Basics

Essentials

The Audiotool interface is organized into key areas that work together to help you create, edit, and mix music. Understanding these main components will help you navigate efficiently and make the most of your workflow.

• Global controls — Transport, project management, and playback

• Timeline — Arrange and edit tracks visually

• Library panel — Browse and add instruments, samples, and effects

• Studio view — Route signals and build device chains

• Mixer — Shape and balance your sound

• On-screen piano — Preview sounds and play instruments

Global Controls

The global controls bar provides essential transport controls, project information, and quick access to key functions.

Hub	Opens the hub to start new projects or open existing ones
Project Name	Opens the project/track properties dialog
Undo / Redo	Step backward/forward through your edit history

Play/Pause	Start or pause playback. Use Space to play from playmarker position. Use Return/Enter to play from playhead position.
Stop	Stop playback and return to start
Loop	Toggle looped playback
Record	Enable recording mode F9
Metronome	Toggle metronome with menu for count-in settings
Options	Additional metronome settings

Current Time	Shows the current playback position in time
Bars	Shows the current bar position
Tempo	Displays and allows adjustment of the project tempo (BPM)
Groove (Swing)	Controls the swing feel and timing feel of the project
Time Signature	Displays and allows adjustment of the musical time signature
Options	Choose which playback info items are shown

Publish	Publish your project to share it with others
Invite	Invite collaborators to work on your project
Help	Access help documentation and support

Timeline

The timeline is where you arrange tracks, edit regions, and build your musical arrangement. It provides tools for precise editing and navigation.

First Row (Timeline header)

Cursor Tools	Pointer (select/move), Cut/Scissors (split regions), Stretch (time-stretch MIDI & audio regions). See MIDI Editor, Audio Editor for details on region editing
Mini Overview	Sets Timeline zoom level for navigation
Track Height	Adjusts the vertical size of tracks for better visibility. Expand tracks for detailed editing or shrink them to get a better overview of your arrangement.

Second Row

Snap to Grid	Toggle snapping on/off for precise region placement
Grid Resolution Menu	Choose grid divisions (e.g., 1/4, 1/8, 1/16) for alignment
Follow Playhead	Auto-scroll the Timeline during playback to keep the playhead visible
Timeline Settings	Timeline-specific options and preferences
Loop Range	Define a looped playback area on the ruler

Library

The library panel on the left provides access to all your content and devices. It’s organized into tabs for easy browsing and discovery.

Samples	Browse and filter samples and loops. Drag them into the Timeline or onto sampler devices. Type filters (All / Loops / One-Shots). Loops show a BPM field that defaults to the project tempo but can be changed
Presets	Load device presets. Right‑click a device → Load Preset to see only compatible presets
Devices	Add synthesizers, drum machines, effects, and utilities. Drag synths/drum machines directly to the Timeline; drag effects onto an instrument track to add them to its chain
Advanced	Grooves and Tuning controls (timing feel and project tuning). Settings can be adjusted while playing

Studio

The studio view is a flexible workspace for placing and connecting devices. Build complex signal chains by routing devices together.

Device Placement	Drag devices from the Library into the Studio to build your signal chain
Virtual Cables	Connect instruments and effects by dragging virtual cables between device outputs and inputs
Flexible Layout	Arrange and patch devices as needed for your workflow

Mixer Options

The mixer settings panel on the right provides options for customizing the mixer view and behavior.

Dynamic Mixer	Toggle (green toggle in the top right) to show only channels that correspond to selected devices or Timeline tracks, hiding unused channels for a cleaner view
Show Master	Toggle visibility of the master channel
Show FX Channels	Toggle visibility of the two built-in FX channels

On-Screen Keys

The on-screen piano provides a convenient way to play instruments and preview sounds without external MIDI gear.

Mouse/Keyboard Input	Play instruments with mouse clicks or computer keys
Preview Sounds	Handy for previewing sounds or testing parts without external MIDI gear

Practical Tips

Practical Tips

• Use the Library panel’s search to quickly find samples, presets, or devices

• Right‑click devices in the Library to see context-specific options

• Drag devices directly from the Library to the Timeline for faster workflow

• Use the Studio view to create complex routing chains before adding to tracks

• Enable “Follow Playhead” when editing to keep your work area in view

• Adjust track heights in the Timeline for better visibility of complex arrangements

• Use the on-screen piano to quickly test sounds before recording MIDI