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                    {},
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            run_plugin: None,
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -1480,17 +1480,17 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "tab-bar",
+                                    Alias(
+                                        PluginAlias {
+                                            name: "tab-bar",
+                                            configuration: Some(
+                                                PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                    {},
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            run_plugin: None,
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
@@ -1582,17 +1582,17 @@ Layout {
                             ),
                             run: Some(
                                 Plugin(
-                                    RunPlugin {
-                                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                                        location: Zellij(
-                                            PluginTag(
-                                                "status-bar",
+                                    Alias(
+                                        PluginAlias {
+                                            name: "status-bar",
+                                            configuration: Some(
+                                                PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                                    {},
+                                                ),
                                             ),
-                                        ),
-                                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                                            {},
-                                        ),
-                                    },
+                                            run_plugin: None,
+                                        },
+                                    ),
                                 ),
                             ),
                             borderless: true,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments.snap
index f73b753e..18eaddce 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-utils/src/setup.rs
-assertion_line: 671
+assertion_line: 698
 expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", config)"
 ---
 Config {
@@ -2655,17 +2655,19 @@ Config {
                 'w',
             ): [
                 LaunchOrFocusPlugin(
-                    RunPlugin {
-                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                        location: Zellij(
-                            PluginTag(
-                                "session-manager",
+                    RunPlugin(
+                        RunPlugin {
+                            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                            location: Zellij(
+                                PluginTag(
+                                    "session-manager",
+                                ),
                             ),
-                        ),
-                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                            {},
-                        ),
-                    },
+                            configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                {},
+                            ),
+                        },
+                    ),
                     true,
                     true,
                     false,
@@ -3831,91 +3833,87 @@ Config {
         serialization_interval: None,
     },
     themes: {},
-    plugins: {
-        PluginTag(
-            "compact-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "compact-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "compact-bar",
+    plugins: PluginAliases {
+        aliases: {
+            "compact-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "compact-bar",
+                    ),
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "session-manager",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "session-manager",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "session-manager",
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "status-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "status-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "status-bar",
+            },
+            "filepicker": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "strider",
+                    ),
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "strider",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "strider",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "strider",
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "tab-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "tab-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "tab-bar",
+            },
+            "session-manager": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "session-manager",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "status-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "status-bar",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "strider": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "strider",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "tab-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "tab-bar",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "welcome-screen": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "session-manager",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {
+                        "welcome_screen": "true",
+                    },
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
+            },
         },
     },
     ui: UiConfig {
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_env_vars_override_config_env_vars.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_env_vars_override_config_env_vars.snap
index b5c185c8..89f544ff 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_env_vars_override_config_env_vars.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_env_vars_override_config_env_vars.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-utils/src/setup.rs
-assertion_line: 729
+assertion_line: 756
 expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", config)"
 ---
 Config {
@@ -2655,17 +2655,19 @@ Config {
                 'w',
             ): [
                 LaunchOrFocusPlugin(
-                    RunPlugin {
-                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                        location: Zellij(
-                            PluginTag(
-                                "session-manager",
+                    RunPlugin(
+                        RunPlugin {
+                            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                            location: Zellij(
+                                PluginTag(
+                                    "session-manager",
+                                ),
                             ),
-                        ),
-                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                            {},
-                        ),
-                    },
+                            configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                {},
+                            ),
+                        },
+                    ),
                     true,
                     true,
                     false,
@@ -3831,91 +3833,87 @@ Config {
         serialization_interval: None,
     },
     themes: {},
-    plugins: {
-        PluginTag(
-            "compact-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "compact-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "compact-bar",
+    plugins: PluginAliases {
+        aliases: {
+            "compact-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "compact-bar",
+                    ),
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "session-manager",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "session-manager",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "session-manager",
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "status-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "status-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "status-bar",
+            },
+            "filepicker": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "strider",
+                    ),
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "strider",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "strider",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "strider",
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "tab-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "tab-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "tab-bar",
+            },
+            "session-manager": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "session-manager",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "status-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "status-bar",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "strider": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "strider",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "tab-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "tab-bar",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "welcome-screen": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "session-manager",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {
+                        "welcome_screen": "true",
+                    },
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
+            },
         },
     },
     ui: UiConfig {
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_keybinds_override_config_keybinds.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_keybinds_override_config_keybinds.snap
index a6df2f5e..23fddc93 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_keybinds_override_config_keybinds.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_keybinds_override_config_keybinds.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-utils/src/setup.rs
-assertion_line: 785
+assertion_line: 813
 expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", config)"
 ---
 Config {
@@ -89,91 +89,87 @@ Config {
         serialization_interval: None,
     },
     themes: {},
-    plugins: {
-        PluginTag(
-            "compact-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "compact-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "compact-bar",
+    plugins: PluginAliases {
+        aliases: {
+            "compact-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "compact-bar",
+                    ),
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "session-manager",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "session-manager",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "session-manager",
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "status-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "status-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "status-bar",
+            },
+            "filepicker": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "strider",
+                    ),
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "strider",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "strider",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "strider",
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "tab-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "tab-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "tab-bar",
+            },
+            "session-manager": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "session-manager",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "status-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "status-bar",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "strider": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "strider",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "tab-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "tab-bar",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "welcome-screen": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "session-manager",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {
+                        "welcome_screen": "true",
+                    },
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
+            },
         },
     },
     ui: UiConfig {
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_plugins_override_config_plugins.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_plugins_override_config_plugins.snap
index e055135e..6e891732 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_plugins_override_config_plugins.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_plugins_override_config_plugins.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-utils/src/setup.rs
-assertion_line: 757
+assertion_line: 784
 expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", config)"
 ---
 Config {
@@ -2655,17 +2655,19 @@ Config {
                 'w',
             ): [
                 LaunchOrFocusPlugin(
-                    RunPlugin {
-                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                        location: Zellij(
-                            PluginTag(
-                                "session-manager",
+                    RunPlugin(
+                        RunPlugin {
+                            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                            location: Zellij(
+                                PluginTag(
+                                    "session-manager",
+                                ),
                             ),
-                        ),
-                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                            {},
-                        ),
-                    },
+                            configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                {},
+                            ),
+                        },
+                    ),
                     true,
                     true,
                     false,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_themes_override_config_themes.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_themes_override_config_themes.snap
index ba5df24d..1d682130 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_themes_override_config_themes.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_themes_override_config_themes.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-utils/src/setup.rs
-assertion_line: 771
+assertion_line: 799
 expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", config)"
 ---
 Config {
@@ -2655,17 +2655,19 @@ Config {
                 'w',
             ): [
                 LaunchOrFocusPlugin(
-                    RunPlugin {
-                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                        location: Zellij(
-                            PluginTag(
-                                "session-manager",
+                    RunPlugin(
+                        RunPlugin {
+                            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                            location: Zellij(
+                                PluginTag(
+                                    "session-manager",
+                                ),
                             ),
-                        ),
-                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                            {},
-                        ),
-                    },
+                            configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                {},
+                            ),
+                        },
+                    ),
                     true,
                     true,
                     false,
@@ -4135,91 +4137,87 @@ Config {
             },
         },
     },
-    plugins: {
-        PluginTag(
-            "compact-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "compact-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "compact-bar",
+    plugins: PluginAliases {
+        aliases: {
+            "compact-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "compact-bar",
+                    ),
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "session-manager",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "session-manager",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "session-manager",
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "status-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "status-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "status-bar",
+            },
+            "filepicker": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "strider",
+                    ),
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "strider",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "strider",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "strider",
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "tab-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "tab-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "tab-bar",
+            },
+            "session-manager": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "session-manager",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "status-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "status-bar",
+                    ),
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "strider": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "strider",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "tab-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "tab-bar",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "welcome-screen": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "session-manager",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {
+                        "welcome_screen": "true",
+                    },
+                ),
+            },
         },
     },
     ui: UiConfig {
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_ui_config_overrides_config_ui_config.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_ui_config_overrides_config_ui_config.snap
index a6e7350e..de44f0f1 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_ui_config_overrides_config_ui_config.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_ui_config_overrides_config_ui_config.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-utils/src/setup.rs
-assertion_line: 743
+assertion_line: 770
 expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", config)"
 ---
 Config {
@@ -2655,17 +2655,19 @@ Config {
                 'w',
             ): [
                 LaunchOrFocusPlugin(
-                    RunPlugin {
-                        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-                        location: Zellij(
-                            PluginTag(
-                                "session-manager",
+                    RunPlugin(
+                        RunPlugin {
+                            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                            location: Zellij(
+                                PluginTag(
+                                    "session-manager",
+                                ),
                             ),
-                        ),
-                        configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                            {},
-                        ),
-                    },
+                            configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                                {},
+                            ),
+                        },
+                    ),
                     true,
                     true,
                     false,
@@ -3831,91 +3833,87 @@ Config {
         serialization_interval: None,
     },
     themes: {},
-    plugins: {
-        PluginTag(
-            "compact-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "compact-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "compact-bar",
+    plugins: PluginAliases {
+        aliases: {
+            "compact-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "compact-bar",
+                    ),
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "session-manager",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "session-manager",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "session-manager",
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "status-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "status-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "status-bar",
+            },
+            "filepicker": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "strider",
+                    ),
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "strider",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "strider",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "strider",
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
-        },
-        PluginTag(
-            "tab-bar",
-        ): PluginConfig {
-            path: "tab-bar",
-            run: Pane(
-                None,
-            ),
-            _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
-            location: Zellij(
-                PluginTag(
-                    "tab-bar",
+            },
+            "session-manager": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "session-manager",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "status-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "status-bar",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "strider": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "strider",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "tab-bar": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "tab-bar",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {},
+                ),
+            },
+            "welcome-screen": RunPlugin {
+                _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+                location: Zellij(
+                    PluginTag(
+                        "session-manager",
+                    ),
+                ),
+                configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
+                    {
+                        "welcome_screen": "true",
+                    },
                 ),
-            ),
-            userspace_configuration: PluginUserConfiguration(
-                {},
-            ),
+            },
         },
     },
     ui: UiConfig {