---
title: Private Gem Repositories
description: The Logstash plugin manager connects to a Ruby gems repository to install and update Logstash plugins. By default, this repository is http://rubygems.org...
url: https://www.elastic.co/docs/reference/logstash/private-rubygem
products:
  - Logstash
---

# Private Gem Repositories
The Logstash plugin manager connects to a Ruby gems repository to install and update Logstash plugins. By default, this repository is [http://rubygems.org](http://rubygems.org).
Some use cases are unable to use the default repository, as in the following examples:
- A firewall blocks access to the default repository.
- You are developing your own plugins locally.
- Airgap requirements on the local system.

When you use a custom gem repository, be sure to make plugin dependencies available.
Several open source projects enable you to run your own plugin server, among them:
- [Geminabox](https://github.com/geminabox/geminabox)
- [Gemirro](https://github.com/PierreRambaud/gemirro)
- [Gemfury](https://gemfury.com/)
- [Artifactory](http://www.jfrog.com/open-source/)


## Editing the Gemfile

The gemfile is a configuration file that specifies information required for plugin management. Each gem file has a `source` line that specifies a location for plugin content.
By default, the gemfile’s `source` line reads:
```shell
# This is a Logstash generated Gemfile.
# If you modify this file manually all comments and formatting will be lost.

source "https://rubygems.org"
```

To change the source, edit the `source` line to contain your preferred source, as in the following example:
```shell
# This is a Logstash generated Gemfile.
# If you modify this file manually all comments and formatting will be lost.

source "https://my.private.repository"
```

After saving the new version of the gemfile, use [plugin management commands](https://www.elastic.co/docs/reference/logstash/working-with-plugins) normally.
The following links contain further material on setting up some commonly used repositories:
- [Geminabox](https://github.com/geminabox/geminabox/blob/master/README.md)
- [Artifactory](https://www.jfrog.com/confluence/display/RTF/RubyGems+Repositories)
- Running a [rubygems mirror](http://guides.rubygems.org/run-your-own-gem-server/)