diff --git a/Readme.rst b/Readme.rst
index 42ef41da3..d6ffcde23 100644
--- a/Readme.rst
+++ b/Readme.rst
@@ -209,6 +209,25 @@ or is a prefix ending at a '/' boundary would be considered for execution, i.e.
 for context ``foo/bar/baz``, possible matches are any of ``@foo/bar/baz``, ``@foo/bar``,
 ``@foo`` or none.
 
+Enabling plugins
+================
+
+Many plugins can be in a distinct enabled or disabled state. Some of
+them activate and deactivate automatically depending on the contents
+of the world raws. Others store their state in world data. However a
+number of them have to be enabled globally, and the init file is the
+right place to do it.
+
+Most of such plugins support the built-in ``enable`` and ``disable``
+commands. Calling them at any time without arguments prints a list
+of enabled and disabled plugins, and shows whether that can be changed
+through the same commands.
+
+To enable or disable plugins that support this, use their names as
+arguments for the command::
+
+  enable manipulator search
+
 
 ========
 Commands
diff --git a/dfhack.init-example b/dfhack.init-example
index b07603cc5..05fd020bc 100644
--- a/dfhack.init-example
+++ b/dfhack.init-example
@@ -150,8 +150,24 @@ tweak military-training
 # prevent crash if bees die in a hive with ungathered products by insta-gathering them
 tweak hive-crash
 
-# enable autoSyndrome
-autoSyndrome enable
+###########################
+# Globally acting plugins #
+###########################
+
+# Dwarf Manipulator (simple in-game Dwarf Therapist replacement)
+enable manipulator
+
+# Search tool in various screens (by falconne)
+enable search
+
+# Improved build material selection interface (by falconne)
+enable automaterial
+
+# Other interface improvement tools
+#enable dwarfmonitor mousequery autotrade buildingplan resume zone
+
+# Auto Syndrome
+#autoSyndrome enable
 
 ###########
 # Scripts #
diff --git a/library/Core.cpp b/library/Core.cpp
index 2b118e2ae..b8a5f4808 100644
--- a/library/Core.cpp
+++ b/library/Core.cpp
@@ -544,6 +544,56 @@ command_result Core::runCommand(color_ostream &con, const std::string &first, ve
                 }
             }
         }
+        else if( first == "enable" || first == "disable" )
+        {
+            CoreSuspender suspend;
+            bool enable = (first == "enable");
+
+            if(parts.size())
+            {
+                command_result res = CR_OK;
+
+                for (size_t i = 0; i < parts.size(); i++)
+                {
+                    Plugin * plug = plug_mgr->getPluginByName(parts[i]);
+
+                    if(!plug)
+                    {
+                        res = CR_NOT_FOUND;
+                        con.printerr("No such plugin: %s\n", parts[i].c_str());
+                    }
+                    else if (!plug->can_set_enabled())
+                    {
+                        res = CR_NOT_IMPLEMENTED;
+                        con.printerr("Cannot %s plugin: %s\n", first.c_str(), parts[i].c_str());
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        res = plug->set_enabled(con, enable);
+
+                        if (res != CR_OK || plug->is_enabled() != enable)
+                            con.printerr("Could not %s plugin: %s\n", first.c_str(), parts[i].c_str());
+                    }
+                }
+
+                return res;
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                for(size_t i = 0; i < plug_mgr->size();i++)
+                {
+                    Plugin * plug = (plug_mgr->operator[](i));
+                    if (!plug->can_be_enabled()) continue;
+
+                    con.print(
+                        "%20s\t%-3s%s\n",
+                        (plug->getName()+":").c_str(),
+                        plug->is_enabled() ? "on" : "off",
+                        plug->can_set_enabled() ? "" : " (controlled elsewhere)"
+                    );
+                }
+            }
+        }
         else if(first == "ls" || first == "dir")
         {
             bool all = false;
@@ -584,6 +634,7 @@ command_result Core::runCommand(color_ostream &con, const std::string &first, ve
                 "  load PLUGIN|all       - Load a plugin by name or load all possible plugins.\n"
                 "  unload PLUGIN|all     - Unload a plugin or all loaded plugins.\n"
                 "  reload PLUGIN|all     - Reload a plugin or all loaded plugins.\n"
+                "  enable/disable PLUGIN - Enable or disable a plugin if supported.\n"
                 "\n"
                 "plugins:\n"
                 );
diff --git a/library/PluginManager.cpp b/library/PluginManager.cpp
index d5636109b..3ef4910cb 100644
--- a/library/PluginManager.cpp
+++ b/library/PluginManager.cpp
@@ -172,6 +172,8 @@ Plugin::Plugin(Core * core, const std::string & filepath, const std::string & _f
     plugin_onupdate = 0;
     plugin_onstatechange = 0;
     plugin_rpcconnect = 0;
+    plugin_enable = 0;
+    plugin_is_enabled = 0;
     state = PS_UNLOADED;
     access = new RefLock();
 }
@@ -245,6 +247,8 @@ bool Plugin::load(color_ostream &con)
     plugin_shutdown = (command_result (*)(color_ostream &)) LookupPlugin(plug, "plugin_shutdown");
     plugin_onstatechange = (command_result (*)(color_ostream &, state_change_event)) LookupPlugin(plug, "plugin_onstatechange");
     plugin_rpcconnect = (RPCService* (*)(color_ostream &)) LookupPlugin(plug, "plugin_rpcconnect");
+    plugin_enable = (command_result (*)(color_ostream &,bool)) LookupPlugin(plug, "plugin_enable");
+    plugin_is_enabled = (bool*) LookupPlugin(plug, "plugin_is_enabled");
     plugin_eval_ruby = (command_result (*)(color_ostream &, const char*)) LookupPlugin(plug, "plugin_eval_ruby");
     index_lua(plug);
     this->name = *plug_name;
@@ -254,11 +258,15 @@ bool Plugin::load(color_ostream &con)
     {
         state = PS_LOADED;
         parent->registerCommands(this);
+        if ((plugin_onupdate || plugin_enable) && !plugin_is_enabled)
+            con.printerr("Plugin %s has no enabled var!\n", name.c_str());
         return true;
     }
     else
     {
         con.printerr("Plugin %s has failed to initialize properly.\n", filename.c_str());
+        plugin_is_enabled = 0;
+        plugin_onupdate = 0;
         reset_lua();
         ClosePlugin(plugin_lib);
         state = PS_BROKEN;
@@ -294,6 +302,8 @@ bool Plugin::unload(color_ostream &con)
         if(plugin_shutdown)
             cr = plugin_shutdown(con);
         // cleanup...
+        plugin_is_enabled = 0;
+        plugin_onupdate = 0;
         reset_lua();
         parent->unregisterCommands(this);
         commands.clear();
@@ -408,6 +418,12 @@ bool Plugin::can_invoke_hotkey(const std::string & command, df::viewscreen *top
 
 command_result Plugin::on_update(color_ostream &out)
 {
+    // Check things that are implicitly protected by the suspend lock
+    if (!plugin_onupdate)
+        return CR_NOT_IMPLEMENTED;
+    if (plugin_is_enabled && !*plugin_is_enabled)
+        return CR_OK;
+    // Grab mutex and call the thing
     command_result cr = CR_NOT_IMPLEMENTED;
     access->lock_add();
     if(state == PS_LOADED && plugin_onupdate)
@@ -419,6 +435,21 @@ command_result Plugin::on_update(color_ostream &out)
     return cr;
 }
 
+command_result Plugin::set_enabled(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
+{
+    command_result cr = CR_NOT_IMPLEMENTED;
+    access->lock_add();
+    if(state == PS_LOADED && plugin_is_enabled && plugin_enable)
+    {
+        cr = plugin_enable(out, enable);
+
+        if (cr == CR_OK && enable != is_enabled())
+            cr = CR_FAILURE;
+    }
+    access->lock_sub();
+    return cr;
+}
+
 command_result Plugin::on_state_change(color_ostream &out, state_change_event event)
 {
     command_result cr = CR_NOT_IMPLEMENTED;
@@ -524,6 +555,37 @@ void Plugin::reset_lua()
     }
 }
 
+int Plugin::lua_is_enabled(lua_State *state)
+{
+    auto obj = (Plugin*)lua_touserdata(state, lua_upvalueindex(1));
+
+    RefAutoinc lock(obj->access);
+    if (obj->state == PS_LOADED && obj->plugin_is_enabled)
+        lua_pushboolean(state, obj->is_enabled());
+    else
+        lua_pushnil(state);
+
+    return 1;
+}
+
+int Plugin::lua_set_enabled(lua_State *state)
+{
+    lua_settop(state, 1);
+    bool val = lua_toboolean(state, 1);
+
+    auto obj = (Plugin*)lua_touserdata(state, lua_upvalueindex(1));
+    RefAutoinc lock(obj->access);
+
+    color_ostream *out = Lua::GetOutput(state);
+
+    if (obj->state == PS_LOADED && obj->plugin_enable)
+        lua_pushboolean(state, obj->set_enabled(*out, val) == CR_OK);
+    else
+        luaL_error(state, "plugin %s unloaded, cannot enable or disable", obj->name.c_str());
+
+    return 1;
+}
+
 int Plugin::lua_cmd_wrapper(lua_State *state)
 {
     auto cmd = (LuaCommand*)lua_touserdata(state, lua_upvalueindex(1));
@@ -561,6 +623,19 @@ void Plugin::open_lua(lua_State *state, int table)
 
     RefAutolock lock(access);
 
+    if (plugin_is_enabled)
+    {
+        lua_pushlightuserdata(state, this);
+        lua_pushcclosure(state, lua_is_enabled, 1);
+        lua_setfield(state, table, "isEnabled");
+    }
+    if (plugin_enable)
+    {
+        lua_pushlightuserdata(state, this);
+        lua_pushcclosure(state, lua_set_enabled, 1);
+        lua_setfield(state, table, "setEnabled");
+    }
+
     for (auto it = lua_commands.begin(); it != lua_commands.end(); ++it)
     {
         lua_pushlightuserdata(state, it->second);
diff --git a/library/include/PluginManager.h b/library/include/PluginManager.h
index 46a46f2df..506ca33c0 100644
--- a/library/include/PluginManager.h
+++ b/library/include/PluginManager.h
@@ -144,6 +144,11 @@ namespace DFHack
         bool unload(color_ostream &out);
         bool reload(color_ostream &out);
 
+        bool can_be_enabled() { return plugin_is_enabled != 0; }
+        bool is_enabled() { return plugin_is_enabled && *plugin_is_enabled; }
+        bool can_set_enabled() { return plugin_is_enabled != 0 && plugin_enable; }
+        command_result set_enabled(color_ostream &out, bool enable);
+
         command_result invoke(color_ostream &out, const std::string & command, std::vector <std::string> & parameters);
         bool can_invoke_hotkey(const std::string & command, df::viewscreen *top );
         plugin_state getState () const;
@@ -184,17 +189,22 @@ namespace DFHack
         static int lua_fun_wrapper(lua_State *state);
         void push_function(lua_State *state, LuaFunction *fn);
 
+        static int lua_is_enabled(lua_State *state);
+        static int lua_set_enabled(lua_State *state);
+
         struct LuaEvent;
         std::map<std::string, LuaEvent*> lua_events;
 
         void index_lua(DFLibrary *lib);
         void reset_lua();
 
+        bool *plugin_is_enabled;
         command_result (*plugin_init)(color_ostream &, std::vector <PluginCommand> &);
         command_result (*plugin_status)(color_ostream &, std::string &);
         command_result (*plugin_shutdown)(color_ostream &);
         command_result (*plugin_onupdate)(color_ostream &);
         command_result (*plugin_onstatechange)(color_ostream &, state_change_event);
+        command_result (*plugin_enable)(color_ostream &, bool);
         RPCService* (*plugin_rpcconnect)(color_ostream &);
         command_result (*plugin_eval_ruby)(color_ostream &, const char*);
     };
@@ -250,6 +260,10 @@ namespace DFHack
     DFhackDataExport const char * name = plugin_name;\
     DFhackDataExport Plugin *plugin_self = NULL;
 
+#define DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(varname) \
+    DFhackDataExport bool plugin_is_enabled = false; \
+    bool &varname = plugin_is_enabled;
+
 #define DFHACK_PLUGIN_LUA_COMMANDS \
     DFhackCExport const DFHack::CommandReg plugin_lua_commands[] =
 #define DFHACK_PLUGIN_LUA_FUNCTIONS \
diff --git a/plugins/add-spatter.cpp b/plugins/add-spatter.cpp
index f7a611ec8..b915845fb 100644
--- a/plugins/add-spatter.cpp
+++ b/plugins/add-spatter.cpp
@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@ using df::global::ui;
 typedef df::reaction_product_item_improvementst improvement_product;
 
 DFHACK_PLUGIN("add-spatter");
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
 
 struct ReagentSource {
     int idx;
@@ -390,6 +391,7 @@ static bool find_reactions(color_ostream &out)
 
 static void enable_hooks(bool enable)
 {
+    is_enabled = enable;
     INTERPOSE_HOOK(item_hook, isImprovable).apply(enable);
     INTERPOSE_HOOK(product_hook, produce).apply(enable);
 }
diff --git a/plugins/advtools.cpp b/plugins/advtools.cpp
index 5ceea69c8..ad50dbe5d 100644
--- a/plugins/advtools.cpp
+++ b/plugins/advtools.cpp
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result plugin_shutdown ( color_ostream &out )
 
 df::nemesis_record *getPlayerNemesis(color_ostream &out, bool restore_swap);
 
-static bool in_transient_swap = false;
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(in_transient_swap);
 
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onstatechange(color_ostream &out, state_change_event event)
 {
diff --git a/plugins/autoSyndrome.cpp b/plugins/autoSyndrome.cpp
index 43b0b47fb..244e759f8 100644
--- a/plugins/autoSyndrome.cpp
+++ b/plugins/autoSyndrome.cpp
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ reaction_duck
 Next, start a new fort in a new world, build a duck workshop, then have someone become a duck.
 */
 
-bool enabled = false;
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(enabled);
 
 DFHACK_PLUGIN("autoSyndrome");
 
@@ -139,37 +139,45 @@ DFhackCExport command_result plugin_shutdown(color_ostream& out) {
     return CR_OK;
 }*/
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
+{
+    if (enabled == enable)
+        return CR_OK;
+
+    enabled = enable;
+
+    Plugin* me = Core::getInstance().getPluginManager()->getPluginByName("autoSyndrome");
+    if ( enabled ) {
+        EventManager::EventHandler handle(processJob, 5);
+        EventManager::registerListener(EventManager::EventType::JOB_COMPLETED, handle, me);
+    } else {
+        EventManager::unregisterAll(me);
+    }
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
+
 command_result autoSyndrome(color_ostream& out, vector<string>& parameters) {
     if ( parameters.size() > 1 )
         return CR_WRONG_USAGE;
 
-    bool wasEnabled = enabled;
+    bool enable = false;
     if ( parameters.size() == 1 ) {
         if ( parameters[0] == "enable" ) {
-            enabled = true;
+            enable = true;
         } else if ( parameters[0] == "disable" ) {
-            enabled = false;
+            enable = false;
         } else {
             int32_t a = atoi(parameters[0].c_str());
             if ( a < 0 || a > 1 )
                 return CR_WRONG_USAGE;
 
-            enabled = (bool)a;
+            enable = (bool)a;
         }
     }
 
-    out.print("autoSyndrome is %s\n", enabled ? "enabled" : "disabled");
-    if ( enabled == wasEnabled )
-        return CR_OK;
-
-    Plugin* me = Core::getInstance().getPluginManager()->getPluginByName("autoSyndrome");
-    if ( enabled ) {
-        EventManager::EventHandler handle(processJob, 5);
-        EventManager::registerListener(EventManager::EventType::JOB_COMPLETED, handle, me);
-    } else {
-        EventManager::unregisterAll(me);
-    }
-    return CR_OK;
+    out.print("autoSyndrome is %s\n", enable ? "enabled" : "disabled");
+    return plugin_enable(out, enable);
 }
 
 bool maybeApply(color_ostream& out, df::syndrome* syndrome, int32_t workerId, df::unit* unit) {
diff --git a/plugins/autolabor.cpp b/plugins/autolabor.cpp
index b1293055f..738dc7c66 100644
--- a/plugins/autolabor.cpp
+++ b/plugins/autolabor.cpp
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ using df::global::world;
  * (mining, hunting, and woodcutting) need to be handled carefully to minimize churn.
  */
 
-static int enable_autolabor = 0;
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(enable_autolabor);
 
 static bool print_debug = 0;
 
@@ -535,6 +535,7 @@ static void setOptionEnabled(ConfigFlags flag, bool on)
 
 static void cleanup_state()
 {
+    enable_autolabor = false;
     labor_infos.clear();
 }
 
@@ -1297,6 +1298,27 @@ void print_labor (df::unit_labor labor, color_ostream &out)
     }
 }
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable ( color_ostream &out, bool enable )
+{
+    if (!Core::getInstance().isWorldLoaded()) {
+        out.printerr("World is not loaded: please load a game first.\n");
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+    }
+
+    if (enable && !enable_autolabor)
+    {
+        enable_plugin(out);
+    }
+    else if(!enable && enable_autolabor)
+    {
+        enable_autolabor = false;
+        setOptionEnabled(CF_ENABLED, false);
+
+        out << "Autolabor is disabled." << endl;
+    }
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
 
 command_result autolabor (color_ostream &out, std::vector <std::string> & parameters)
 {
@@ -1312,19 +1334,8 @@ command_result autolabor (color_ostream &out, std::vector <std::string> & parame
          parameters[0] == "1" || parameters[0] == "disable"))
     {
         bool enable = (parameters[0] == "1" || parameters[0] == "enable");
-        if (enable && !enable_autolabor)
-        {
-            enable_plugin(out);
-        }
-        else if(!enable && enable_autolabor)
-        {
-            enable_autolabor = false;
-            setOptionEnabled(CF_ENABLED, false);
 
-            out << "The plugin is disabled." << endl;
-        }
-
-        return CR_OK;
+        return plugin_enable(out, enable);
     }
     else if (parameters.size() == 2 && parameters[0] == "haulpct")
     {
diff --git a/plugins/automaterial.cpp b/plugins/automaterial.cpp
index 16b258a02..848d02bc2 100644
--- a/plugins/automaterial.cpp
+++ b/plugins/automaterial.cpp
@@ -1179,11 +1179,27 @@ color_ostream_proxy console_out(Core::getInstance().getConsole());
 IMPLEMENT_VMETHOD_INTERPOSE(jobutils_hook, feed);
 IMPLEMENT_VMETHOD_INTERPOSE(jobutils_hook, render);
 
-DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
+
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable ( color_ostream &out, bool enable)
 {
-    if (!gps || !INTERPOSE_HOOK(jobutils_hook, feed).apply() || !INTERPOSE_HOOK(jobutils_hook, render).apply())
-        out.printerr("Could not insert jobutils hooks!\n");
+    if (!gps)
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+
+    if (enable != is_enabled)
+    {
+        if (!INTERPOSE_HOOK(jobutils_hook, feed).apply(enable) ||
+            !INTERPOSE_HOOK(jobutils_hook, render).apply(enable))
+            return CR_FAILURE;
+
+        is_enabled = enable;
+    }
 
+    return CR_OK;
+}
+
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
+{
     hotkeys[construction_type::Wall] = df::interface_key::HOTKEY_BUILDING_CONSTRUCTION_WALL;
     hotkeys[construction_type::Floor] = df::interface_key::HOTKEY_BUILDING_CONSTRUCTION_FLOOR;
     hotkeys[construction_type::Ramp] = df::interface_key::HOTKEY_BUILDING_CONSTRUCTION_RAMP;
diff --git a/plugins/autotrade.cpp b/plugins/autotrade.cpp
index 62f7c05c0..2d3cf0ed2 100644
--- a/plugins/autotrade.cpp
+++ b/plugins/autotrade.cpp
@@ -583,7 +583,6 @@ static command_result autotrade_cmd(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parame
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
-
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onstatechange(color_ostream &out, state_change_event event)
 {
     switch (event)
@@ -600,11 +599,30 @@ DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onstatechange(color_ostream &out, state_chan
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
-DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
+
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
 {
-    if (!gps || !INTERPOSE_HOOK(trade_hook, feed).apply() || !INTERPOSE_HOOK(trade_hook, render).apply())
-        out.printerr("Could not insert autotrade hooks!\n");
+    if (!gps)
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+
+    if (enable != is_enabled)
+    {
+        depot_info.reset();
+        monitor.reset();
+
+        if (!INTERPOSE_HOOK(trade_hook, feed).apply(enable) ||
+            !INTERPOSE_HOOK(trade_hook, render).apply(enable))
+            return CR_FAILURE;
 
+        is_enabled = enable;
+    }
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
+
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
+{
     commands.push_back(
         PluginCommand(
         "autotrade", "Automatically send items in marked stockpiles to trade depot, when trading is possible.",
diff --git a/plugins/buildingplan.cpp b/plugins/buildingplan.cpp
index 810314bc1..70a324423 100644
--- a/plugins/buildingplan.cpp
+++ b/plugins/buildingplan.cpp
@@ -1153,12 +1153,29 @@ static command_result buildingplan_cmd(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & par
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
 
-DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
 {
-    if (!gps || !INTERPOSE_HOOK(buildingplan_hook, feed).apply() || !INTERPOSE_HOOK(buildingplan_hook, render).apply())
-        out.printerr("Could not insert buildingplan hooks!\n");
+    if (!gps)
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+
+    if (enable != is_enabled)
+    {
+        planner.reset(out);
+
+        if (!INTERPOSE_HOOK(buildingplan_hook, feed).apply(enable) ||
+            !INTERPOSE_HOOK(buildingplan_hook, render).apply(enable))
+            return CR_FAILURE;
+
+        is_enabled = enable;
+    }
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
+{
     commands.push_back(
         PluginCommand(
         "buildingplan", "Place furniture before it's built",
diff --git a/plugins/burrows.cpp b/plugins/burrows.cpp
index edcc01ecf..32a76ba0c 100644
--- a/plugins/burrows.cpp
+++ b/plugins/burrows.cpp
@@ -221,7 +221,8 @@ static void detect_digging(color_ostream &out)
     }
 }
 
-static bool active = false;
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(active);
+
 static bool auto_grow = false;
 static std::vector<int> grow_burrows;
 
diff --git a/plugins/devel/autolabor2.cpp b/plugins/devel/autolabor2.cpp
index e41ba541b..621f41be0 100644
--- a/plugins/devel/autolabor2.cpp
+++ b/plugins/devel/autolabor2.cpp
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ using df::global::world;
 
 #define ARRAY_COUNT(array) (sizeof(array)/sizeof((array)[0]))
 
-static int enable_autolabor = 0;
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(enable_autolabor);
 
 static bool print_debug = 0;
 
@@ -1375,6 +1375,7 @@ static void setOptionEnabled(ConfigFlags flag, bool on)
 
 static void cleanup_state()
 {
+    enable_autolabor = false;
     labor_infos.clear();
 }
 
@@ -2384,6 +2385,27 @@ df::unit_labor lookup_labor_by_name (std::string& name)
     return labor;
 }
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable ( color_ostream &out, bool enable )
+{
+    if (!Core::getInstance().isWorldLoaded()) {
+        out.printerr("World is not loaded: please load a game first.\n");
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+    }
+
+    if (enable && !enable_autolabor)
+    {
+        enable_plugin(out);
+    }
+    else if(!enable && enable_autolabor)
+    {
+        enable_autolabor = false;
+        setOptionEnabled(CF_ENABLED, false);
+
+        out << "Autolabor is disabled." << endl;
+    }
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
 
 command_result autolabor (color_ostream &out, std::vector <std::string> & parameters)
 {
@@ -2398,19 +2420,7 @@ command_result autolabor (color_ostream &out, std::vector <std::string> & parame
         (parameters[0] == "enable" || parameters[0] == "disable"))
     {
         bool enable = (parameters[0] == "enable");
-        if (enable && !enable_autolabor)
-        {
-            enable_plugin(out);
-        }
-        else if(!enable && enable_autolabor)
-        {
-            enable_autolabor = false;
-            setOptionEnabled(CF_ENABLED, false);
-
-            out << "The plugin is disabled." << endl;
-        }
-
-        return CR_OK;
+        return plugin_enable(out, enable);
     }
     else if (parameters.size() == 3 && 
         (parameters[0] == "max" || parameters[0] == "priority"))
diff --git a/plugins/devel/kittens.cpp b/plugins/devel/kittens.cpp
index b610d4742..df0f3b947 100644
--- a/plugins/devel/kittens.cpp
+++ b/plugins/devel/kittens.cpp
@@ -16,6 +16,8 @@ using std::vector;
 using std::string;
 using namespace DFHack;
 
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
+
 //FIXME: possible race conditions with calling kittens from the IO thread and shutdown from Core.
 bool shutdown_flag = false;
 bool final_flag = true;
@@ -141,6 +143,7 @@ command_result trackmenu (color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameters)
         if(df::global::ui)
         {
             trackmenu_flg = true;
+            is_enabled = true;
             last_menu = df::global::ui->main.mode;
             out.print("Menu: %d\n",last_menu);
             return CR_OK;
@@ -155,6 +158,7 @@ command_result trackmenu (color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameters)
 command_result trackpos (color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameters)
 {
     trackpos_flg = !trackpos_flg;
+    is_enabled = true;
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
@@ -214,6 +218,7 @@ command_result ktimer (color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameters)
     // harmless potential data race here...
     timeLast = timeend;
     timering = true;
+    is_enabled = true;
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
diff --git a/plugins/devel/memview.cpp b/plugins/devel/memview.cpp
index a43e6a7bf..6a4baa295 100644
--- a/plugins/devel/memview.cpp
+++ b/plugins/devel/memview.cpp
@@ -15,6 +15,8 @@ using namespace DFHack;
 uint64_t timeLast=0;
 static tthread::mutex* mymutex=0;
 
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
+
 struct memory_data
 {
     void * addr;
@@ -96,6 +98,7 @@ void Deinit()
 {
     if(memdata.state==STATE_ON)
     {
+        is_enabled = false;
         memdata.state=STATE_OFF;
         delete [] memdata.buf;
         delete [] memdata.lbuf;
@@ -140,6 +143,7 @@ command_result memview (color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameters)
     {
         Deinit();
         memdata.state=STATE_OFF;
+        is_enabled = false;
         mymutex->unlock();
         return CR_OK;
     }
@@ -156,6 +160,7 @@ command_result memview (color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameters)
             mymutex->unlock();
             return CR_OK;
         }
+        is_enabled = true;
         memdata.state=STATE_ON;
     }
     if(parameters.size()>1)
diff --git a/plugins/devel/nestboxes.cpp b/plugins/devel/nestboxes.cpp
index 8c51b57ae..f4f423515 100644
--- a/plugins/devel/nestboxes.cpp
+++ b/plugins/devel/nestboxes.cpp
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ static command_result nestboxes(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameters
 
 DFHACK_PLUGIN("nestboxes");
 
-static bool enabled = false;
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(enabled);
 
 static void eggscan(color_ostream &out)
 {
@@ -97,6 +97,12 @@ DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onupdate(color_ostream &out)
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
+{
+    enabled = enable;
+    return CR_OK;
+}
+
 static command_result nestboxes(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameters)
 {
     CoreSuspender suspend;
diff --git a/plugins/devel/vshook.cpp b/plugins/devel/vshook.cpp
index ceec2d08d..025bb2b1d 100644
--- a/plugins/devel/vshook.cpp
+++ b/plugins/devel/vshook.cpp
@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ using df::global::gps;
 
 DFHACK_PLUGIN("vshook");
 
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
+
 struct title_hook : df::viewscreen_titlest {
     typedef df::viewscreen_titlest interpose_base;
 
@@ -37,17 +39,30 @@ struct title_hook : df::viewscreen_titlest {
 
 IMPLEMENT_VMETHOD_INTERPOSE(title_hook, render);
 
-DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable ( color_ostream &out, bool enable)
 {
-    if (gps)
+    if (!gps)
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+
+    if (enable != is_enabled)
     {
-        if (!INTERPOSE_HOOK(title_hook, render).apply())
-            out.printerr("Could not interpose viewscreen_titlest::render\n");
+        if (!INTERPOSE_HOOK(title_hook, render).apply(enable))
+            return CR_FAILURE;
+
+        is_enabled = enable;
     }
 
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
+{
+    // DON'T DO THIS IN NON-EXAMPLE PLUGINS
+    plugin_enable(out, true);
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
+
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_shutdown ( color_ostream &out )
 {
     INTERPOSE_HOOK(title_hook, render).remove();
diff --git a/plugins/dwarfmonitor.cpp b/plugins/dwarfmonitor.cpp
index 6ff62253a..883f0a002 100644
--- a/plugins/dwarfmonitor.cpp
+++ b/plugins/dwarfmonitor.cpp
@@ -1179,11 +1179,15 @@ IMPLEMENT_VMETHOD_INTERPOSE(dwarf_monitor_hook, feed);
 IMPLEMENT_VMETHOD_INTERPOSE(dwarf_monitor_hook, render);
 
 DFHACK_PLUGIN("dwarfmonitor");
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
 
 static bool set_monitoring_mode(const string &mode, const bool &state)
 {
     bool mode_recognized = false;
 
+    if (!is_enabled)
+        return false;
+
     if (mode == "work" || mode == "all")
     {
         mode_recognized = true;
@@ -1201,6 +1205,24 @@ static bool set_monitoring_mode(const string &mode, const bool &state)
     return mode_recognized;
 }
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
+{
+    if (!gps)
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+
+    if (is_enabled != enable)
+    {
+        if (!INTERPOSE_HOOK(dwarf_monitor_hook, feed).apply(enable) ||
+            !INTERPOSE_HOOK(dwarf_monitor_hook, render).apply(enable))
+            return CR_FAILURE;
+
+        reset();
+        is_enabled = enable;
+    }
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
+
 static command_result dwarfmonitor_cmd(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameters)
 {
     bool show_help = false;
@@ -1222,6 +1244,9 @@ static command_result dwarfmonitor_cmd(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & par
         }
         else if ((cmd == 'e' || cmd == 'E') && !mode.empty())
         {
+            if (!is_enabled)
+                plugin_enable(out, true);
+
             if (set_monitoring_mode(mode, true))
             {
                 out << "Monitoring enabled: " << mode << endl;
@@ -1257,9 +1282,6 @@ static command_result dwarfmonitor_cmd(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & par
 
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init(color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
 {
-    if (!gps || !INTERPOSE_HOOK(dwarf_monitor_hook, feed).apply() || !INTERPOSE_HOOK(dwarf_monitor_hook, render).apply())
-        out.printerr("Could not insert dwarfmonitor hooks!\n");
-
     activity_labels[JOB_IDLE]               = "Idle";
     activity_labels[JOB_MILITARY]           = "Military Duty";
     activity_labels[JOB_LEISURE]            = "Leisure";
diff --git a/plugins/fastdwarf.cpp b/plugins/fastdwarf.cpp
index 6292fc85e..2f7d674eb 100644
--- a/plugins/fastdwarf.cpp
+++ b/plugins/fastdwarf.cpp
@@ -19,6 +19,8 @@ using df::global::world;
 // dfhack interface
 DFHACK_PLUGIN("fastdwarf");
 
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(active);
+
 static bool enable_fastdwarf = false;
 static bool enable_teledwarf = false;
 
@@ -152,6 +154,8 @@ static command_result fastdwarf (color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameter
             return CR_WRONG_USAGE;
     }
 
+    active = enable_fastdwarf || enable_teledwarf;
+
     out.print("Current state: fast = %d, teleport = %d.\n",
         (df::global::debug_turbospeed && *df::global::debug_turbospeed) ? 2 : (enable_fastdwarf ? 1 : 0),
         enable_teledwarf ? 1 : 0);
@@ -159,6 +163,17 @@ static command_result fastdwarf (color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameter
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable ( color_ostream &out, bool enable )
+{
+    if (active != enable)
+    {
+        active = enable_fastdwarf = enable;
+        enable_teledwarf = false;
+    }
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
+
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
 {
     commands.push_back(PluginCommand("fastdwarf",
diff --git a/plugins/fix-armory.cpp b/plugins/fix-armory.cpp
index 5a4821b4b..a217c1a04 100644
--- a/plugins/fix-armory.cpp
+++ b/plugins/fix-armory.cpp
@@ -698,7 +698,7 @@ static void try_store_ammo(df::squad *squad)
     }
 }
 
-static bool is_enabled = false;
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
 
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onupdate(color_ostream &out, state_change_event event)
 {
@@ -810,6 +810,21 @@ DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onstatechange(color_ostream &out, state_chan
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
+{
+    if (!Core::getInstance().isWorldLoaded()) {
+        out.printerr("World is not loaded: please load a game first.\n");
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+    }
+
+    if (enable)
+        enable_plugin(out);
+    else
+        disable_plugin(out);
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
+
 static command_result fix_armory(color_ostream &out, vector <string> &parameters)
 {
     CoreSuspender suspend;
@@ -820,13 +835,9 @@ static command_result fix_armory(color_ostream &out, vector <string> &parameters
     string cmd = parameters[0];
 
     if (cmd == "enable")
-    {
-        enable_plugin(out);
-    }
+        return plugin_enable(out, true);
     else if (cmd == "disable")
-    {
-        disable_plugin(out);
-    }
+        return plugin_enable(out, false);
     else
         return CR_WRONG_USAGE;
 
diff --git a/plugins/follow.cpp b/plugins/follow.cpp
index 5c14780a3..56a7cf3b2 100644
--- a/plugins/follow.cpp
+++ b/plugins/follow.cpp
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ int32_t prevX, prevY, prevZ;
 uint8_t prevMenuWidth;
 
 DFHACK_PLUGIN("follow");
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
 
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
 {
@@ -53,6 +54,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onstatechange(color_ostream &out, state_chan
         followedUnit = 0;
         prevX=prevY=prevZ = -1;
         prevMenuWidth = 0;
+        is_enabled = false;
         break;
     default:
         break;
@@ -97,6 +99,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onupdate ( color_ostream &out )
     }
     else if((prevX != x || prevY != y || prevZ != z) && prevMenuWidth == menu_width) //User has manually moved the window, stop following the unit
     {
+        is_enabled = false;
         followedUnit = 0;
         prevX=prevY=prevZ = -1;
         prevMenuWidth = 0;
@@ -146,6 +149,7 @@ command_result follow (color_ostream &out, std::vector <std::string> & parameter
     followedUnit = Gui::getSelectedUnit(out);
     if (followedUnit)
     {
+        is_enabled = true;
         std::ostringstream ss;
         ss << "Unpause to begin following " << df::global::world->raws.creatures.all[followedUnit->race]->name[0];
         if (followedUnit->name.has_name) ss << " " << followedUnit->name.first_name;
@@ -153,5 +157,6 @@ command_result follow (color_ostream &out, std::vector <std::string> & parameter
         out.print(ss.str().c_str());
     }
     else followedUnit = 0;
+    is_enabled = (followedUnit != NULL);
     return CR_OK;
 }
diff --git a/plugins/infiniteSky.cpp b/plugins/infiniteSky.cpp
index 8750e5435..6405a5cf0 100644
--- a/plugins/infiniteSky.cpp
+++ b/plugins/infiniteSky.cpp
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onstatechange(color_ostream &out, state_chan
 */
 
 static size_t constructionSize = 0;
-static bool enabled = false;
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(enabled);
 void doInfiniteSky(color_ostream& out, int32_t howMany);
 
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onupdate ( color_ostream &out )
@@ -155,6 +155,12 @@ void doInfiniteSky(color_ostream& out, int32_t howMany) {
     
 }
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
+{
+    enabled = enable;
+    return CR_OK;
+}
+
 command_result infiniteSky (color_ostream &out, std::vector <std::string> & parameters)
 {
     if ( parameters.size() > 1 )
diff --git a/plugins/manipulator.cpp b/plugins/manipulator.cpp
index 88dc61726..57f134447 100644
--- a/plugins/manipulator.cpp
+++ b/plugins/manipulator.cpp
@@ -1209,10 +1209,27 @@ IMPLEMENT_VMETHOD_INTERPOSE(unitlist_hook, render);
 
 DFHACK_PLUGIN("manipulator");
 
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
+
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
+{
+    if (!gps)
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+
+    if (enable != is_enabled)
+    {
+        if (!INTERPOSE_HOOK(unitlist_hook, feed).apply(enable) ||
+            !INTERPOSE_HOOK(unitlist_hook, render).apply(enable))
+            return CR_FAILURE;
+
+        is_enabled = enable;
+    }
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
+
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
 {
-    if (!gps || !INTERPOSE_HOOK(unitlist_hook, feed).apply() || !INTERPOSE_HOOK(unitlist_hook, render).apply())
-        out.printerr("Could not insert Dwarf Manipulator hooks!\n");
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
diff --git a/plugins/misery.cpp b/plugins/misery.cpp
index a0c0a2390..cc69115db 100644
--- a/plugins/misery.cpp
+++ b/plugins/misery.cpp
@@ -15,6 +15,8 @@ using namespace std;
 
 using namespace DFHack;
 
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
+
 static int factor = 1;
 static map<int, int> processedThoughtCountTable;
 
@@ -38,6 +40,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onupdate(color_ostream& out) {
         if ( wasLoaded ) {
             //we just unloaded the game: clear all data
             factor = 1;
+            is_enabled = false;
             processedThoughtCountTable.clear();
             fakeThoughts.clear();
             wasLoaded = false;
@@ -138,6 +141,17 @@ DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init(color_ostream& out, vector<PluginComman
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
+{
+    if (enable != is_enabled)
+    {
+        is_enabled = enable;
+        factor = enable ? 2 : 1;
+    }
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
+
 command_result misery(color_ostream &out, vector<string>& parameters) {
     if ( !df::global::world || !df::global::world->map.block_index ) {
         out.printerr("misery can only be enabled in fortress mode with a fully-loaded game.\n");
@@ -153,15 +167,18 @@ command_result misery(color_ostream &out, vector<string>& parameters) {
             return CR_WRONG_USAGE;
         }
         factor = 1;
+        is_enabled = false;
         return CR_OK;
     } else if ( parameters[0] == "enable" ) {
+        is_enabled = true;
         factor = 2;
         if ( parameters.size() == 2 ) {
-            factor = atoi(parameters[1].c_str());
-            if ( factor < 1 ) {
+            int a = atoi(parameters[1].c_str());
+            if ( a <= 1 ) {
                 out.printerr("Second argument must be a positive integer.\n");
                 return CR_WRONG_USAGE;
             }
+            factor = a;
         }
     } else if ( parameters[0] == "clear" ) {
         for ( size_t a = 0; a < fakeThoughts.size(); a++ ) {
@@ -176,6 +193,7 @@ command_result misery(color_ostream &out, vector<string>& parameters) {
             return CR_WRONG_USAGE;
         }
         factor = a;
+        is_enabled = factor > 1;
     }
     
     return CR_OK;
diff --git a/plugins/mode.cpp b/plugins/mode.cpp
index d18cf7529..66fb488a6 100644
--- a/plugins/mode.cpp
+++ b/plugins/mode.cpp
@@ -33,12 +33,6 @@ DFhackCExport command_result plugin_shutdown ( color_ostream &out )
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
-DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onupdate ( color_ostream &out )
-{
-    // add tracking here
-    return CR_OK;
-}
-
 void printCurrentModes(t_gamemodes gm, Console & con)
 {
     con << "Current game type:\t" << gm.g_type << " (";
diff --git a/plugins/mousequery.cpp b/plugins/mousequery.cpp
index dfb89f6f4..97e703752 100644
--- a/plugins/mousequery.cpp
+++ b/plugins/mousequery.cpp
@@ -239,12 +239,28 @@ struct mousequery_hook : public df::viewscreen_dwarfmodest
 IMPLEMENT_VMETHOD_INTERPOSE(mousequery_hook, feed);
 
 DFHACK_PLUGIN("mousequery");
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
 
-DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable ( color_ostream &out, bool enable)
 {
-    if (!gps || !INTERPOSE_HOOK(mousequery_hook, feed).apply())
-        out.printerr("Could not insert mousequery hooks!\n");
+    if (!gps)
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+
+    if (is_enabled != enable)
+    {
+        last_x = last_y = last_z = -1;
+
+        if (!INTERPOSE_HOOK(mousequery_hook, feed).apply(enable))
+            return CR_FAILURE;
+
+        is_enabled = enable;
+    }
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
+{
     last_x = last_y = last_z = -1;
 
     return CR_OK;
diff --git a/plugins/power-meter.cpp b/plugins/power-meter.cpp
index efda2c590..0f8135eed 100644
--- a/plugins/power-meter.cpp
+++ b/plugins/power-meter.cpp
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ IMPLEMENT_VMETHOD_INTERPOSE(trap_hook, getName);
 IMPLEMENT_VMETHOD_INTERPOSE(trap_hook, updateAction);
 IMPLEMENT_VMETHOD_INTERPOSE(trap_hook, drawBuilding);
 
-static bool enabled = false;
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(enabled);
 
 static void enable_hooks(bool enable)
 {
diff --git a/plugins/rename.cpp b/plugins/rename.cpp
index bffb33111..fdebad1d3 100644
--- a/plugins/rename.cpp
+++ b/plugins/rename.cpp
@@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onstatechange(color_ostream &out, state_chan
 static command_result rename(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameters);
 
 DFHACK_PLUGIN("rename");
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
 
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init (color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
 {
@@ -174,6 +175,9 @@ KNOWN_BUILDINGS
 
 static bool enable_building_rename(char code, bool enable)
 {
+    if (enable)
+        is_enabled = true;
+
     if (code == 'Z')
         INTERPOSE_HOOK(dwarf_render_zone_hook, render).apply(enable);
 
@@ -189,6 +193,7 @@ KNOWN_BUILDINGS
 
 static void disable_building_rename()
 {
+    is_enabled = false;
     INTERPOSE_HOOK(dwarf_render_zone_hook, render).remove();
 
 #define BUILDING(code, cname, tag) \
diff --git a/plugins/resume.cpp b/plugins/resume.cpp
index e697a133f..9d37baac7 100644
--- a/plugins/resume.cpp
+++ b/plugins/resume.cpp
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ struct SuspendedBuilding
     }
 };
 
-static bool enabled = false;
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(enabled);
 static bool buildings_scanned = false;
 static vector<SuspendedBuilding> suspended_buildings, resumed_buildings;
 
@@ -234,6 +234,23 @@ struct resume_hook : public df::viewscreen_dwarfmodest
 
 IMPLEMENT_VMETHOD_INTERPOSE(resume_hook, render);
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable ( color_ostream &out, bool enable)
+{
+    if (!gps)
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+
+    if (enabled != enable)
+    {
+        clear_scanned();
+
+        if (!INTERPOSE_HOOK(resume_hook, render).apply(enable))
+            return CR_FAILURE;
+
+        enabled = enable;
+    }
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
 
 static command_result resume_cmd(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameters)
 {
@@ -251,12 +268,12 @@ static command_result resume_cmd(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameter
         }
         else if (cmd == 's')
         {
-            enabled = true;
+            plugin_enable(out, true);
             out << "Overlay enabled" << endl;
         }
         else if (cmd == 'h')
         {
-            enabled = false;
+            plugin_enable(out, false);
             out << "Overlay disabled" << endl;
         }
         else if (cmd == 'a')
@@ -275,12 +292,8 @@ static command_result resume_cmd(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameter
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
-
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
 {
-    if (!gps || !INTERPOSE_HOOK(resume_hook, render).apply())
-        out.printerr("Could not insert resume hooks!\n");
-
     commands.push_back(
         PluginCommand(
         "resume", "A plugin to help display and resume suspended constructions conveniently",
diff --git a/plugins/reveal.cpp b/plugins/reveal.cpp
index 8db7c9112..2c51295a8 100644
--- a/plugins/reveal.cpp
+++ b/plugins/reveal.cpp
@@ -85,6 +85,8 @@ DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, vector <PluginCom
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_active);
+
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onupdate ( color_ostream &out )
 {
     t_gamemodes gm;
@@ -117,6 +119,7 @@ command_result nopause (color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameters)
             nopause_state = 0;
         else
             nopause_state = 1;
+        is_active = nopause_state || (revealed == REVEALED);
         out.print("nopause %sactivated.\n", (nopause_state ? "" : "de"));
     }
     else
@@ -237,6 +240,7 @@ command_result reveal(color_ostream &out, vector<string> & params)
         else
             revealed = DEMON_REVEALED;
     }
+    is_active = nopause_state || (revealed == REVEALED);
     con.print("Map revealed.\n");
     if(!no_hell)
         con.print("Unpausing can unleash the forces of hell, so it has been temporarily disabled.\n");
@@ -296,6 +300,7 @@ command_result unreveal(color_ostream &out, vector<string> & params)
     // give back memory.
     hidesaved.clear();
     revealed = NOT_REVEALED;
+    is_active = nopause_state || (revealed == REVEALED);
     con.print("Map hidden!\n");
     return CR_OK;
 }
@@ -490,6 +495,7 @@ command_result revforget(color_ostream &out, vector<string> & params)
     // give back memory.
     hidesaved.clear();
     revealed = NOT_REVEALED;
+    is_active = nopause_state || (revealed == REVEALED);
     con.print("Reveal data forgotten!\n");
     return CR_OK;
 }
diff --git a/plugins/search.cpp b/plugins/search.cpp
index 541fc9506..bb903b408 100644
--- a/plugins/search.cpp
+++ b/plugins/search.cpp
@@ -1609,6 +1609,7 @@ IMPLEMENT_HOOKS(df::viewscreen_dwarfmodest, burrow_search);
 
 
 DFHACK_PLUGIN("search");
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
 
 #define SEARCH_HOOKS \
     HOOK_ACTION(unitlist_search_hook) \
@@ -1624,15 +1625,28 @@ DFHACK_PLUGIN("search");
     HOOK_ACTION(burrow_search_hook) \
     HOOK_ACTION(stockpile_search_hook)
 
-DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable ( color_ostream &out, bool enable)
 {
+    if (!gps || !gview)
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+
+    if (is_enabled != enable)
+    {
 #define HOOK_ACTION(hook) \
-    !INTERPOSE_HOOK(hook, feed).apply() || \
-    !INTERPOSE_HOOK(hook, render).apply() ||
+    !INTERPOSE_HOOK(hook, feed).apply(enable) || \
+    !INTERPOSE_HOOK(hook, render).apply(enable) ||
+
+        if (SEARCH_HOOKS 0)
+            return CR_FAILURE;
+
+        is_enabled = enable;
+    }
 
-    if (!gps || !gview || SEARCH_HOOKS 0)
-        out.printerr("Could not insert Search hooks!\n");
+    return CR_OK;
+}
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
+{
 #undef HOOK_ACTION
 
     const string a[] = {"Meager Quarters", "Modest Quarters", "Quarters", "Decent Quarters", "Fine Quarters", "Great Bedroom", "Grand Bedroom", "Royal Bedroom"};
diff --git a/plugins/seedwatch.cpp b/plugins/seedwatch.cpp
index ae87e4381..19fa9b154 100755
--- a/plugins/seedwatch.cpp
+++ b/plugins/seedwatch.cpp
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ using namespace df::enums;
 using df::global::world;
 
 const int buffer = 20; // seed number buffer - 20 is reasonable
-bool running = false; // whether seedwatch is counting the seeds or not
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(running); // whether seedwatch is counting the seeds or not
 
 // abbreviations for the standard plants
 map<string, string> abbreviations;
@@ -96,6 +96,12 @@ string searchAbbreviations(string in)
     }
 };
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
+{
+    running = enable;
+    return CR_OK;
+}
+
 command_result df_seedwatch(color_ostream &out, vector<string>& parameters)
 {
     CoreSuspender suspend;
diff --git a/plugins/siege-engine.cpp b/plugins/siege-engine.cpp
index 4b2060e99..2d6f5fcdd 100644
--- a/plugins/siege-engine.cpp
+++ b/plugins/siege-engine.cpp
@@ -1766,7 +1766,7 @@ DFHACK_PLUGIN_LUA_COMMANDS {
     DFHACK_LUA_END
 };
 
-static bool is_enabled = false;
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
 
 static void enable_hooks(bool enable)
 {
@@ -1809,6 +1809,25 @@ static void clear_caches(color_ostream &out)
     }
 }
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
+{
+    if (gamemode && *gamemode != game_mode::DWARF)
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+
+    if (enable != is_enabled)
+    {
+        if (enable)
+            enable_plugin();
+        else
+        {
+            World::DeletePersistentData(World::GetPersistentData("siege-engine/enabled"));
+            enable_hooks(false);
+        }
+    }
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
+
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_onstatechange(color_ostream &out, state_change_event event)
 {
     switch (event) {
diff --git a/plugins/steam-engine.cpp b/plugins/steam-engine.cpp
index 01d1dbd58..e3cd9b529 100644
--- a/plugins/steam-engine.cpp
+++ b/plugins/steam-engine.cpp
@@ -950,8 +950,12 @@ static bool find_engines(color_ostream &out)
     return !engines.empty();
 }
 
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
+
 static void enable_hooks(bool enable)
 {
+    is_enabled = enable;
+
     INTERPOSE_HOOK(liquid_hook, getItemDescription).apply(enable);
     INTERPOSE_HOOK(liquid_hook, adjustTemperature).apply(enable);
     INTERPOSE_HOOK(liquid_hook, checkTemperatureDamage).apply(enable);
diff --git a/plugins/workflow.cpp b/plugins/workflow.cpp
index b70fd8b0c..810cc46fe 100644
--- a/plugins/workflow.cpp
+++ b/plugins/workflow.cpp
@@ -402,7 +402,8 @@ public:
  *      GLOBAL VARIABLES      *
  ******************************/
 
-static bool enabled = false;
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(enabled);
+
 static PersistentDataItem config;
 
 static int last_tick_frame_count = 0;
@@ -1387,10 +1388,13 @@ static void update_data_structures(color_ostream &out)
  *  LUA API  *
  *************/
 
-static bool isEnabled() { return enabled; }
-
-static void setEnabled(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
 {
+    if (!Core::getInstance().isWorldLoaded()) {
+        out.printerr("World is not loaded: please load a game first.\n");
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+    }
+
     if (enable && !enabled)
     {
         enable_plugin(out);
@@ -1401,6 +1405,8 @@ static void setEnabled(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
         setOptionEnabled(CF_ENABLED, false);
         stop_protect(out);
     }
+
+    return CR_OK;
 }
 
 static void push_count_history(lua_State *L, ItemConstraint *icv)
@@ -1591,8 +1597,6 @@ static int getCountHistory(lua_State *L)
 
 
 DFHACK_PLUGIN_LUA_FUNCTIONS {
-    DFHACK_LUA_FUNCTION(isEnabled),
-    DFHACK_LUA_FUNCTION(setEnabled),
     DFHACK_LUA_FUNCTION(deleteConstraint),
     DFHACK_LUA_END
 };
@@ -1767,10 +1771,10 @@ static command_result workflow_cmd(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & paramet
     {
         bool enable = (cmd == "enable");
         if (enable)
-            setEnabled(out, true);
+            plugin_enable(out, true);
         else if (parameters.size() == 1)
         {
-            setEnabled(out, false);
+            plugin_enable(out, false);
 
             out << "The plugin is disabled." << endl;
             return CR_OK;
@@ -1805,7 +1809,10 @@ static command_result workflow_cmd(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & paramet
     }
 
     if (!enabled)
-        out << "Note: the plugin is not enabled." << endl;
+    {
+        out.printerr("Error: the plugin is not enabled.\n");
+        return CR_WRONG_USAGE;
+    }
 
     if (cmd == "jobs")
     {
diff --git a/plugins/zone.cpp b/plugins/zone.cpp
index 5649da252..0271cb75f 100644
--- a/plugins/zone.cpp
+++ b/plugins/zone.cpp
@@ -88,6 +88,10 @@ command_result df_autobutcher(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameters);
 
 DFHACK_PLUGIN("zone");
 
+DFHACK_PLUGIN_IS_ENABLED(is_enabled);
+
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable ( color_ostream &out, bool enable);
+
 const string zone_help =
     "Allows easier management of pens/pastures, pits and cages.\n"
     "Options:\n"
@@ -3015,6 +3019,7 @@ command_result df_autobutcher(color_ostream &out, vector <string> & parameters)
     }
     else if (p == "start")
     {
+        plugin_enable(out, true);
         enable_autobutcher = true;
         start_autobutcher(out);
         return autoButcher(out, verbose);
@@ -3485,6 +3490,7 @@ command_result autoButcher( color_ostream &out, bool verbose = false )
 
 command_result start_autobutcher(color_ostream &out)
 {
+    plugin_enable(out, true);
     enable_autobutcher = true;
 
     if (!config_autobutcher.isValid())
@@ -3545,6 +3551,7 @@ command_result init_autobutcher(color_ostream &out)
     if(!enable_autobutcher)
         return CR_OK;
 
+    plugin_enable(out, true);
     // read watchlist from save
 
     std::vector<PersistentDataItem> items;
@@ -3579,6 +3586,7 @@ command_result cleanup_autobutcher(color_ostream &out)
 
 command_result start_autonestbox(color_ostream &out)
 {
+    plugin_enable(out, true);
     enable_autonestbox = true;
 
     if (!config_autonestbox.isValid())
@@ -3620,6 +3628,8 @@ command_result init_autonestbox(color_ostream &out)
             sleep_autonestbox = config_autonestbox.ival(1);
         }
     }
+    if (enable_autonestbox)
+        plugin_enable(out, true);
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
@@ -3856,6 +3866,9 @@ static void autobutcher_setEnabled(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
             config_autobutcher.ival(0) = enable_autobutcher;
         out << "Autobutcher stopped." << endl;
     }
+
+    if (enable)
+        plugin_enable(out, true);
 }
 
 static void autowatch_setEnabled(color_ostream &out, bool enable)
@@ -4455,12 +4468,25 @@ IMPLEMENT_VMETHOD_INTERPOSE(zone_hook, feed);
 IMPLEMENT_VMETHOD_INTERPOSE(zone_hook, render);
 //END zone filters
 
+DFhackCExport command_result plugin_enable ( color_ostream &out, bool enable)
+{
+    if (!gps)
+        return CR_FAILURE;
+
+    if (enable != is_enabled)
+    {
+        if (!INTERPOSE_HOOK(zone_hook, feed).apply(enable) ||
+            !INTERPOSE_HOOK(zone_hook, render).apply(enable))
+            return CR_FAILURE;
+
+        is_enabled = enable;
+    }
+
+    return CR_OK;
+}
 
 DFhackCExport command_result plugin_init ( color_ostream &out, std::vector <PluginCommand> &commands)
 {
-    if (!gps || !INTERPOSE_HOOK(zone_hook, feed).apply() || !INTERPOSE_HOOK(zone_hook, render).apply())
-        out.printerr("Could not insert jobutils hooks!\n");
-
     commands.push_back(PluginCommand(
         "zone", "manage activity zones.",
         df_zone, false,