# Using PostgreSQL extensions with Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL
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You can extend the functionality of PostgreSQL by installing a variety of extensions and modules. For example, to work with spatial data you can install and use the PostGIS extension. For more information, see [Managing spatial data with the PostGIS extension](Appendix.PostgreSQL.CommonDBATasks.PostGIS.md). As another example, if you want to improve data entry for very large tables, you can consider partitioning your data by using the `pg_partman` extension. To learn more, see [Managing PostgreSQL partitions with the pg\$1partman extension](PostgreSQL_Partitions.md).

**Note**  
RDS for PostgreSQL supports Trusted Language Extensions for PostgreSQL through the `pg_tle` extension, which you can add to your DB instance. By using this extension, developers can create their own PostgreSQL extensions in a safe environment that simplifies the setup and configuration requirements. To learn about RDS for PostgreSQL versions supporting `pg_tle` extension and for more information, see [Working with Trusted Language Extensions for PostgreSQL](PostgreSQL_trusted_language_extension.md).

In some cases, rather than installing an extension, you might add a specific module to the list of `shared_preload_libraries` in your RDS for PostgreSQL DB instance's custom DB parameter group. Typically, the default DB cluster parameter group loads only the `pg_stat_statements`, but several other modules are available to add to the list. For example, you can add scheduling capability by adding the `pg_cron` module, as detailed in [Scheduling maintenance with the PostgreSQL pg\$1cron extension](PostgreSQL_pg_cron.md). As another example, you can log query execution plans by loading the `auto_explain` module. To learn more, see [Logging execution plans of queries](https://aws.amazon.com/premiumsupport/knowledge-center/rds-postgresql-tune-query-performance/#) in the AWS knowledge center.

Depending on your version of RDS for PostgreSQL, installing an extension might require `rds_superuser` permissions, as follows: 
+ For RDS for PostgreSQL versions 12 and earlier versions, installing extensions requires `rds_superuser` privileges.
+ For RDS for PostgreSQL version 13 and higher versions, users (roles) with create permissions on a given database instance can install and use any *trusted extensions*. For a list of trusted extensions, see [PostgreSQL trusted extensions](PostgreSQL.Concepts.General.FeatureSupport.Extensions.md#PostgreSQL.Concepts.General.Extensions.Trusted). 

You can also specify precisely which extensions can be installed on your RDS for PostgreSQL DB instance, by listing them in the `rds.allowed_extensions` parameter. For more information, see [Restricting installation of PostgreSQL extensions](PostgreSQL.Concepts.General.FeatureSupport.Extensions.md#PostgreSQL.Concepts.General.FeatureSupport.Extensions.Restriction).

To learn more about the `rds_superuser` role, see [Understanding PostgreSQL roles and permissions](Appendix.PostgreSQL.CommonDBATasks.Roles.md).

**Topics**
+ [Using functions from the orafce extension](Appendix.PostgreSQL.CommonDBATasks.orafce.md)
+ [Using Amazon RDS delegated extension support for PostgreSQL](RDS_delegated_ext.md)
+ [Managing PostgreSQL partitions with the pg\$1partman extension](PostgreSQL_Partitions.md)
+ [Using pgAudit to log database activity](Appendix.PostgreSQL.CommonDBATasks.pgaudit.md)
+ [Scheduling maintenance with the PostgreSQL pg\$1cron extension](PostgreSQL_pg_cron.md)
+ [Using pglogical to synchronize data across instances](Appendix.PostgreSQL.CommonDBATasks.pglogical.md)
+ [Using pgactive to support active-active replication](Appendix.PostgreSQL.CommonDBATasks.pgactive.md)
+ [Reducing bloat in tables and indexes with the pg\$1repack extension](Appendix.PostgreSQL.CommonDBATasks.pg_repack.md)
+ [Upgrading and using the PLV8 extension](PostgreSQL.Concepts.General.UpgradingPLv8.md)
+ [Using PL/Rust to write PostgreSQL functions in the Rust language](PostgreSQL.Concepts.General.Using.PL_Rust.md)
+ [Managing spatial data with the PostGIS extension](Appendix.PostgreSQL.CommonDBATasks.PostGIS.md)