It is possible to install an Eclipse plug-in by creating a plugins folder in an OMNeT⁠+⁠+ project and copying the plug-in JAR file to that folder (this mechanism is implemented as part of the Simulation IDE and does not work in generic Eclipse installations or with non-OMNeT⁠+⁠+ projects). This extension mechanism allows the distribution of model-specific IDE extensions together with a simulation project without requiring the end user to do extra deployment steps to install the plug-in. Plugins and wizards that are distributed with a project are automatically activated when the host project is opened.

Eclipse plug-in JAR files can be created using the Plug-in Development Environment. The OMNeT⁠+⁠+ IDE does not contain the PDE by default; however, it can be easily installed, if necessary.