diff --git a/CHANGES.rst b/CHANGES.rst
index 631f974490..a76ad95e8d 100644
--- a/CHANGES.rst
+++ b/CHANGES.rst
@@ -62,6 +62,8 @@ Specviz2d
 
 Other Changes and Additions
 ---------------------------
+- Added a short description of each plugin in the side menu, visible before the plugin is opened. Removes redundant descriptions above link
+  out to documentation when plugin is opened. Enable search on plugin description in addition to title. [#3268]
 
 4.0.1 (unreleased)
 ==================
diff --git a/jdaviz/app.py b/jdaviz/app.py
index c4b6d3d8c8..8f108fa99b 100644
--- a/jdaviz/app.py
+++ b/jdaviz/app.py
@@ -2758,6 +2758,7 @@ def compose_viewer_area(viewer_area_items):
             self._application_handler._tools[name] = tool
 
         for name in config.get('tray', []):
+
             tray = tray_registry.members.get(name)
 
             tray_item_instance = tray.get('cls')(app=self, tray_instance=True)
@@ -2766,10 +2767,13 @@ def compose_viewer_area(viewer_area_items):
             # plugin itself
             tray_item_label = tray.get('label')
 
+            tray_item_description = tray_item_instance.plugin_description
+
             # NOTE: is_relevant is later updated by observing irrelevant_msg traitlet
             self.state.tray_items.append({
                 'name': name,
                 'label': tray_item_label,
+                'tray_item_description': tray_item_description,
                 'is_relevant': len(tray_item_instance.irrelevant_msg) == 0,
                 'widget': "IPY_MODEL_" + tray_item_instance.model_id
             })
diff --git a/jdaviz/app.vue b/jdaviz/app.vue
index 5f67b89839..1f8c5e58f0 100644
--- a/jdaviz/app.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/app.vue
@@ -112,10 +112,17 @@
               <v-expansion-panels accordion multiple focusable flat tile v-model="state.tray_items_open">
                 <v-expansion-panel v-for="(trayItem, index) in state.tray_items" :key="index">
                   <div v-if="trayItem.is_relevant && trayItemVisible(trayItem, state.tray_items_filter)">
-                    <v-expansion-panel-header >
-                      <j-tooltip :tipid="trayItem.name">
-                        {{ trayItem.label }}
-                      </j-tooltip>
+                    <v-expansion-panel-header class="plugin-header">
+                      <v-list-item style="display: grid; min-height: 6px" class="plugin-title">
+                        <v-list-item-title>
+                          <j-tooltip :tipid="trayItem.name">
+                            {{ trayItem.label }}
+                          </j-tooltip>
+                        </v-list-item-title>
+                        <v-list-item-subtitle style="white-space: normal; font-size: 8pt">
+                          {{ trayItem.tray_item_description }}
+                        </v-list-item-subtitle>
+                      </v-list-item>
                     </v-expansion-panel-header>
                     <v-expansion-panel-content style="margin-left: -12px; margin-right: -12px;">
                       <jupyter-widget v-if="state.tray_items_open.includes(index)" :widget="trayItem.widget"></jupyter-widget>
@@ -174,7 +181,7 @@ export default {
         return true
       }
       // simple exact text search match on the plugin title for now.
-      return trayItem.label.toLowerCase().indexOf(tray_items_filter.toLowerCase()) !== -1
+      return trayItem.label.toLowerCase().indexOf(tray_items_filter.toLowerCase()) !== -1 || trayItem.tray_item_description.toLowerCase().indexOf(tray_items_filter.toLowerCase()) !== -1
     },
     onLayoutChange() {
       /* Workaround for #1677, can be removed when bqplot/bqplot#1531 is released */
@@ -191,3 +198,15 @@ export default {
   }
 };
 </script>
+
+<style scoped>
+.plugin-header.v-expansion-panel-header {
+  padding-top: 8px;
+  padding-bottom: 8px;
+  padding-left: 4px;
+  padding-right: 12px;
+}
+.plugin-title.v-list-item:after {
+  display: none !important;
+}
+</style>
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/moment_maps/moment_maps.py b/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/moment_maps/moment_maps.py
index 3aad940765..d7783fff22 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/moment_maps/moment_maps.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/moment_maps/moment_maps.py
@@ -91,6 +91,9 @@ class MomentMap(PluginTemplateMixin, DatasetSelectMixin, SpectralSubsetSelectMix
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Create a 2D image from a data cube.'
+
         self.moment = None
 
         self.continuum_dataset = DatasetSelect(self,
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/moment_maps/moment_maps.vue b/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/moment_maps/moment_maps.vue
index 3ffc5e73af..2345a29f88 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/moment_maps/moment_maps.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/moment_maps/moment_maps.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     plugin_key="Moment Maps"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    :description="docs_description || 'Create a 2D image from a data cube.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#moment-maps'"
     :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     @plugin-ping="plugin_ping($event)"
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/slice/slice.py b/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/slice/slice.py
index 6e50e3bdd3..b2c9ae3974 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/slice/slice.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/slice/slice.py
@@ -69,6 +69,10 @@ class Slice(PluginTemplateMixin):
 
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Select and interact with slice of cube in image viewers.'
+
         self._cached_properties = ['valid_selection_values', 'valid_selection_values_sorted',
                                    'valid_indicator_values', 'valid_indicator_values_sorted',
                                    'valid_values', 'valid_values_sorted']
@@ -103,6 +107,9 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
                                    handler=self._on_global_display_unit_changed)
         self._initialize_location()
 
+        self.docs_description = 'The slice can also be changed interactively\
+                                 in the spectrum viewer by activating the slice tool.'
+
     @property
     def _cube_viewer_default_label(self):
         if hasattr(self.app, '_jdaviz_helper') and self.app._jdaviz_helper is not None:
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/slice/slice.vue b/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/slice/slice.vue
index 90848761fc..2f8396bcb5 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/slice/slice.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/slice/slice.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     :plugin_key="plugin_key || 'Slice'"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    :description="docs_description || 'Select slice of the cube to show in the image viewers.  The slice can also be changed interactively in the spectrum viewer by activating the slice tool.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :irrelevant_msg="irrelevant_msg"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#slice'"
     :popout_button="popout_button"
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.py b/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.py
index 5d009cb76b..913faf818b 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.py
@@ -124,6 +124,9 @@ class SpectralExtraction(PluginTemplateMixin, ApertureSubsetSelectMixin,
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Extract a spectrum from a spectral cube.'
+
         self.extracted_spec = None
 
         self.dataset.filters = ['is_flux_cube']
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.vue b/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.vue
index 2f0dbd12a6..a9a910d9c6 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/cubeviz/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     :plugin_key="plugin_key || 'Spectral Extraction'"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    :description="docs_description || 'Extract a '+resulting_product_name+' from a spectral cube.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#spectral-extraction'"
     :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     @plugin-ping="plugin_ping($event)"
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/about/about.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/about/about.py
index 6c9f0a8675..a22e56b139 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/about/about.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/about/about.py
@@ -28,6 +28,9 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
         self.jdaviz_version = __version__
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Information about Jdaviz.'
+
         if __version__ != "unknown":
             _ver_pypi = latest_version_from_pypi("jdaviz")
             if _ver_pypi:
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/about/about.vue b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/about/about.vue
index c5b477f140..bbbbb84c89 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/about/about.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/about/about.vue
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <template>
   <j-tray-plugin
-    :description="docs_description || 'About Jdaviz.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'"
     :popout_button="popout_button"
     :scroll_to.sync="scroll_to">
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/collapse/collapse.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/collapse/collapse.py
index ad6382c0b1..97404dde16 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/collapse/collapse.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/collapse/collapse.py
@@ -67,6 +67,9 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
             # on the user's machine, so export support in cubeviz should be disabled
             self.export_enabled = False
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Collapse a spectral cube along one axis.'
+
     @property
     def _default_spectrum_viewer_reference_name(self):
         return self.jdaviz_helper._default_spectrum_viewer_reference_name
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/collapse/collapse.vue b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/collapse/collapse.vue
index 8a2e4f9a49..02e6fa1df0 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/collapse/collapse.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/collapse/collapse.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     plugin_key="Collapse"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    :description="docs_description || 'Collapse a spectral cube along one axis.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#collapse'"
     :popout_button="popout_button"
     :scroll_to.sync="scroll_to">
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/data_quality/data_quality.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/data_quality/data_quality.py
index b1549c5fc3..e432e7b133 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/data_quality/data_quality.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/data_quality/data_quality.py
@@ -80,6 +80,10 @@ class DataQuality(PluginTemplateMixin, ViewerSelectMixin):
 
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Data Quality layer visualization options.'
+
         self.icons = {k: v for k, v in self.app.state.icons.items()}
 
         self.science_layer = LayerSelect(
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/data_quality/data_quality.vue b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/data_quality/data_quality.vue
index ffe93d681e..202efd8759 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/data_quality/data_quality.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/data_quality/data_quality.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     plugin_key="Data Quality"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    :description="docs_description || 'Data Quality layer visualization options.'"
+    :description="docs_description'"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#data-quality'"
     @plugin-ping="plugin_ping($event)"
     :popout_button="popout_button">
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/export/export.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/export/export.py
index 8f9080172f..c7cbeb8b75 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/export/export.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/export/export.py
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@
 
 from jdaviz.core.events import AddDataMessage, SnackbarMessage
 from jdaviz.core.user_api import PluginUserApi
+
 from specutils import Spectrum1D
 from astropy import units as u
 from astropy.nddata import CCDData
@@ -115,6 +116,9 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
                                       'filename_auto',
                                       'filename_invalid_msg')
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Export data/plots and other outputs to a file.'
+
         # NOTE: if adding export support for non-plugin products, also update the language
         # in the UI as well as in _set_dataset_not_supported_msg
         self.dataset.filters = ['is_not_wcs_only', 'not_child_layer',
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/export/export.vue b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/export/export.vue
index 9a02c9c946..75efb7fb10 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/export/export.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/export/export.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     plugin_key="Export"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    description='Export data or plots from the app to a file.'
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#export'"
     :popout_button="popout_button"
     :scroll_to.sync="scroll_to">
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/gaussian_smooth/gaussian_smooth.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/gaussian_smooth/gaussian_smooth.py
index edf226d5c7..28884d8a6a 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/gaussian_smooth/gaussian_smooth.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/gaussian_smooth/gaussian_smooth.py
@@ -75,6 +75,9 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         # set the filter on the dataset and viewer options
         self._update_dataset_viewer_filters()
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Smooth data with a Gaussian kernel.'
+
     @property
     def _default_spectrum_viewer_reference_name(self):
         return getattr(
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/gaussian_smooth/gaussian_smooth.vue b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/gaussian_smooth/gaussian_smooth.vue
index 4e2f945f1f..b4c90f3b39 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/gaussian_smooth/gaussian_smooth.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/gaussian_smooth/gaussian_smooth.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     plugin_key="Gaussian Smooth"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    :description="docs_description || 'Smooth data with a Gaussian kernel.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#gaussian-smooth'"
     :popout_button="popout_button"
     :scroll_to.sync="scroll_to">
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/line_lists/line_lists.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/line_lists/line_lists.py
index e2a3f18233..dee8400526 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/line_lists/line_lists.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/line_lists/line_lists.py
@@ -126,6 +126,9 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
 
         self._disable_if_no_data()
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Plot spectral lines from preset or custom line lists.'
+
     @property
     def _default_spectrum_viewer_reference_name(self):
         return getattr(
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/line_lists/line_lists.vue b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/line_lists/line_lists.vue
index f56880d324..0c65aabb54 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/line_lists/line_lists.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/line_lists/line_lists.vue
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <template>
   <j-tray-plugin
-    :description="docs_description || 'Plot lines from preset or custom line lists.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#line-lists'"
     :disabled_msg="disabled_msg"
     :popout_button="popout_button"
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.py
index 8f3a27c749..7379a1c3ff 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.py
@@ -96,6 +96,15 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         self.hub.subscribe(self, RemoveDataMessage,
                            handler=lambda msg: self._recompute_mark_positions(msg.viewer))
 
+        self.docs_description = "Press 'm' with the cursor over a viewer to log\
+                                the mouseover information. To change the\
+                                selected layer, click the layer cycler in the\
+                                mouseover information section of the app-level\
+                                toolbar."
+
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Create markers on viewers.'
+
     def _create_viewer_callbacks(self, viewer):
         if not self.is_active:
             return
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.vue b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.vue
index 65bbd63d25..de38967546 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.vue
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   <j-tray-plugin
     :config="config"
     plugin_key="Markers"
-    :description="docs_description || 'Create and export markers.  Press m with the cursor over a viewer to log the mouseover information.  To change the selected layer, click the layer cycler in the mouseover information section of the app-level toolbar.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#markers'"
     :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     @plugin-ping="plugin_ping($event)"
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/metadata_viewer/metadata_viewer.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/metadata_viewer/metadata_viewer.py
index 5b02132971..72fd0f5c32 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/metadata_viewer/metadata_viewer.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/metadata_viewer/metadata_viewer.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ class MetadataViewer(PluginTemplateMixin, DatasetSelectMixin):
     :ref:`public plugin API <plugin-apis>`:
 
     * :meth:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.PluginTemplateMixin.show`
-    * :meth:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.PluginTemplateMixin.open_in_tray`
+    * :meth:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.PluginTemplateMixin.open_in_tray`
     * :meth:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.PluginTemplateMixin.close_in_tray`
     * ``dataset`` (:class:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.DatasetSelect`):
       Dataset to expose the metadata.
@@ -42,6 +42,9 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         # override the default filters on dataset entries to require metadata in entries
         self.dataset.add_filter('not_from_plugin')
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'View metadata.'
+
     @property
     def user_api(self):
         return PluginUserApi(self, expose=('dataset', 'show_primary'), readonly=('metadata',))
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/metadata_viewer/metadata_viewer.vue b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/metadata_viewer/metadata_viewer.vue
index bf6c949bff..4ae61c4bf0 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/metadata_viewer/metadata_viewer.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/metadata_viewer/metadata_viewer.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     plugin_key="Metadata"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    :description="docs_description || 'View metadata.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#metadata-viewer'"
     :popout_button="popout_button"
     :scroll_to.sync="scroll_to">
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/model_fitting/model_fitting.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/model_fitting/model_fitting.py
index aae4127ca4..a579ce0856 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/model_fitting/model_fitting.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/model_fitting/model_fitting.py
@@ -120,6 +120,9 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         self._initialized_models = {}
         self._display_order = False
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Fit an analytic model to data or a subset of data.'
+
         # create the label first so that when model_component defaults to the first selection,
         # the label automatically defaults as well
         self.model_component_label = AutoTextField(self, 'comp_label', 'comp_label_default',
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/model_fitting/model_fitting.vue b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/model_fitting/model_fitting.vue
index e9f0ad9d46..2b5d80f3b3 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/model_fitting/model_fitting.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/model_fitting/model_fitting.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     plugin_key="Model Fitting"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    :description="docs_description || 'Fit an analytic model to data or a subset.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#model-fitting'"
     :popout_button="popout_button"
     :scroll_to.sync="scroll_to">
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.py
index d2b31ae5bc..526ad276e2 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.py
@@ -378,6 +378,10 @@ class PlotOptions(PluginTemplateMixin, ViewerSelectMixin):
 
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Set viewer and layer display options.'
+
         self.layer = LayerSelect(self, 'layer_items', 'layer_selected',
                                  'viewer_selected', 'layer_multiselect')
 
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.vue b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.vue
index d729d7c5b3..c00ccad006 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     plugin_key="Plot Options"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    :description="docs_description || 'Viewer and data/layer options.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#plot-options'"
     :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     @plugin-ping="plugin_ping($event)"
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/subset_plugin/subset_plugin.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/subset_plugin/subset_plugin.py
index e5097be284..9efd937702 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/subset_plugin/subset_plugin.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/subset_plugin/subset_plugin.py
@@ -108,6 +108,15 @@ class SubsetPlugin(PluginTemplateMixin, DatasetSelectMixin):
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        config = self.app.config
+        if config in ['cubeviz', 'specviz2d', 'mosviz', 'rampviz']:
+            self._plugin_description = 'Select and interact with spectral/spatial subsets.'
+        elif config == 'imviz':
+            self._plugin_description = 'Select and interact with spatial subsets.'
+        elif config == 'specviz':
+            self._plugin_description = 'Select and interact with spectral subsets.'
+
         self.components = {
             'g-subset-mode': SelectionModeMenu(session=self.session)
         }
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/subset_plugin/subset_plugin.vue b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/subset_plugin/subset_plugin.vue
index a253c1ecce..00c70a694c 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/subset_plugin/subset_plugin.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/subset_plugin/subset_plugin.vue
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <template>
   <j-tray-plugin
-    :description="docs_description || 'Tools for selecting and interacting with subsets.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#subset-tools'"
     :popout_button="popout_button"
     :scroll_to.sync="scroll_to">
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/aper_phot_simple/aper_phot_simple.py b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/aper_phot_simple/aper_phot_simple.py
index e34b289cf3..f62e011e56 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/aper_phot_simple/aper_phot_simple.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/aper_phot_simple/aper_phot_simple.py
@@ -85,6 +85,9 @@ class SimpleAperturePhotometry(PluginTemplateMixin, ApertureSubsetSelectMixin,
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Perform aperture photometry for drawn regions.'
+
         self.background = SubsetSelect(self,
                                        'background_items',
                                        'background_selected',
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/aper_phot_simple/aper_phot_simple.vue b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/aper_phot_simple/aper_phot_simple.vue
index 1041ab1768..40f6d87d26 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/aper_phot_simple/aper_phot_simple.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/aper_phot_simple/aper_phot_simple.vue
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <template>
   <j-tray-plugin
-    :description="docs_description || 'Perform aperture photometry for drawn regions.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#aperture-photometry'"
     :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     @plugin-ping="plugin_ping($event)"
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/catalogs/catalogs.py b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/catalogs/catalogs.py
index 1ca968c77e..caac1ad56c 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/catalogs/catalogs.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/catalogs/catalogs.py
@@ -11,9 +11,7 @@
                                         FileImportSelectPluginComponent, HasFileImportSelect,
                                         with_spinner)
 from jdaviz.core.custom_traitlets import IntHandleEmpty
-
 from jdaviz.core.marks import CatalogMark
-
 from jdaviz.core.template_mixin import TableMixin
 from jdaviz.core.user_api import PluginUserApi
 
@@ -55,6 +53,10 @@ def user_api(self):
 
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Query catalog for objects within region on sky.'
+
         cat_options = ['SDSS', 'Gaia']
         if not self.app.state.settings.get('server_is_remote', False):
             cat_options.append('From File...')
@@ -78,6 +80,10 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         self.table.item_key = 'id'
         self.table.show_rowselect = True
 
+        self.docs_description = "Queries an area encompassed by the viewer using\
+                                 a specified catalog and marks all the objects\
+                                 found within the area."
+
     @staticmethod
     def _file_parser(path):
         try:
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/catalogs/catalogs.vue b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/catalogs/catalogs.vue
index 096ecbc906..ef72aa77d9 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/catalogs/catalogs.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/catalogs/catalogs.vue
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <template>
   <j-tray-plugin
-    :description="docs_description || 'Queries an area encompassed by the viewer using a specified catalog and marks all the objects found within the area.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#catalog-search'"
     :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     @plugin-ping="plugin_ping($event)"
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/compass/compass.py b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/compass/compass.py
index 028d6638f1..19215013dc 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/compass/compass.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/compass/compass.py
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ class Compass(PluginTemplateMixin, ViewerSelectMixin):
     :ref:`public plugin API <plugin-apis>`:
 
     * :meth:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.PluginTemplateMixin.show`
-    * :meth:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.PluginTemplateMixin.open_in_tray`
+    * :meth:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.PluginTemplateMixin.open_in_tray`
     * :meth:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.PluginTemplateMixin.close_in_tray`
     * ``viewer`` (:class:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.ViewerSelect`):
       Viewer to show orientation/compass information.
@@ -36,6 +36,9 @@ class Compass(PluginTemplateMixin, ViewerSelectMixin):
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Show active data label, compass, and zoom box.'
+
         self.hub.subscribe(self, AddDataMessage, handler=self._on_viewer_data_changed)
         self.hub.subscribe(self, RemoveDataMessage, handler=self._on_viewer_data_changed)
         self.hub.subscribe(self, CanvasRotationChangedMessage, handler=self._on_canvas_rotation_changed)  # noqa
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/compass/compass.vue b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/compass/compass.vue
index 42f722aaa4..55a5d50c5e 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/compass/compass.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/compass/compass.vue
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 <template>
   <j-tray-plugin
-    :description="docs_description || 'Show active data label, compass, and zoom box.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#compass'"
     :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     @plugin-ping="plugin_ping($event)"
-    :popout_button="popout_button"
+    :popout_button="popout_button"
     :scroll_to.sync="scroll_to">
 
     <plugin-viewer-select
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.py b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.py
index 4340494998..9b0b50d31d 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.py
@@ -100,6 +100,10 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         self._overlays = {}
 
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Show instrument footprints as overlays on image viewers.'
+
         self.viewer.multiselect = True  # multiselect always enabled
         # require a viewer's reference data to have WCS so that footprints can be mapped to sky
         self.viewer.add_filter('reference_has_wcs')
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.vue b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.vue
index d652926c8b..a9009792cf 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     plugin_key="Footprints"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    :description="docs_description || 'Show instrument footprints as overlays on image viewers.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#footprints'"
     :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     @plugin-ping="plugin_ping($event)"
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/line_profile_xy/line_profile_xy.py b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/line_profile_xy/line_profile_xy.py
index ca85f2a2ce..ed4f12c99c 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/line_profile_xy/line_profile_xy.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/line_profile_xy/line_profile_xy.py
@@ -27,6 +27,9 @@ class LineProfileXY(PluginTemplateMixin, ViewerSelectMixin):
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Plot line profiles across X and Y.'
+
         self.plot_across_x = Plot(self, name='across_x')
         self.plot_across_y = Plot(self, name='across_y')
         for plot in (self.plot_across_x, self.plot_across_y):
@@ -39,6 +42,10 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         self.plot_across_x_widget = 'IPY_MODEL_'+self.plot_across_x.model_id
         self.plot_across_y_widget = 'IPY_MODEL_'+self.plot_across_y.model_id
 
+        self.docs_description = "Press 'l' to plot line profiles across X and Y\
+                                 under cursor. You can also manually enter X, Y\
+                                 and then click PLOT."
+
         self.hub.subscribe(self, ViewerAddedMessage, handler=self._on_viewer_added)
 
     def reset_results(self):
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/line_profile_xy/line_profile_xy.vue b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/line_profile_xy/line_profile_xy.vue
index c46c71d6b2..8f5468f2e9 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/line_profile_xy/line_profile_xy.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/line_profile_xy/line_profile_xy.vue
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <template>
   <j-tray-plugin
-    :description="docs_description || 'Press l to plot line profiles across X and Y under cursor. You can also manually enter X, Y and then click PLOT.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#image-profiles-xy'"
     :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     @plugin-ping="plugin_ping($event)"
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/orientation/orientation.py b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/orientation/orientation.py
index 5b963f03a3..8d98b0e387 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/orientation/orientation.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/orientation/orientation.py
@@ -19,7 +19,6 @@
     AstrowidgetMarkersChangedMessage, MarkersPluginUpdate,
     SnackbarMessage, ViewerAddedMessage, AddDataMessage, LinkUpdatedMessage
 )
-
 from jdaviz.core.registries import tray_registry
 from jdaviz.core.template_mixin import (
     PluginTemplateMixin, SelectPluginComponent, LayerSelect, ViewerSelectMixin, AutoTextField
@@ -93,6 +92,9 @@ class Orientation(PluginTemplateMixin, ViewerSelectMixin):
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Rotate viewer orientation and choose alignment (pixel or sky).'
+
         self.icons = {k: v for k, v in self.app.state.icons.items()}
 
         self.align_by = SelectPluginComponent(self,
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/orientation/orientation.vue b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/orientation/orientation.vue
index fc1345590a..71fdc6da7a 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/orientation/orientation.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/orientation/orientation.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     plugin_key="Orientation"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    :description="docs_description || 'Rotate the viewer orientation or choose to align images by pixels.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#imviz-orientation'"
     :popout_button="popout_button"
     :scroll_to.sync="scroll_to"
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/mosviz/plugins/slit_overlay/slit_overlay.py b/jdaviz/configs/mosviz/plugins/slit_overlay/slit_overlay.py
index 8a75a0308b..730f817408 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/mosviz/plugins/slit_overlay/slit_overlay.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/mosviz/plugins/slit_overlay/slit_overlay.py
@@ -39,6 +39,9 @@ class SlitOverlay(PluginTemplateMixin):
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Add a slit to the image viewer.'
+
         table = self.app.get_viewer(self._default_table_viewer_reference_name)
         table.figure_widget.observe(self.place_slit_overlay, names=['highlighted'])
 
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/mosviz/plugins/slit_overlay/slit_overlay.vue b/jdaviz/configs/mosviz/plugins/slit_overlay/slit_overlay.vue
index e10988e8b3..ff7b7e8a8e 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/mosviz/plugins/slit_overlay/slit_overlay.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/mosviz/plugins/slit_overlay/slit_overlay.vue
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <template>
   <j-tray-plugin
-    :description="docs_description || 'Add a slit to the image viewer.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#slit-overlay'"
     :popout_button="popout_button"
     :scroll_to.sync="scroll_to">
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/rampviz/plugins/ramp_extraction/ramp_extraction.py b/jdaviz/configs/rampviz/plugins/ramp_extraction/ramp_extraction.py
index 7d5c6fdb85..a2e3395abb 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/rampviz/plugins/ramp_extraction/ramp_extraction.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/rampviz/plugins/ramp_extraction/ramp_extraction.py
@@ -84,6 +84,10 @@ class RampExtraction(PluginTemplateMixin, ApertureSubsetSelectMixin,
 
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Extract a ramp from a ramp cube.'
+
         self.dataset.filters = ['is_flux_cube']
 
         # TODO: in the future this could be generalized with support in SelectPluginComponent
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/rampviz/plugins/ramp_extraction/ramp_extraction.vue b/jdaviz/configs/rampviz/plugins/ramp_extraction/ramp_extraction.vue
index da8194b206..4a4baef5e7 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/rampviz/plugins/ramp_extraction/ramp_extraction.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/rampviz/plugins/ramp_extraction/ramp_extraction.vue
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <template>
   <j-tray-plugin
-    :description="docs_description || 'Extract a '+resulting_product_name+' from a ramp cube.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#ramp-extraction'"
     :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     @plugin-ping="plugin_ping($event)"
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.py b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.py
index f4c8ab63de..b7810c877a 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.py
@@ -107,6 +107,9 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
 
         super().__init__(**kwargs)
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Return statistics for spectral line.'
+
         self.update_results(None)
 
         # when accessing the selected data, access the spectrum-viewer version
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.vue b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.vue
index 23e27a1c84..3bff5da35c 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     plugin_key="Line Analysis"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    :description="docs_description || 'Return statistics for a single spectral line.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#line-analysis'"
     :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     @plugin-ping="plugin_ping($event)"
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/unit_conversion/unit_conversion.py b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/unit_conversion/unit_conversion.py
index c97ef52bfc..779bc2bebb 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/unit_conversion/unit_conversion.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/unit_conversion/unit_conversion.py
@@ -110,6 +110,9 @@ class UnitConversion(PluginTemplateMixin):
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Convert the units of displayed physical quantities.'
+
         self._cached_properties = ['image_layers']
 
         if self.config not in ['specviz', 'cubeviz']:
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/unit_conversion/unit_conversion.vue b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/unit_conversion/unit_conversion.vue
index e04b2b74e3..cd9961f872 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/unit_conversion/unit_conversion.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/unit_conversion/unit_conversion.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     plugin_key="Unit Conversion"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    :description="docs_description || 'Convert the units of displayed physical quantities.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#unit-conversion'"
     :disabled_msg="disabled_msg"
     :popout_button="popout_button"
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.py b/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.py
index 42e02655d9..05cad4e168 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.py
@@ -225,6 +225,9 @@ class SpectralExtraction(PluginTemplateMixin):
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
 
+        # description displayed under plugin title in tray
+        self._plugin_description = 'Extract 1D spectrum from 2D image.'
+
         self._marks = {}
 
         # TRACE
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.vue b/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.vue
index cadc7ae7c4..746d8358df 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     :config="config"
     plugin_key="Spectral Extraction"
     :api_hints_enabled.sync="api_hints_enabled"
-    :description="docs_description || '2D to 1D spectral extraction.'"
+    :description="docs_description"
     :link="docs_link || 'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#spectral-extraction'"
     :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     @plugin-ping="plugin_ping($event)"
diff --git a/jdaviz/core/template_mixin.py b/jdaviz/core/template_mixin.py
index db5466aab6..7a7f1e13de 100644
--- a/jdaviz/core/template_mixin.py
+++ b/jdaviz/core/template_mixin.py
@@ -397,6 +397,7 @@ class PluginTemplateMixin(TemplateMixin):
     plugin_key = Unicode("").tag(sync=True)  # noqa set to non-empty to override value in vue file (when supported by vue file)
     docs_link = Unicode("").tag(sync=True)  # set to non-empty to override value in vue file
     docs_description = Unicode("").tag(sync=True)  # set to non-empty to override value in vue file
+    _plugin_description = Unicode("").tag(sync=True)  # noqa shorter description of plugin, displayed below title in menu
     plugin_opened = Bool(False).tag(sync=True)  # noqa any instance of the plugin is open (recently sent an "alive" ping)
     uses_active_status = Bool(False).tag(sync=True)  # noqa whether the plugin has live-preview marks, set to True in plugins to expose keep_active switch
     keep_active = Bool(False).tag(sync=True)  # noqa whether the live-preview marks show regardless of active state, inapplicable unless uses_active_status is True
@@ -458,6 +459,29 @@ def new(self):
         new._plugin_name = self._plugin_name
         return new
 
+    @property
+    def plugin_description(self):
+        return self._plugin_description
+
+    @plugin_description.setter
+    def plugin_description(self, description=''):
+        """
+        Overwrite plugin description displayed under plugin title in tray.
+        """
+
+        if len(self.app.state.tray_items) > 0:
+            self._plugin_description = description
+
+            # update text in tray item. this is not a dictionary
+            # so we have to search for the correct plugin in the list
+            for i, item in enumerate(self.app.state.tray_items):
+                if item['label'] == self._plugin_name:
+                    self.app.state.tray_items[i]['description'] = description
+                    break
+
+        else:  # not fully initialized, fall back on empty string
+            self._plugin_description = ''
+
     @property
     def user_api(self):
         # plugins should override this to pass their own list of expose functionality, which
diff --git a/jdaviz/tests/test_app.py b/jdaviz/tests/test_app.py
index 42fd5541a5..1c8cc5be03 100644
--- a/jdaviz/tests/test_app.py
+++ b/jdaviz/tests/test_app.py
@@ -264,3 +264,20 @@ def test_to_unit(cubeviz_helper):
                        ([1, 2] * original_units)
                        .to_value(target_units,
                                  equivalencies=u.spectral_density(cube.spectral_axis[0])))
+
+
+def test_all_plugins_have_description(cubeviz_helper, specviz_helper,
+                                      mosviz_helper, imviz_helper,
+                                      rampviz_helper, specviz2d_helper):
+    """
+    Test that all plugins for all configs have a plugin_description
+    attribute, which controls what is displayed under the plugin title in the
+    tray. Doesn't test what they are, just that they are not empty.
+    """
+
+    config_helpers = [cubeviz_helper, specviz_helper, mosviz_helper,
+                      imviz_helper, rampviz_helper, specviz2d_helper]
+
+    for config_helper in config_helpers:
+        for item in config_helper.plugins:
+            assert config_helper.plugins[item]._obj.plugin_description != ''