OpenStudio User Manual

Version 3.0 -- Comprehensive Reference Guide

Getting Started
Interface Overview
Working with Tracks
Recording Audio
Recording MIDI
Editing
MIDI Editing
Mixing
Effects
Automation
Markers and Regions
Rendering and Exporting
Project Management
Scripting
Customization
Keyboard Shortcuts
Troubleshooting
AI Music and Assisted Audio

1. Getting Started

1.1 System Requirements

OpenStudio is a desktop DAW built with a JUCE C++ audio backend and a React/TypeScript frontend rendered through an embedded web UI.

Minimum requirements:

Windows 10 or later (64-bit), or macOS for the desktop release
WebView2 Runtime on Windows (typically pre-installed on Windows 10/11)
Audio interface with ASIO, WASAPI, or DirectSound drivers on Windows
4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
Multi-core processor

Supported audio driver types:

Driver Type	Description
ASIO	Low-latency professional audio drivers
WASAPI	Windows Audio Session API (built-in)
DirectSound	Legacy Windows audio (higher latency)

1.2 Installation

OpenStudio production releases are distributed as platform-specific install packages.

Download the latest Windows installer or macOS package from the official download page.
Run the installer and complete the setup steps for your platform.
Launch OpenStudio from the Start menu, Applications folder, or desktop shortcut.

Windows: run the installer and follow the wizard. If you are using the unsigned zero-cost release path, Windows SmartScreen may warn before first launch.

macOS: OpenStudio v1 ships as an unsigned DMG. Drag OpenStudio.app to Applications. If macOS blocks launch, right-click the app, choose Open, and if needed allow it under System Settings > Privacy & Security.

OpenStudio also includes automatic update support. You can trigger a manual update check from Help > Check for Updates....

Stem separation uses optional AI Tools that are installed separately from the base app. If AI Tools are missing, use the AI Tools button beside the Settings button or the Install AI Tools button inside the Stem Separation dialog.

On first launch, OpenStudio will:

Create default configuration files in the application data directory.
Scan for available audio devices and drivers.
Present the default project with an empty timeline.

1.3 First Launch and Audio Setup

When you first open OpenStudio, you should configure your audio settings:

Open the Audio Settings dialog:
- Go to View > Audio Settings... in the menu bar, or
- Click the gear icon in the Main Toolbar.
Select your preferred Audio System (ASIO recommended for lowest latency).
If using ASIO, select your ASIO Driver from the dropdown.
If using WASAPI or DirectSound, select your Input Device and Output Device.
Choose a Sample Rate (44100 Hz or 48000 Hz are standard).
Set a Buffer Size (lower values reduce latency but increase CPU load; 256 or 512 samples is a good starting point).
Click Apply to activate the settings.

1.4 Creating Your First Project

After configuring audio, you are ready to begin:

The application starts with a new, empty project.
Add your first track:
- Press Ctrl+T to add an audio track, or
- Press Ctrl+Shift+T to add a MIDI track.
Import audio:
- Go to Insert > Media file... (or press Insert).
- Browse and select an audio file (WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, OGG).
- The file will be placed at the playhead position on the selected track.
Press Space to play back.
Save your project with Ctrl+S (project files use the .osproj extension).

1.5 Project File Format

OpenStudio projects are saved as .osproj files. Legacy .s13 projects continue to load. These contain:

Track layout and properties (names, colors, types, volume, pan, solo, mute, armed state)
Clip references (file paths, positions, durations, offsets, fades, volume)
MIDI clip data (note events, CC events)
Automation lanes and points
Markers and regions
Tempo map and time signature information
Mixer state (sends, FX chains)
Plugin state (FX presets and parameters)
Project settings (BPM, time signature, grid size, snap mode)

Audio files are stored externally and referenced by path. Moving or deleting source audio files may cause missing media errors.

2. Interface Overview

OpenStudio's interface follows a professional DAW layout with the following main areas arranged from top to bottom:

+--------------------------------------------------+
|  Menu Bar (File, Edit, View, Insert, Options, Help) |
+--------------------------------------------------+
|  Main Toolbar (Transport, Tools, View Toggles)    |
+--------------------------------------------------+
|  Track Control Panel  |  Timeline / Arrange View  |
|  (Track Headers)      |  (Waveforms, Clips, Ruler)|
+--------------------------------------------------+
|  Mixer Panel (when visible)                       |
+--------------------------------------------------+
|  Transport Bar (Time, Status, Controls, BPM)      |
+--------------------------------------------------+

2.1 Menu Bar

The Menu Bar runs along the top of the window and doubles as the title bar (drag empty space to move the window). It contains:

Menu	Purpose
File	New/Open/Save projects, templates, render, export, archive, media pool
Edit	Undo/Redo, cut/copy/paste, select all, split, group/ungroup, time ops
View	Toggle panels (Mixer, Keyboard, Undo History), zoom, screensets, grid
Insert	Add tracks, media files, markers, regions, empty items, MIDI clips
Options	Record mode, ripple editing, locking, themes, preferences
Help	Getting Started Guide, Help Reference, Keyboard Shortcuts, updates, About

The right side of the Menu Bar contains standard window controls: Minimize, Maximize/Restore, and Close.

2.2 Main Toolbar

The Main Toolbar sits below the Menu Bar and provides quick access to commonly used functions, organized into groups separated by vertical dividers:

Transport Controls:

Loop toggle (purple)
Record (red, active when recording, disabled if no tracks are armed)
Play (green)
Stop
These duplicate the controls in the Transport Bar for convenience.

Edit Tools:

Undo / Redo
Snap to Grid toggle
Auto-Crossfade toggle

Tool Mode:

Tool	Key	Description
Select	`V`	Default mode for selecting, moving, and resizing clips
Split	`B`	Click on a clip to split it at that point
Mute	`X`	Click on a clip to toggle its mute state
Smart	`Y`	Context-sensitive tool that auto-switches between move, trim, and fade based on cursor position

View Toggles:

Mixer panel toggle (Ctrl+M)
AI Tools button for optional stem-separation runtime install/status
Audio Settings (gear icon)

2.3 Track Control Panel (TCP)

The Track Control Panel occupies the left side of the workspace. Each track has a header displaying:

Color bar: Click to open the color picker and assign a custom track color.
Track name: Double-click to rename. Shows track icon if assigned.
Record Arm button (circle icon): Enables recording on this track.
Mute button (M): Silences the track output.
Solo button (S): Solos the track (mutes all non-soloed tracks).
FX button: Opens the FX Chain panel. Glows green when effects are loaded, red when bypassed.
FX Bypass button: Quickly bypass/enable all effects on the track.
Volume knob: Adjust track volume in dB (range: -60 dB to +12 dB).
Pan knob: Adjust stereo panning (L100 to R100, center at C).
Input selector: Choose the audio input channel(s) for recording (stereo or mono pairs).
Input type toggle: Switch between stereo and mono input modes.
Activity indicator: Mini meter bar showing current signal level.
Track notes: Click the sticky note icon to add text notes to a track.

Track Groups: Tracks that belong to a group display a colored indicator matching the group color.

Folder Tracks: Folder tracks show a collapse/expand chevron to hide or show their child tracks. Nested tracks are indented to indicate hierarchy.

Master Track in TCP: The master track can optionally be shown in the TCP via View > Show Master Track in TCP.

2.4 Timeline / Arrange View

The Timeline is the central canvas-based workspace where you arrange audio and MIDI clips. It is rendered using the Konva library for high-performance canvas drawing.

Key elements:

Ruler: Displays time positions at the top. Shows bars/beats or time depending on grid settings. Click the ruler to move the playhead.
Playhead: A vertical line indicating the current playback/edit position. The red line moves during playback.
Clips: Rectangular blocks representing audio or MIDI data. Each clip displays:
- The clip name
- Waveform visualization (for audio clips)
- MIDI note visualization (for MIDI clips)
- Fade-in and fade-out handles at the top corners
- Trim handles on the left and right edges (in Select or Smart tool mode)
Grid lines: Vertical lines aligned to the current grid setting (bar, beat, subdivision).
Automation lanes: Per-track lanes below the track that display automation curves.
Time selection: A highlighted region created by clicking and dragging on the ruler or timeline background.
Razor edits: Semi-transparent selection areas created with Alt+drag for precise non-destructive editing.

Essential Navigation:

Scroll: native vertical scrolling through the workspace.
Ctrl+Scroll: horizontal timeline zoom around the mouse pointer.
Shift+Scroll: horizontal timeline scroll.
Alt+Scroll: track height resize.
Ctrl+Shift+Scroll: track-height zoom style adjustment for faster resizing.
First-session hotkeys: Space, Ctrl+R, Ctrl+T, Ctrl+M, S, B, Delete, Ctrl+S, F1, Ctrl+Shift+P.
Need a refresher? Press F1 for the searchable Help Reference and open Help > Keyboard Shortcuts for the full shortcut list and custom global rebinding.

Zoom and Scroll:

Horizontal zoom: Ctrl+Scroll wheel (or Ctrl+Plus / Ctrl+Minus). Zoom range: 1 to 1000 pixels per second.
Horizontal scroll: Shift+scroll wheel, or use the horizontal scrollbar.
Vertical scroll: Scroll wheel when hovering over the track area.
Zoom to Fit: Ctrl+0 resets zoom to a standard overview level.
Zoom to Time Selection: Ctrl+Shift+E zooms the view to fit the current time selection.
Crosshair cursor: Toggle via View menu for precise positioning guidance.

2.5 Transport Bar

The Transport Bar runs along the bottom of the window and provides:

Left Section - Time Display:

Current playhead position displayed in one of three modes (click to cycle):
- Time mode (green): MM:SS.mmm format
- Beats mode (blue): BAR.BEAT.TICK format
- SMPTE mode (amber): HH:MM:SS:FF format (frame rate configurable)
Transport status indicator: [Playing], [Recording], [Paused], or [Stopped]
Record mode indicator (when not Normal): Shows OVERDUB or REPLACE badge
Ripple mode indicator (when active): Shows Ripple: Track or Ripple: All

Center Section - Transport Controls:

Go to Start (skip back icon): Returns the playhead to the beginning.
Record (red circle): Starts recording on armed tracks. Ctrl+R
Play (green triangle): Starts playback. Space
Stop (square): Stops playback/recording. Space (while playing)
Pause (parallel bars): Pauses playback.
Loop (repeat icon): Toggles loop playback mode. L
Metronome (metronome icon): Toggles the click track.

Right Section - Project Info:

Time Signature input: Click to change numerator/denominator (e.g., 4/4, 3/4, 6/8).
Metronome Settings (gear icon): Opens metronome configuration (sound, accent pattern, volume).
BPM input: Type a new tempo value (range: 10-300 BPM). Press Enter or click away to apply.
TAP button: Tap repeatedly to set tempo by feel. Also available via T key.

2.6 Mixer Panel

The Mixer Panel appears at the bottom of the workspace when toggled (Ctrl+M). It provides a horizontal mixer console layout.

Header:

"Mixer" label
Close button

Mixer Snapshots Toolbar:

Named snapshot buttons: Click to recall a previously saved mixer state.
Delete button (trash icon) next to each snapshot.
Save button: Saves the current mixer state as a new named snapshot.

Channel Strips:

The Master channel strip is fixed on the left, separated by a divider.
Track channel strips follow in order. They can be reordered via drag-and-drop.
Each strip shows: track name, volume fader, pan knob, solo/mute buttons, record arm, FX indicator, peak meter, and gain staging display.

For detailed mixer usage, see Section 8: Mixing.

2.7 Additional Panels

OpenStudio includes several additional panels accessible via the View menu:

Panel	Access	Description
Virtual MIDI Keyboard	`Alt+B`	88-key on-screen MIDI keyboard
Undo History	`Ctrl+Alt+Z`	Scrollable history of all undo/redo actions
Region/Marker Manager	View menu	List and manage all markers and regions
Clip Properties	`F2`	Detailed properties of the selected clip
Big Clock	View menu	Large timecode display
Render Queue	View menu	Queue and manage multiple render jobs
Routing Matrix	View menu	Visual signal routing between tracks/buses
Media Explorer	View menu	Browse and preview media files
Media Pool	View menu	All media files used in the current project
Loudness Meter	View > Metering	LUFS loudness measurement
Spectrum Analyzer	View > Metering	Frequency spectrum display
Phase Correlation Meter	View > Metering	Stereo phase correlation
Video Window	View menu	Video playback for scoring to picture
Script Editor	View menu	Lua scripting environment
Toolbar Editor	View menu	Customize toolbar layout
Command Palette	`Ctrl+Shift+P`	Fuzzy search for any action in the application
Help Reference	`F1`	Searchable in-app reference for controls and features
Keyboard Shortcuts	Help menu	Searchable shortcut reference and custom global rebinding

3. Working with Tracks

3.1 Track Types

OpenStudio supports several track types:

Type	Description
Audio	Records and plays back audio files. Supports stereo/mono input.
MIDI	Records and plays back MIDI data. No audio processing.
Instrument	MIDI track with a virtual instrument (VSTi) plugin loaded.
Bus/Group	Receives audio from track sends. Used for submixing, parallel processing, and effects returns.
Folder	Organizational container that can hold other tracks. Does not carry audio.

3.2 Creating Tracks

There are several ways to add tracks:

Method	Shortcut/Action
New Audio Track	`Ctrl+T` or Insert > New Audio Track
New MIDI Track	`Ctrl+Shift+T` or Insert > New MIDI Track
Virtual Instrument on New Track	Insert > Virtual Instrument on New Track...
Quick Add Instrument Track	`Ctrl+Shift+I`
New Bus/Group Track	Insert > New Bus/Group Track
New Folder Track	Insert > New Folder Track
Create Bus from Selected Tracks	Insert > Create Bus from Selected Tracks
Insert Multiple Tracks	Insert > Insert Multiple Tracks...

When creating an Instrument track, the Plugin Browser automatically opens so you can select a virtual instrument (VST3).

3.3 Selecting Tracks

Single select: Click on a track header in the TCP.
Add to selection: Ctrl+Click on additional track headers.
Range select: Shift+Click to select all tracks between the last selected track and the clicked track.
Select all: Ctrl+A
Deselect all: Esc or click empty space in the TCP or Mixer.

3.4 Renaming Tracks

Double-click on the track name in the Track Header.
Type the new name.
Press Enter or click away to confirm.

3.5 Reordering Tracks

Tracks can be reordered by drag-and-drop in both the Track Control Panel and the Mixer:

Hover over the drag handle on the track header (the grip dots area).
Click and drag the track to the desired position.
Release to drop.

Track reordering can also be done via Lua scripting using s13.reorderTrack(fromIndex, toIndex).

3.6 Track Colors

Each track can be assigned a custom color:

Click the colored vertical bar on the left edge of the track header.
Select a color from the palette.
The color is applied to the track header, timeline clips, and mixer channel strip.

You can also set track colors via the right-click context menu on a track header.

3.7 Track Properties

Each track has the following configurable properties:

Property	Description
Name	Display name of the track
Color	Visual color for identification
Volume	Output level in dB (-60 to +12 dB)
Pan	Stereo position (-1.0 left to +1.0 right)
Mute	Silences the track output
Solo	Isolates the track (mutes all non-soloed tracks)
Record Arm	Enables recording on the track
Record Safe	Prevents accidental recording on the track
Monitor	Enables input monitoring (hear live input)
Input Channel	Which audio input channels to use for recording
FX Bypass	Bypasses all effects on the track
Frozen	Freezes the track (renders FX to audio for CPU savings)
Icon	Custom icon displayed next to the track name
Notes	Free-text notes attached to the track

3.8 Track Context Menu

Right-click on a track header to access:

Rename
Set track color
Duplicate track
Remove track
Add to folder
Remove from folder
Track type conversion
Create group from selection (when multiple tracks selected)
Solo/Mute/Arm operations

3.9 Deleting Tracks

Select one or more tracks, then press Delete.
Or right-click a track and choose "Remove Track".
Deleting tracks is undoable with Ctrl+Z.

3.10 Folder Tracks

Folder tracks provide hierarchical organization:

Create a folder track via Insert > New Folder Track.
Move tracks into the folder:
- Right-click a track > "Move to Folder" > select the target folder.
- Or select tracks and use the context menu "Move Selected to Folder".
Click the folder's expand/collapse chevron to show or hide child tracks.
Folder nesting is supported (folders inside folders). Child tracks are visually indented.

3.11 Track Groups

Track groups link multiple tracks so that adjusting one parameter on any member affects all members. This is useful for drum submixes, orchestral sections, or any scenario where multiple tracks should move together.

Creating a group:

Select multiple tracks (Ctrl+Click or Shift+Click).
Right-click and choose "Create Group from Selected" or use Insert > Create Bus from Selected Tracks.
The group is assigned a unique color indicator.

Linked parameters:

Volume (relative offset maintained)
Pan
Mute
Solo
Record Arm
FX Bypass

Managing groups:

View group membership in the Channel Strip context menu.
Remove tracks from a group via context menu.
Delete an entire group via context menu.
Adjust which parameters are linked via group settings.

3.12 VCA Faders

VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) style grouping allows controlling the volume of multiple tracks from a single fader without creating a submix bus. When you adjust a VCA fader, the linked tracks' volumes change proportionally, maintaining relative levels.

3.13 Track Freeze

Freezing a track renders all its effects to a temporary audio file, reducing CPU load while preserving the ability to unfreeze later:

Right-click a track > "Freeze Track" or use s13.freezeTrack(trackId) in Lua.
The track's FX chain is rendered offline and the frozen audio replaces live processing.
The frozen indicator appears on the track.
To restore: right-click > "Unfreeze Track" or s13.unfreezeTrack(trackId).

3.14 Track Spacers

For visual organization, you can insert empty spacer rows between tracks:

Insert > Track Spacer Below: Adds a visual spacer below the selected track.
Spacers do not carry audio and serve only as visual separators.

4. Recording Audio

4.1 Setting Up Inputs

Before recording, configure your audio inputs:

Open Audio Settings (View > Audio Settings...) and verify your audio device is selected.
On each track you want to record:
- Select the input source using the input dropdown in the Track Header.
- Choose between Stereo (paired channels) or Mono (single channel) input mode.
- Available inputs are determined by your audio interface's channel count.

4.2 Arming Tracks for Recording

Click the Record Arm button (red circle) on each track you want to record.
A track must be armed before recording can begin.
The Record button in the Transport Bar will be disabled if no tracks are armed.
Multiple tracks can be armed simultaneously for multi-track recording.

4.3 Input Monitoring

When a track is armed, you can enable input monitoring to hear the live signal:

Toggle the Monitor button on the track header.
When monitoring is enabled, the input signal passes through the track's FX chain (including input FX and track FX) and is routed to the output.
Monitoring latency depends on your buffer size setting.

4.4 Recording

Arm the desired track(s).
Position the playhead where you want recording to begin.
Press the Record button in the Transport Bar or press Ctrl+R.
The transport status changes to [Recording] and a red dot indicator appears.
Perform your recording.
Press Space or the Stop button to end recording.
A new clip appears on the timeline representing the recorded audio.

Recorded audio files are saved as WAV files in the project directory.

4.5 Record Modes

OpenStudio offers three record modes, configurable via Options > Record Mode:

Mode	Behavior
Normal	Creates a new clip on the armed track. Existing clips are preserved.
Overdub	Records a new layer (take) over existing clips. Both are preserved for comping.
Replace	Replaces existing audio in the recording range with new material.

The current record mode is displayed as a badge in the Transport Bar when not set to Normal.

4.6 Punch In/Out

Punch recording allows you to record only within a specific time range:

Set a loop region or time selection covering the desired punch range.
Enable Loop mode (L).
Arm the track and start recording.
Recording will only capture audio within the loop/selection boundaries.
Playback continues outside the punch range without recording.

4.7 Takes and Comping

When recording in Overdub mode, each recording pass creates a new take associated with the same clip position:

Managing takes:

Each clip can have multiple takes stored.
Switch between takes by selecting the active take from the clip's take menu.
The currently active take is the one that plays back.

Comping workflow:

Record multiple takes over the same section.
Use Edit > Explode Takes to New Tracks to spread takes across separate tracks for comparison.
Use Edit > Implode Clips into Takes to collapse selected clips back into a single clip with multiple takes.
Use razor editing or split tools to select the best portions from different takes.

Keyboard shortcuts:

Explode Takes: available via Edit menu or Command Palette.
Implode Takes: available via Edit menu or Command Palette.

5. Recording MIDI

5.1 MIDI Device Setup

OpenStudio automatically detects connected MIDI devices:

MIDI devices are listed in the Track Header's MIDI input selector.
Select a MIDI device from the dropdown on a MIDI or Instrument track.
Available devices can be queried via Lua: s13.getMIDIDevices().

5.2 Recording MIDI

Create a MIDI track (Ctrl+Shift+T) or an Instrument track (Ctrl+Shift+I).
If using an Instrument track, select a virtual instrument via the Plugin Browser.
Select your MIDI input device on the track.
Arm the track for recording.
Enable monitoring to hear the instrument while playing.
Press Record (Ctrl+R) and play your MIDI controller.
Press Stop when finished.
A MIDI clip appears on the timeline containing the recorded note and CC data.

5.3 Step Input

Step input allows you to enter MIDI notes one at a time using your computer keyboard, rather than playing in real-time:

Open the Piano Roll for a MIDI clip (double-click the clip).
Enable Step Input mode in the Piano Roll toolbar.
Select the step size (1/4, 1/8, 1/16, or 1/32 note).
Set the octave for keyboard input.
Press letter keys (C, D, E, F, G, A, B) to insert notes.
The cursor advances by the step size after each note.

5.4 Virtual MIDI Keyboard

OpenStudio includes an 88-key on-screen MIDI keyboard:

Toggle with Alt+B or View > Show Virtual MIDI Keyboard.
Click keys to send MIDI notes to the selected MIDI/Instrument track.
Useful when you do not have a physical MIDI controller.

5.5 MIDI Learn

MIDI Learn allows you to map physical MIDI controller knobs, faders, and buttons to OpenStudio parameters:

Right-click a parameter (e.g., a track fader or plugin knob).
Select "MIDI Learn" from the context menu.
Move the desired knob or fader on your MIDI controller.
The mapping is established and the physical control now adjusts the parameter.

6. Editing

6.1 Selection

Clip selection:

Click a clip to select it.
Ctrl+Click to add/remove clips from the selection.
Shift+Click for range selection.
Click empty timeline background to deselect all clips.
Ctrl+Shift+A to select all clips.
Esc to deselect all.

Track selection:

Click a track header to select it.
Ctrl+Click for multi-select.
Shift+Click for range select.
Ctrl+A to select all tracks.

Time selection:

Click and drag on the timeline ruler to create a time selection.
The time selection is highlighted as a shaded region.
Time selections are used for punch recording, rendering bounds, and editing operations.

6.2 Moving Clips

Click and drag a clip to move it to a new position or track.
When snap is enabled, the clip snaps to grid lines.
Hold Ctrl while dragging to copy the clip instead of moving it.
Hold Shift while dragging to constrain movement to horizontal only (time axis).
Multi-selected clips move together as a group.

6.3 Splitting Clips

Split a clip into two separate clips at a specific point:

At playhead: Select a clip and press S, or use Edit > Split at Cursor.
Using Split Tool: Press B to activate the Split Tool, then click on a clip where you want to split.
At time selection: Use Edit > Split at Time Selection to split all clips at the time selection boundaries.

Split operations are undoable with Ctrl+Z.

6.4 Trimming Clips

Trim the start or end of a clip to reveal or hide content:

Hover over the left or right edge of a clip in Select tool mode (cursor changes to a resize arrow).
Click and drag the edge inward to shorten the clip, or outward to extend it (revealing previously trimmed content).
If snap is enabled, the trim point snaps to the grid.

Note: Trimming is non-destructive. The original audio data is preserved; only the visible portion changes.

6.5 Slip Editing

Slip editing moves the audio content within a clip without changing the clip's position on the timeline:

Hold Ctrl+Shift and drag within a clip.
The clip's boundaries stay fixed, but the audio content slides earlier or later within the clip.
This is useful for adjusting the timing of audio relative to the clip boundaries.

6.6 Fade In/Fade Out

Each clip has adjustable fade-in and fade-out regions:

Hover over the top-left corner of a clip to see the fade-in handle.
Hover over the top-right corner to see the fade-out handle.
Drag the handle inward to create or extend the fade.
The fade is displayed as a curved line on the clip.

Auto-Crossfade: When enabled (toggle in Main Toolbar or View menu), overlapping clips on the same track automatically create crossfades.

6.7 Undo and Redo

OpenStudio provides comprehensive undo/redo support for virtually all editing operations:

Undo: Ctrl+Z
Redo: Ctrl+Shift+Z

The undo history can be viewed via View > Undo History (Ctrl+Alt+Z), which shows a scrollable list of all operations. Click any item in the history to jump to that state.

Operations tracked by undo include:

Adding, removing, moving, splitting, resizing clips
Changing clip properties (volume, pan, fades, color, mute, lock, group, reverse)
Paste, nudge, quantize, normalize operations
Time selection operations (cut, delete, insert silence)
Razor edit content deletion
Track property changes (name, color, volume, pan, mute, solo, armed)

6.8 Clipboard Operations

Operation	Shortcut	Description
Cut	`Ctrl+X`	Remove selected clips and place on clipboard
Copy	`Ctrl+C`	Copy selected clips to clipboard
Paste	`Ctrl+V`	Paste clips from clipboard at playhead

Clipboard operations support:

Single clip copy/paste
Multi-clip copy/paste (preserves relative track positions)
Copy/Cut within time selection

6.9 Nudging Clips

Move selected clips by small increments:

Action	Shortcut	Description
Nudge Left	`Left`	Move clip(s) left by grid unit
Nudge Right	`Right`	Move clip(s) right by grid unit
Nudge Left Fine	`Ctrl+Left`	Move clip(s) left by fine amount
Nudge Right Fine	`Ctrl+Right`	Move clip(s) right by fine amount

6.10 Time Selection Operations

When a time selection is active, the following operations are available:

Operation	Description
Cut within Time Selection	Removes content in the time selection from all tracks
Copy within Time Selection	Copies content within the time selection
Delete within Time Selection	Deletes content and ripples subsequent clips earlier
Insert Silence	Inserts silence at the time selection, pushing content later
Split at Time Selection	Splits all clips at both edges of the time selection
Set Loop to Selection	Sets the loop region to match the time selection (`Ctrl+L`)

6.11 Razor Editing

Razor editing provides a fast way to select and delete specific regions across multiple tracks:

Hold Alt and drag on the timeline to create a razor selection area.
The razor area appears as a semi-transparent highlight.
Press Delete or use Edit > Delete Razor Edit Content to remove the content within the razor areas.
Use Edit > Clear Razor Edits to dismiss the razor selection without deleting.

Razor edits respect ripple mode settings.

6.12 Ripple Editing

Ripple editing determines how clips shift when content is deleted or inserted:

Mode	Behavior
Off	Clips remain in place when content is deleted (leaves gaps).
Per Track	Subsequent clips on the same track shift to fill gaps.
All Tracks	Subsequent clips on all tracks shift to fill gaps.

Set ripple mode via Options > Ripple Editing or the Preferences dialog.

6.13 Clip Properties

Toggle Clip Mute: Select a clip and press U to toggle its mute state.

Toggle Clip Lock: Locked clips cannot be moved, resized, or deleted. Toggle via Edit > Toggle Clip Lock or the context menu.

Clip Volume: Each clip has an independent volume setting (in dB) adjustable via the Clip Properties panel (F2).

Reverse Clip: Reverses the audio content of a clip. Available via Edit > Reverse Clip or the context menu.

Normalize: Adjusts clip volume so the peak level reaches 0 dB. Use Edit > Normalize Selected Clips.

6.14 Grouping Clips

Group multiple clips so they move and edit together:

Group: Select clips, then Ctrl+G or Edit > Group Selected Clips.
Ungroup: Select grouped clips, then Ctrl+Shift+G or Edit > Ungroup Selected Clips.

6.15 Quantize Clips

Align clip start positions to the grid:

Select clips and use Edit > Quantize Selected Clips to Grid.
Clips snap to the nearest grid position based on the current grid size.

6.16 Dynamic Split

Dynamic split automatically splits a clip at transient points or silence boundaries:

Select a clip and use Edit > Dynamic Split... to open the dynamic split dialog.
Configure threshold and minimum duration parameters.
The clip is split at detected boundaries.

6.17 Transient Navigation

Navigate between transients in a selected audio clip:

Next Transient: Tab
Previous Transient: Shift+Tab

The playhead jumps to the next or previous transient position within the selected clip.

6.18 Free Item Positioning

When enabled via View > Free Item Positioning, clips can be placed at any vertical position within a track lane, rather than being confined to a single row. This is useful for arranging overlapping clips visually.

7. MIDI Editing

7.1 Opening the Piano Roll

Double-click a MIDI clip on the timeline to open the Piano Roll editor. The Piano Roll is a full-featured MIDI note editor rendered using Konva canvas.

7.2 Piano Roll Layout

The Piano Roll consists of several areas:

Toolbar: Tool selection (Draw, Select, Erase), step input controls, quantize, scale highlighting options.
Piano keyboard: Vertical piano keyboard on the left (128 notes, C-2 to G8). Click keys to preview notes.
Note grid: The main editing area where notes are displayed as colored rectangles. Color indicates velocity (blue = quiet, green = medium, yellow/red = loud).
Velocity lane: Bottom strip showing velocity bars for each note. Drag bars to adjust velocity.
CC lane: Additional lane for MIDI Continuous Controller editing.

7.3 Drawing Notes

Select the Draw tool in the toolbar.
Click in the grid to place a note. The note's pitch corresponds to the row, and its time position corresponds to the column.
Drag while placing to set the note duration.
Notes snap to the grid if snap is enabled.

7.4 Selecting Notes

Select the Select tool.
Click a note to select it.
Ctrl+Click to add/remove notes from the selection.
Click and drag on empty space to rubber-band select multiple notes.
Use MIDI > Select All Notes to select all notes in the clip.

7.5 Editing Notes

Move: Drag selected notes to a new pitch/time position.
Resize: Drag the right edge of a note to change its duration.
Delete: Select notes and press Delete, or use the Erase tool to click-delete individual notes.

7.6 Velocity Editing

Note velocity determines how loud a note plays (0-127):

Velocity lane: At the bottom of the Piano Roll, vertical bars represent each note's velocity. Drag bars up/down to adjust.
Velocity scaling: Use MIDI > Velocity +10% or Velocity -10% to scale velocities of selected notes.
Color coding: Notes are color-coded by velocity:
- Blue = quiet (low velocity)
- Green/Cyan = medium
- Yellow = medium-loud
- Red = loud (high velocity)

7.7 CC Lanes

MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) messages can be drawn and edited in CC lanes:

Click the CC lane dropdown to select a CC number.
Available presets: CC#1 Modulation, CC#7 Volume, CC#10 Pan, CC#11 Expression, CC#64 Sustain.
Click and drag in the CC lane to draw CC values.
CC values range from 0 to 127.

7.8 Quantize

Align note start times to the grid:

Select notes (or select all with Ctrl+A in the Piano Roll).
Press Q or go to MIDI > Quantize Notes...
The quantize dialog allows setting the quantize grid, strength, and whether to quantize note ends.

7.9 MIDI Transform Operations

OpenStudio provides several MIDI transform operations available via the Edit and MIDI menus:

Operation	Description
Transpose +1 Semitone	Move selected notes up by one semitone
Transpose -1 Semitone	Move selected notes down by one semitone
Transpose Octave Up	Move selected notes up by 12 semitones
Transpose Octave Down	Move selected notes down by 12 semitones
Velocity +10%	Increase velocity of selected notes by 10%
Velocity -10%	Decrease velocity of selected notes by 10%
Reverse MIDI Notes	Reverse the order of selected notes in time
Invert MIDI Pitches	Mirror note pitches around a center point

7.10 Scale Highlighting

The Piano Roll can highlight notes that belong to a specific musical scale:

Select a Scale Root (C, C#, D, ... B) from the toolbar.
Select a Scale Type:
- Chromatic (all notes)
- Major
- Minor
- Dorian
- Mixolydian
- Pentatonic Major
- Pentatonic Minor
- Blues
Notes outside the selected scale are displayed with a dimmed background, making it easy to stay in key.

7.11 Drum Editor

Toggle the Drum Editor mode via View > Toggle Drum Editor. The drum editor provides a grid-based view optimized for drum programming, where each row represents a drum instrument rather than a pitch.

7.12 Multi-Clip MIDI Editing

The Piano Roll supports editing multiple MIDI clips simultaneously:

When additional clips are loaded, their notes are displayed with distinct color tints (pink, green, yellow, indigo, etc.).
The primary clip's notes use the standard velocity coloring.
This allows comparing and editing parts across multiple clips in context.

8. Mixing

8.1 Opening the Mixer

Toggle the Mixer Panel with Ctrl+M or View > Show Mixer or the mixer icon in the Main Toolbar.

8.2 Channel Strip

Each track has a channel strip in the mixer that provides:

From top to bottom:

Track name and color indicator
Track group color badge (if member of a group)
FX indicator: Shows FX count. Click to open the FX Chain panel.
Sends section: Shows active sends to bus tracks.
Pan knob: Stereo pan position (L100 to C to R100).
Volume fader: Vertical fader from -60 dB (infinity) to +12 dB.
- dB scale markings: +12, +6, 0, -6, -12, -24, -48, -inf
- Gain staging indicator shows the current value.
Peak meter: Real-time level display updated at 10 Hz.
Solo (S), Mute (M), Record Arm (R) buttons.
Phase invert toggle for polarity correction.

8.3 Master Channel

The Master channel strip is always visible on the left side of the Mixer:

Controls the final stereo output volume and pan.
Displays the master peak level meter.
Has its own FX chain (master FX).
Does not have Solo, Mute, or Record Arm buttons.

8.4 Volume and Pan

Volume:

Drag the fader or use the track header volume knob.
Range: -60 dB (silence) to +12 dB.
Double-click the fader to reset to 0 dB (unity gain).
Volume changes are smooth (no zipper noise) due to pre-computed gain caching.

Pan:

Drag the pan knob in the channel strip or track header.
Range: L100 (fully left) to R100 (fully right), center at C.
Pan law uses equal-power panning (cosine/sine).

8.5 Solo and Mute

Mute: Silences the track output. The button glows when active.
Solo: Mutes all non-soloed tracks. Multiple tracks can be soloed simultaneously.
Solo and mute interact: a soloed track plays even if other tracks are muted.
These can be linked via track groups for coordinated control.

8.6 Sends

Sends route a copy of the track's signal to a bus track for effects processing (reverb bus, delay bus, parallel compression, etc.):

In the channel strip, click the sends area or use the context menu.
Select a destination bus/group track.
Adjust the send level (0.0 to 1.0).
Configure Pre-fader or Post-fader mode:
- Pre-fader: Send level is independent of the track fader.
- Post-fader: Send level follows the track fader.
Sends can be enabled/disabled individually.

8.7 Bus and Group Tracks

Bus tracks receive audio from sends and can apply their own FX chain:

Create a bus track: Insert > New Bus/Group Track.
On source tracks, add sends pointing to the bus.
The bus receives the mixed signal from all sends.
Add effects to the bus (e.g., reverb, compression).
The bus output feeds into the master.

Create Bus from Selected Tracks: Automatically creates a bus and adds sends from all selected tracks to it.

8.8 Mixer Snapshots

Mixer snapshots save and recall the complete mixer state:

Saving a snapshot:

Configure your mixer (volumes, pans, mutes, solos).
Click the Save button in the Mixer Snapshots toolbar.
Enter a name for the snapshot.

Recalling a snapshot:

Click the snapshot name button to instantly restore that mixer state.

Deleting a snapshot:

Click the trash icon next to the snapshot name.

Use cases: A/B comparing mix versions, saving different mix passes, storing reference levels.

8.9 Channel Strip Gain Staging

The channel strip displays gain staging information showing the signal level at different points in the signal chain. This helps identify where clipping occurs:

Clip gain (per-clip volume)
Track fader position
Master output level

8.10 Routing Matrix

The Routing Matrix (View > Routing Matrix) provides a visual overview of all signal routing between tracks, buses, and the master output. It shows which tracks send to which destinations.

9. Effects

9.1 FX Chain Architecture

OpenStudio supports three FX chain positions per track:

Chain Position	Description
Input FX	Processing applied before the track fader. Used for input conditioning (EQ, compression, gating).
Track FX	Processing applied after the track fader. Standard insert effects.
Master FX	Processing on the master bus output. Mastering chain.

9.2 Opening the FX Chain Panel

Click the FX button on a track header or channel strip.
The FX Chain Panel opens, showing the current chain for that track.
Use the chain type selector to switch between Input FX and Track FX.
For the master, access via the Master channel strip FX button.

9.3 Built-in OpenStudio Effects

OpenStudio includes a set of built-in effects identified by the OpenStudio prefix in current releases. Legacy S13 effect names are still accepted for compatibility in older projects and scripts.

Effect	Description
OpenStudio EQ	Parametric equalizer with graphical display
OpenStudio Compressor	Dynamic range compressor with graph
OpenStudio Gate	Noise gate with threshold visualization
OpenStudio Delay	Tempo-synced delay effect with graph
OpenStudio Reverb	Algorithmic reverb with visualization
OpenStudio Saturator	Harmonic saturation/distortion
OpenStudio Chorus	Chorus modulation effect

Each built-in OpenStudio effect includes:

Dedicated parameter sliders
Visual graph showing the effect curve or response
Preset management (save/load presets)
Bypass toggle

9.4 Plugin Hosting

OpenStudio hosts third-party plugins for effects and virtual instruments. VST3 is the most mature path. CLAP and LV2 code paths are present and exposed in current builds where the plugin format is available, but individual plugin compatibility may vary more than VST3.

Scanning for plugins:

Go to the FX Chain Panel or Plugin Browser.
Click Scan to scan standard plugin directories for installed plugins.
Scanned plugins appear in the plugin list organized by manufacturer and category.

Adding a plugin:

Open the FX Chain Panel for a track.
Click the + button or "Add Plugin".
Browse the plugin list (filterable by name, manufacturer, category).
Click a plugin to add it to the chain.
The plugin's native editor window opens automatically.

Plugin editor windows:

Native plugin editors open in separate native windows when the hosted plugin exposes an editor.
Parameters can be adjusted in the native editor or via the FX Chain Panel's parameter list.

9.5 Plugin Presets

Saving presets:

Open the FX Chain Panel.
Adjust the plugin parameters to the desired settings.
Click the preset save icon.
Enter a preset name.

Loading presets:

Open the preset browser for the plugin.
Select a previously saved preset.
The plugin parameters are restored.

9.6 A/B Comparison

For VST3 plugins, OpenStudio supports A/B comparison:

Set up your "A" settings.
Switch to the "B" slot.
Adjust parameters independently.
Toggle between A and B to compare settings by ear.

9.7 FX Bypass

Bypass all effects on a track without removing them:

Click the FX Bypass button on the track header.
The FX button indicator changes from green (active) to red (bypassed).
Individual plugins can also be bypassed within the FX Chain Panel.

9.8 FX Chain Reordering

Drag and drop effects within the FX Chain Panel to change their order. The signal flows from top to bottom through the chain.

9.9 Safe Mode (Bypass FX on Load)

If a project with heavy or problematic plugins is slow to load, open it in Safe Mode:

File > Open Project (Safe Mode)... (Ctrl+Shift+O)
All FX plugins are bypassed on load, allowing the project to open quickly.
You can then selectively enable plugins as needed.

10. Automation

10.1 Automation Overview

Automation allows parameter values to change over time. OpenStudio supports automation for:

Track volume
Track pan
Track mute
Plugin parameters (per-parameter automation)

10.2 Showing Automation Lanes

Click the automation disclosure triangle on a track header, or right-click and select "Show Automation".
Automation lanes appear below the track in the timeline.
Select which parameter to display from the lane dropdown.

10.3 Drawing Automation

Show the automation lane for the desired parameter.
Click on the automation lane to add a point.
Click and drag to draw multiple points.
Drag existing points to adjust their position and value.
Delete points by selecting them and pressing Delete.

Automation points are displayed as connected lines on the lane, with the area between filled to show the value visually.

10.4 Automation Modes

Each automation lane has a mode that determines how automation interacts with playback and recording:

Mode	Description
Read	Automation plays back. Manual parameter changes are temporary.
Write	During playback, all parameter changes are recorded as new automation data, overwriting existing points.
Touch	Records automation only while the user is actively touching a control. Reverts to existing automation on release.
Latch	Like Touch, but after release, continues writing the last value until transport stops.

Set the automation mode via the lane dropdown or s13.setAutomationMode() in Lua.

10.5 Automation and Clip Movement

The Move Envelopes with Items option (Options menu) determines whether automation points move when their associated clips are moved:

Enabled: Automation points follow clip movement.
Disabled: Automation points stay in their original time positions.

10.6 Automation Value Ranges

Parameter	Frontend Range	Backend Range
Volume	0.0 - 1.0	-60 dB to +6 dB
Pan	0.0 - 1.0	-1.0 (L) to +1.0 (R)
Mute	0.0 / 1.0	Off / On

The frontend stores normalized values (0-1) which are converted to native units when sent to the backend.

10.7 Clearing Automation

Delete individual points by selecting and pressing Delete.
Clear all automation for a parameter: right-click the lane > "Clear Automation".
Via Lua: s13.clearAutomation(trackId, parameterId).

11. Markers and Regions

11.1 Markers

Markers are named position indicators on the timeline:

Adding markers:

Press M to add a marker at the playhead position.
Press Shift+M to add a marker with a custom name.
Use Insert > Marker at Playhead from the menu.

Navigating markers:

Double-click a marker in the Region/Marker Manager to jump to that position.
Navigate between markers using the marker controls or via Lua scripting.

Managing markers:

Open the Region/Marker Manager (View menu) to see all markers in a list.
Delete, rename, or reposition markers from the manager.

11.2 Regions

Regions define named time ranges on the timeline:

Adding regions:

Make a time selection, then press Shift+R or use Insert > Region from selection.
The region is created covering the time selection.

Region properties:

Name
Start time
End time
Color

Region uses:

Define sections of your project (verse, chorus, bridge).
Use as render bounds (render individual regions to separate files).
Navigate quickly between sections.

11.3 Region/Marker Manager

Open via View > Region/Marker Manager. This panel displays:

All markers and regions in the project, sorted by time.
Name, position, and duration for each item.
Controls to edit, delete, and navigate to items.

12. Rendering and Exporting

12.1 Opening the Render Dialog

Open the Render dialog via File > Render... or press Ctrl+Alt+R.

12.2 Render Source

Choose what to render:

Source	Description
Master mix	Full stereo mix of all tracks through the master bus
Selected tracks (stems)	Individual stems for each selected track
Master mix + all stems	Master mix plus individual stems for every track
Selected media items	Only the selected clips, direct output
Selected items via master	Selected clips routed through the master FX chain
Razor edit areas	Render each razor edit area as a separate file

12.3 Render Bounds

Choose the time range to render:

Bounds	Description
Entire project	From the first clip start to the last clip end
Custom range	Manually specified start and end times
Time selection	Uses the current time selection
Project regions	Renders each region as a separate file
Selected regions	Renders each selected region separately

12.4 Output Settings

Directory: Browse to select the output folder.

File name: Enter a filename. Supports wildcard variables:

Wildcard	Replacement
`$project`	Project name
`$track`	Track name (for stem renders)
`$region`	Region name (for region renders)
`$date`	Current date (YYYY-MM-DD)
`$time`	Current time (HH-MM-SS)
`$index`	Sequential index (zero-padded)

Tail: Optionally add a tail (in milliseconds) after the end time to capture reverb and delay tails.

12.5 Format Options

Primary output format:

Format	Description	Bit Depth Options
WAV	Standard uncompressed audio	16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit float
AIFF	Apple uncompressed audio	16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit float
FLAC	Lossless compressed audio	16-bit, 24-bit
MP3	Lossy compressed (128-320 kbps)	N/A (bitrate-based)
OGG Vorbis	Lossy compressed (quality 3-10)	N/A (quality-based)

Sample rate: 44100, 48000, 88200, 96000, or 192000 Hz. Note: Rendering processes through the current engine/device configuration, then post-processes when a target sample-rate conversion is requested.

Channels: Stereo or Mono.

12.6 Processing Options

Option	Description
Normalize	Peak-normalizes the output to 0 dBFS
Dither	Applies dither when reducing bit depth. Types: TPDF, Noise Shaped. Only available for 16-bit and 24-bit output.
Resample Quality	UI placeholder only in the current build; backend support is pending

12.7 Secondary Output

Enable Secondary output to simultaneously render a second format (e.g., render WAV master + MP3 reference):

Check "Secondary output".
Select the secondary format (MP3, OGG, FLAC, WAV, AIFF).
Select the secondary bit depth.

12.8 Metadata

The Metadata section is present as a disabled placeholder in the current build. Metadata embedding is planned, but these fields are not written yet:

Title
Artist
Album
Genre
Year
Description
ISRC code

12.9 Post-Render Options

Option	Description
Online render (1x speed)	UI placeholder only in the current build; currently disabled
Add to project after render	Automatically import rendered files as new clips in the project

12.10 Render Queue

Instead of rendering immediately, click Add to Queue to add the render job to the Render Queue. Open the Render Queue via View > Render Queue to manage and batch-process multiple render jobs.

12.11 Region Render Matrix

For complex multi-region, multi-format rendering, use File > Region Render Matrix.... This provides a grid interface to configure which regions render in which formats.

12.12 DDP Export

For CD mastering, use File > DDP Disc Image Export... to create a DDP (Disc Description Protocol) disc image suitable for CD replication.

13. Project Management

13.1 Saving Projects

Action	Shortcut	Description
Save	`Ctrl+S`	Save to current file (or Save As if new)
Save As	`Ctrl+Shift+S`	Save to a new file location
Save New Version	File menu	Save an incrementally versioned copy

13.2 Opening Projects

Action	Shortcut	Description
Open	`Ctrl+O`	Browse and open a `.osproj` project file
Open (Safe Mode)	`Ctrl+Shift+O`	Open with all FX plugins bypassed
Open Recent	File menu	Quick access to recently opened projects

13.3 New Project

Press Ctrl+N or use File > New Project. You will be asked to confirm if there are unsaved changes.

13.4 Close Project

Use File > Close Project (Ctrl+F4). If changes exist, you will be prompted to save.

13.5 Project Templates

Templates save the project layout (tracks, routing, FX chains, settings) without media for reuse:

Saving a template:

Set up your project with the desired tracks, routing, and FX.
Go to File > Save as Template...
Enter a template name.

Using a template:

Go to File > New from Template...
Select from the list of saved templates.
The template's structure is loaded as a new project.

Managing templates:

Delete templates via the New from Template submenu.

13.6 Project Tabs

OpenStudio supports multiple project tabs:

File > New Project Tab: Opens an additional project tab.
Switch between tabs to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

13.7 Session Archive

Archive your entire session (project file + all referenced media) into a single package:

Go to File > Archive Session...
Select the destination.
All media files are copied alongside the project file, ensuring portability.

13.8 Media Pool

The Media Pool (View > Media Pool or File > Media Pool) lists all audio and MIDI files used in the current project:

View file paths, durations, sample rates, and channel counts.
Identify missing media files.
Remove unused media references.

13.9 Missing Media Resolver

When a project references audio files that cannot be found at their stored paths:

OpenStudio displays a warning on project load.
The Missing Media dialog allows you to browse for moved files or point to new locations.
Resolved paths are saved with the project.

13.10 Auto-Save / Auto-Backup

Configure automatic backups via Options > Preferences > Backup:

Setting	Description
Enable Auto-Backup	Toggle automatic backup on/off
Backup Interval	Time between backups (1-60 minutes, default 5 min)

Auto-backup saves the project at regular intervals when changes are detected. It requires the project to have been saved at least once (has a file path).

13.11 Project Compare

Compare the current project state with the last saved version:

Go to File > Compare with Saved Version.
A comparison view shows what has changed since the last save.

13.12 Clean Project Directory

Remove unused files from the project directory:

Go to File > Clean Project Directory...
The dialog shows which files are unused and can be safely deleted.

13.13 Export MIDI

Export all MIDI data in the project:

Go to File > Export Project MIDI...
A standard MIDI file is created containing all MIDI clips.

13.14 Batch File Converter

Convert multiple audio files between formats:

Go to File > Batch File Converter...
Select input files and configure the output format.
Convert in batch.

13.15 Capture Output

Live capture is an experimental plumbing path in the current build. The menu action exists, but production-ready real-time master-output capture is not part of the stable user workflow yet:

Go to File > Capture Output to toggle live capture.
Treat this as a development/diagnostic feature until the backend capture path is fully enabled.

14. Scripting

14.1 Overview

OpenStudio includes a Lua scripting engine that provides programmatic access to nearly all DAW functions. Scripts can automate repetitive tasks, create custom workflows, and extend OpenStudio's capabilities.

14.2 Script Editor

Open the Script Editor via View > Script Editor:

Write Lua scripts in the editor pane.
Click Run to execute the script.
Output appears in the console pane below.
Use s13.print(...) to output messages to the console.

14.3 Scripting API Overview

All scripting functions are currently accessed through the legacy s13.* namespace. Key categories include:

Track Operations:

local id = s13.addTrack("Vocals")        -- Create a new track
s13.setTrackVolume(id, -6.0)             -- Set volume in dB
s13.setTrackPan(id, -0.5)               -- Pan left 50%
s13.setTrackMute(id, true)              -- Mute the track
s13.setTrackSolo(id, true)              -- Solo the track
s13.setTrackArm(id, true)               -- Arm for recording
s13.removeTrack(id)                      -- Delete a track
s13.reorderTrack(0, 3)                  -- Move track from index 0 to index 3

Transport Control:

s13.play()                               -- Start playback
s13.stop()                               -- Stop
s13.record()                             -- Start recording
s13.setPlayhead(10.5)                    -- Jump to 10.5 seconds
s13.setTempo(120)                        -- Set BPM
s13.setTimeSignature(3, 4)              -- Set 3/4 time
s13.setLoop(true, 4, 12)               -- Enable loop from 4s to 12s

FX Chain:

s13.addTrackFX(trackId, pluginId)        -- Add VST3 plugin
s13.addTrackS13FX(trackId, "OpenStudio EQ") -- Add built-in effect
s13.removeTrackFX(trackId, 0)           -- Remove first FX
s13.bypassTrackFX(trackId, 0, true)     -- Bypass first FX
local fx = s13.getAvailableS13FX()       -- List built-in effects

Master Bus:

s13.setMasterVolume(1.0)                -- Set master volume (linear)
s13.setMasterPan(0.0)                   -- Set master pan (center)

Sends:

local idx = s13.addTrackSend(trackId, busId)  -- Add send
s13.setTrackSendLevel(trackId, idx, 0.7)      -- Set send level
s13.removeTrackSend(trackId, idx)              -- Remove send

Automation:

s13.setAutomationPoints(trackId, "volume", {
    { time = 0, value = 0.5 },
    { time = 4, value = 1.0 },
    { time = 8, value = 0.3 },
})
s13.setAutomationMode(trackId, "volume", "read")
s13.clearAutomation(trackId, "volume")

Audio Analysis:

local stats = s13.measureLUFS("C:/audio/mix.wav")
s13.print("Integrated: " .. stats.integrated .. " LUFS")
s13.print("True Peak: " .. stats.truePeak .. " dBTP")

local transients = s13.detectTransients("C:/audio/drums.wav", 0.3)
s13.print("Found " .. #transients .. " transients")

local silences = s13.detectSilentRegions("C:/audio/take.wav", -50, 0.5)

Track Freeze:

s13.freezeTrack(trackId)                -- Freeze (render FX offline)
s13.unfreezeTrack(trackId)              -- Unfreeze (restore)

Rendering:

s13.renderProject("C:/output/mix.wav", "wav", 24, 44100, 0, 60)

Utility:

s13.print("Hello from OpenStudio!")      -- Console output
local ver = s13.getAppVersion()          -- Get version string
s13.showMessage("Alert", "Processing complete!")  -- Dialog
local file = s13.fileDialog("Open Audio", "*.wav;*.aiff")  -- File picker

For the complete API reference, see API.md.

14.4 Example Scripts

Set up a recording template:

-- Create tracks for a band recording
local drums = s13.addTrack("Drums OH")
local bass = s13.addTrack("Bass DI")
local guitar = s13.addTrack("Guitar")
local vocal = s13.addTrack("Vocal")

-- Set levels
s13.setTrackVolume(drums, -3.0)
s13.setTrackVolume(bass, -6.0)
s13.setTrackVolume(guitar, -6.0)
s13.setTrackVolume(vocal, 0.0)

-- Pan instruments
s13.setTrackPan(guitar, -0.3)

-- Add EQ to all tracks
for _, id in ipairs({ drums, bass, guitar, vocal }) do
    s13.addTrackS13FX(id, "OpenStudio EQ")
end

s13.setTempo(120)
s13.print("Band template ready!")

Analyze and report loudness for all audio files:

local files = { "C:/audio/verse.wav", "C:/audio/chorus.wav", "C:/audio/bridge.wav" }
for _, file in ipairs(files) do
    local stats = s13.measureLUFS(file)
    s13.print(file .. ": " .. stats.integrated .. " LUFS, peak " .. stats.truePeak .. " dBTP")
end

15. Customization

15.1 Themes

OpenStudio includes several built-in themes:

Theme	Description
Dark	Default dark theme (dark grays/blues)
Light	Light theme for bright environments
Midnight	Deep dark blue theme
High Contrast	Maximum contrast for accessibility

Change theme via Options > Theme or the Command Palette.

15.2 Theme Editor

For custom theming, open View > Theme Editor.... The Theme Editor allows you to customize individual color tokens and create your own theme presets.

15.3 Keyboard Shortcuts

Open the Keyboard Shortcuts window from the Help menu to browse the searchable shortcut reference, print a cheat sheet, and rebind supported shortcuts.

Press F1 for the Help Reference, which is separate from the Keyboard Shortcuts window.

Use Help > Getting Started Guide for the built-in first-session walkthrough covering navigation gestures, essential hotkeys, track creation, recording, and export.

Custom shortcut rebinding currently lives in the Keyboard Shortcuts window, not in Preferences.

Custom rebinding currently applies to global shortcuts. Timeline- and editor-scoped shortcuts are documented in the reference but are not rebindable in this pass.

15.4 Preferences

Open Options > Preferences (Ctrl+,) to access the full preferences dialog:

General tab:

Snap to Grid enable/disable
Default grid size (Bar, 1/2 Bar, 1/4 Bar, 1/8 Bar, Beat, Half Beat, Quarter Beat, Second, Minute)
Project defaults

Editing tab:

Auto-Crossfade enable/disable
Default crossfade length (in milliseconds)
Record mode (Normal / Overdub / Replace)
Ripple editing mode (Off / Per Track / All Tracks)

Display tab:

Timecode mode (Time / Beats / SMPTE)
SMPTE frame rate (24, 25, 29.97, 30 fps)
UI Font Scale (75% to 150%, for accessibility)
Panel visibility settings

Mouse tab:

Configure what happens when you click with different modifier keys in various contexts:
- Clip Drag, Clip Resize, Timeline Click, Track Header, Automation Point, Fade Handle, Ruler Click
- Each context can have different actions for: Click, Ctrl+Click, Shift+Click, Alt+Click
Reset to defaults button

Backup tab:

Enable/disable auto-backup
Backup interval (1-60 minutes)

15.5 Grid Size

The grid determines snap positions and visual gridlines. Available sizes:

Grid Size	Description
Bar	Full bar (e.g., 4 beats in 4/4)
1/2 Bar	Half a bar
1/4 Bar	Quarter bar
1/8 Bar	Eighth bar
Beat	Single beat
Half Beat	Half a beat
Quarter Beat	Quarter beat (16th note in 4/4)
Second	One second
Minute	One minute

Set the grid size via View > Grid Size submenu or the Preferences dialog.

15.6 Screensets

Screensets save and recall window layouts:

Action	Shortcut
Save Screenset 1	`Ctrl+Shift+1`
Save Screenset 2	`Ctrl+Shift+2`
Save Screenset 3	`Ctrl+Shift+3`
Load Screenset 1	`Ctrl+1`
Load Screenset 2	`Ctrl+2`
Load Screenset 3	`Ctrl+3`

Screensets save which panels are visible and their layout, allowing quick switching between editing, mixing, and mastering views.

15.7 Toolbar Customization

Open View > Toolbar Editor... to customize the Main Toolbar:

Add or remove buttons.
Rearrange button order.
Create custom toolbars.
Toggle toolbar visibility via View > Toolbars.

15.8 Command Palette

Press Ctrl+Shift+P to open the Command Palette. Type to fuzzy-search through all available actions. Press Enter to execute the selected action. This is the fastest way to access any feature without memorizing its shortcut or menu location.

15.9 Plugin Bridge (32-bit)

If you have 32-bit VST plugins that need to run in the 64-bit OpenStudio environment:

Toggle via Options > Toggle 32-bit Plugin Bridge.
This control is currently experimental. OpenStudio's stable plugin hosting path is 64-bit native plugin hosting.

16. Keyboard Shortcuts

16.1 Transport

Action	Shortcut
Play / Pause	`Space`
Stop	`Space` (while playing)
Record	`Ctrl+R`
Go to Start	Transport button / command palette
Toggle Loop	`L`
Set Loop to Selection	`Ctrl+L`
Tap Tempo	`T`

16.2 File

Action	Shortcut
New Project	`Ctrl+N`
Open Project	`Ctrl+O`
Open (Safe Mode)	`Ctrl+Shift+O`
Save Project	`Ctrl+S`
Save As	`Ctrl+Shift+S`
Close Project	`Ctrl+F4`
Render / Export	`Ctrl+Alt+R`
Project Settings	`Alt+Enter`
Quit	`Ctrl+Q`

16.3 Edit

Action	Shortcut
Undo	`Ctrl+Z`
Redo	`Ctrl+Shift+Z`
Cut	`Ctrl+X`
Copy	`Ctrl+C`
Paste	`Ctrl+V`
Delete Selected	`Delete`
Select All Tracks	`Ctrl+A`
Select All Clips	`Ctrl+Shift+A`
Deselect All	`Esc`
Split at Cursor	`S`
Group Selected Clips	`Ctrl+G`
Ungroup Selected Clips	`Ctrl+Shift+G`
Toggle Clip Mute	`U`
Nudge Left	`Left`
Nudge Right	`Right`
Nudge Left (Fine)	`Ctrl+Left`
Nudge Right (Fine)	`Ctrl+Right`

16.4 Tools

Tool	Shortcut
Select Tool	`V`
Split Tool	`B`
Mute Tool	`X`
Smart Tool	`Y`

16.5 Insert

Action	Shortcut
New Audio Track	`Ctrl+T`
New MIDI Track	`Ctrl+Shift+T`
Quick Add Instrument Track	`Ctrl+Shift+I`
Import Media File	`Insert`
Add Marker	`M`
Add Named Marker	`Shift+M`
Add Region from Selection	`Shift+R`

16.6 View

Action	Shortcut
Toggle Mixer	`Ctrl+M`
Toggle Virtual MIDI Keyboard	`Alt+B`
Toggle Undo History	`Ctrl+Alt+Z`
Clip Properties	`F2`
Help Reference	`F1`
Keyboard Shortcuts	Help menu
Zoom to Time Selection	`Ctrl+Shift+E`
Zoom In	`Ctrl+Plus`
Zoom Out	`Ctrl+Minus`
Zoom to Fit	`Ctrl+0`
Save Screenset 1	`Ctrl+Shift+1`
Save Screenset 2	`Ctrl+Shift+2`
Save Screenset 3	`Ctrl+Shift+3`
Load Screenset 1	`Ctrl+1`
Load Screenset 2	`Ctrl+2`
Load Screenset 3	`Ctrl+3`
Command Palette	`Ctrl+Shift+P`

16.7 Navigation

Action	Shortcut
Next Transient	`Tab`
Previous Transient	`Shift+Tab`

16.8 Options

Action	Shortcut
Preferences	`Ctrl+,`
Tap Tempo	`T`

16.9 MIDI

Action	Shortcut
Quantize Notes	Quantize dialog / command palette
Transpose +1 Semitone	(via menu/command palette)
Transpose -1 Semitone	(via menu/command palette)
Transpose Octave Up (+12)	(via menu/command palette)
Transpose Octave Down (-12)	(via menu/command palette)
Velocity +10%	(via menu/command palette)
Velocity -10%	(via menu/command palette)
Reverse MIDI Notes	(via menu/command palette)
Invert MIDI Note Pitches	(via menu/command palette)
Select All Notes	(via menu/command palette)

16.10 Mouse Shortcuts

Action	Mouse Gesture
Vertical navigate	Scroll
Timeline zoom	Ctrl+Scroll
Horizontal navigate	Shift+Scroll
Resize track height	Alt+Scroll
Faster track-height zoom	Ctrl+Shift+Scroll
Move clip	Drag clip
Copy clip	Ctrl+Drag clip
Constrain to horizontal	Shift+Drag clip
Slip edit	Alt+Drag inside clip
Trim clip edge	Drag left/right edge of clip
Create fade	Drag top-left or top-right corner
Add gain point	Shift+Click in clip
Rubber-band select clips	Drag on empty timeline space
Create razor edit	Alt+Drag on timeline
Horizontal zoom	Ctrl+Scroll wheel (on timeline)
Horizontal scroll	Shift+Scroll wheel
Move playhead	Click on ruler
Create time selection	Drag on ruler
Context menu	Right-click

17. Troubleshooting

17.1 No Audio Output

Symptoms: Playback shows "Playing" but no sound is heard.

Solutions:

Check Audio Settings (View > Audio Settings...) and verify the correct output device is selected.
Make sure your audio interface is powered on and connected.
Check that tracks are not muted and the master volume is up.
Verify no tracks are soloed that should not be (solo mutes all other tracks).
If using ASIO, ensure no other application is using the ASIO driver exclusively.

17.2 High Latency

Symptoms: Noticeable delay between playing and hearing sound.

Solutions:

Switch to ASIO drivers (lowest latency).
Reduce the Buffer Size in Audio Settings. Try 128 or 256 samples.
Close other audio applications that may be competing for the audio device.
If you hear crackling, increase the buffer size slightly until stable.

17.3 Audio Crackling or Glitches

Symptoms: Pops, clicks, or crackling during playback or recording.

Solutions:

Increase the Buffer Size in Audio Settings (try 512 or 1024 samples).
Freeze CPU-heavy tracks (right-click > Freeze Track).
Reduce the number of active plugins.
Close unnecessary background applications.
Check your audio interface drivers are up to date.

17.4 Plugin Not Showing Up

Symptoms: A VST3 plugin you installed is not appearing in the plugin list.

Solutions:

Ensure the plugin is installed in a standard VST3 directory.
Open the FX Chain Panel and click Scan to rescan for plugins.
Verify the plugin is a supported 64-bit plugin. VST3 is the most mature path; CLAP/LV2 compatibility may vary by plugin and build.
Check that the plugin file is not corrupted.

17.5 Plugin Causing Crashes or Noise

Symptoms: A specific plugin causes OpenStudio to crash, hang, or produce unexpected noise.

Solutions:

Open the project in Safe Mode (Ctrl+Shift+O) to bypass all plugins on load.
Selectively enable plugins one at a time to identify the problematic one.
Some plugins require specific channel configurations. Check the plugin's documentation.
Update the plugin to its latest version.
Remove the plugin and re-add it to reset its state.

17.6 Missing Media Files

Symptoms: Project loads but some clips show as empty or display a missing file warning.

Solutions:

When prompted, use the Missing Media dialog to browse for the moved files.
If files were moved, point to their new location.
Use File > Media Pool to view all referenced files and their status.
If original files are lost, re-record or re-import the audio.

17.7 Recording Issues

Symptoms: Record button is disabled, or recording produces empty clips.

Solutions:

Ensure at least one track is armed for recording (Record Arm button is active).
Check that the correct Input Device is selected in Audio Settings.
Verify the input channel assignment on the armed track's Track Header.
Confirm audio signal is reaching the track (check the activity meter on the Track Header).
Check Record Safe is not enabled on the track (prevents recording).

17.8 Project Won't Save

Symptoms: Save fails or project file appears empty.

Solutions:

Verify the target directory is writable.
Try Save As to a different location.
Check available disk space.
Ensure no antivirus software is blocking write access.

17.9 MIDI Controller Not Recognized

Symptoms: MIDI device does not appear in the input selector.

Solutions:

Ensure the MIDI controller is connected and powered on before launching OpenStudio.
Check that the MIDI driver is installed (if required by the device).
Restart OpenStudio after connecting the device.
Verify the device appears in Windows Device Manager under Sound, video, and game controllers.

17.10 Waveform Not Displaying

Symptoms: Audio clips appear as empty blocks without waveform visualization.

Solutions:

This may occur on first load as the peak cache is being built. Wait a moment.
OpenStudio uses .ospeaks sidecar files for waveform display. Legacy .s13peaks files are still supported and will be regenerated automatically if needed.
Ensure the referenced audio file exists and is readable.
Try zooming in or out to trigger a waveform refresh.

17.11 Render Produces Silence

Symptoms: Rendered file is silent or contains only silence.

Solutions:

Verify the render time range covers the section where clips exist. Check the Start and End times in the Render dialog.
Ensure the Source is set correctly (Master mix for full mix, specific tracks for stems).
Check that tracks are not muted and clips are not muted.
Verify the project plays back correctly before rendering.
Try rendering with "Entire project" bounds to confirm the issue.

17.12 High CPU Usage

Symptoms: CPU usage is consistently high, causing performance issues.

Solutions:

Freeze tracks with heavy plugins (right-click > Freeze Track).
Increase the audio buffer size.
Remove or bypass plugins you are not actively using.
Reduce the number of simultaneous tracks.
Close the Mixer Panel, Spectrum Analyzer, and Loudness Meter when not needed (they use CPU for real-time display).

17.13 Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working

Symptoms: Keyboard shortcuts do not trigger their expected actions.

Solutions:

Ensure the main OpenStudio window has focus (click on the timeline or a panel).
If a text input field is focused (e.g., renaming a track), keyboard shortcuts are temporarily disabled. Press Esc to defocus.
Check the keyboard shortcuts reference (F1) to confirm the correct binding.
Open Help > Keyboard Shortcuts to confirm whether a global shortcut was customized or reset it to the default binding.
Some shortcuts are context-dependent (e.g., MIDI shortcuts only work when the Piano Roll is open).

18. AI Music and Assisted Audio

OpenStudio includes optional AI-assisted workflows that live inside the normal DAW session. These features are not bundled into the base app by default; install the required AI Tools runtime from inside the app when prompted.

18.1 AI Tools Setup

Use AI Tools Setup when a generation or stem workflow reports that its runtime is missing.

The installer prepares optional local runtime assets instead of making the base DAW download huge.
Installation can be cancelled, reset, or retried from the setup modal.
Generated audio is imported back into the project as normal clips/tracks.

18.2 AI Tracks

AI tracks are used for prompt-driven generation workflows:

Workflow	Description
Text to Music	Generates a fresh music clip using ACE-Step from style/arrangement prompt, optional lyrics, BPM, duration, time signature, language, key/scale, seed, and generation controls.
Lyrics + Style	Generates a song guided by both structured lyrics and a musical prompt.
Text to Audio	Generates audio from a prompt using Stable Audio 3 Medium when that runtime/model is installed.

Create an AI track from the Insert menu, the command palette, or the Ctrl+Alt+T shortcut if it is still bound to its default.

18.3 Clip AI Workflows

Right-click an audio clip and open AI Generation for source-conditioned workflows:

Workflow	Description
Create Variation	Generates a related version of the selected clip while preserving source identity according to the source/variation controls.
Inpaint Selection	Regenerates the time selection that overlaps the clip while matching the surrounding audio. Create a time selection first.
Continue Clip	Generates a continuation tail from the selected clip using the prompt and tail-length/source controls.

18.4 Stem Separation

Stem separation splits a source clip into component tracks for remixing, cleanup, practice, or arrangement work:

Vocals
Drums
Bass
Other

The resulting stems are imported back into the session as editable clips.

18.5 Audio to MIDI

The audio-to-MIDI workflow uses Basic Pitch / ONNX plumbing where available to extract MIDI note data from audio. Use it when you want to turn a recorded or imported performance into MIDI material for editing, layering, or replacement.

Appendix A: Project File Location

OpenStudio project files (.osproj) are saved to the location you choose when saving. Legacy .s13 files are still supported. Recorded audio files are stored in a subdirectory alongside the project file.

Appendix B: Audio Format Support

Import formats: WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, OGG Vorbis, MIDI, and video audio extraction where FFmpeg is available

Export formats: WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, OGG Vorbis, MIDI, and DDP export

Plugin formats: VST3 is the stable primary path. CLAP and LV2 code paths are present where available. Experimental 32-bit bridging controls are not part of the stable plugin-hosting path.

Appendix C: Supported Audio Interfaces

OpenStudio supports any audio interface that provides:

ASIO drivers (recommended for professional use)
WASAPI drivers (built into Windows)
DirectSound drivers (legacy support)

ASIO is strongly recommended for recording and low-latency monitoring.

Appendix D: Signal Flow

Understanding OpenStudio's signal flow helps with troubleshooting and advanced mixing:

Audio Input (Device Channel)
    |
    v
[Input FX Chain]  -- Applied pre-fader
    |
    v
[Track Volume Fader]  -- Controlled by automation in Read mode
    |
    v
[Track Pan]  -- Equal-power panning (cos/sin law)
    |
    v
[Track FX Chain]  -- Insert effects applied post-fader
    |                \
    v                 \---> [Send] ---> Bus Track ---> [Bus FX] ---> Master
    |
    v
[Track Output]
    |
    v
[Master Bus]
    |
    v
[Master FX Chain]
    |
    v
[Master Volume & Pan]
    |
    v
Audio Output (Device)

Key points:

Input FX are applied before the track fader, so they are not affected by fader automation.
Track FX are applied after the fader.
Sends can be pre-fader (level independent of track fader) or post-fader (follows the fader).
Automation can control volume, pan, and plugin parameters at any point in the chain.
The master bus receives the sum of all track outputs and send bus outputs.

Appendix E: File Formats and Technical Specifications

Peak Cache Files (.ospeaks)

OpenStudio generates .ospeaks sidecar files alongside audio files for efficient waveform display:

These files cache multi-resolution peak data at 4 mipmap levels (64, 256, 1024, 4096 samples per peak).
They are automatically generated on first load and regenerated if the source audio changes.
Deleting .ospeaks files is safe; they will be regenerated automatically.
Peak cache files are typically much smaller than their source audio files.

Sample Rate Handling

OpenStudio handles sample rate conversion automatically when importing audio files recorded at different rates than the project's device rate.
Linear interpolation is used for real-time sample rate conversion during playback.
For rendering, the "Resample Quality" setting (Fast/Good/Best) controls the quality of the conversion algorithm.

Audio Thread Safety

OpenStudio uses professional-grade audio thread safety patterns:

Non-blocking locks on the audio thread (try-lock pattern) ensure glitch-free playback.
Pre-allocated audio buffers avoid heap allocations during audio processing.
Pre-loaded audio file readers prevent disk I/O on the audio thread.
Atomic operations for parameter updates (volume, pan) avoid mutex contention.

Appendix F: Tips and Best Practices

Recording

Always set your buffer size before recording. Lower buffers reduce monitoring latency but increase CPU load.
Record at the native sample rate of your audio interface for best quality.
Leave headroom when setting input levels. Aim for peaks around -12 to -6 dB.
Use auto-backup to protect against data loss during long recording sessions.

Mixing

Start mixing with all faders at unity (0 dB) and bring down the loudest elements first.
Use bus tracks for grouping related instruments (drums, guitars, vocals).
Save mixer snapshots before making major changes so you can compare.
Use the Loudness Meter to ensure your mix targets the correct loudness standard (e.g., -14 LUFS for streaming).

Performance

Freeze tracks with heavy plugins when you are done editing them.
Close panels you are not using (Spectrum Analyzer, Loudness Meter, Phase Correlation).
Use ASIO drivers for the best audio performance.
If your project has many tracks, consider increasing the buffer size to 512 or 1024 samples.

Organization

Name tracks descriptively as you add them. Renaming later is easy, but naming from the start saves time.
Use track colors to visually group related instruments.
Use folder tracks to organize large sessions (e.g., a "Drums" folder containing kick, snare, toms, overheads).
Add markers at song sections (intro, verse, chorus) for quick navigation.
Use regions to define render boundaries for individual sections.

Scripting

Use Lua scripts to automate repetitive tasks (e.g., adding the same FX chain to every vocal track).
The s13.print() function is useful for debugging scripts.
Scripts can access all track, transport, FX, and automation functions.
Save commonly used scripts as files for reuse across projects.

Appendix G: Glossary

Term	Definition
ASIO	Audio Stream Input/Output. A low-latency audio driver protocol.
Automation	Time-varying parameter changes recorded or drawn on the timeline.
Buffer Size	Number of audio samples processed per callback. Lower = less latency.
Bus	A track that receives audio from sends, used for submixing or FX returns.
CC	MIDI Continuous Controller. Messages for parameters like mod wheel, sustain.
Clip	A block of audio or MIDI data placed on the timeline.
Comping	Assembling the best parts from multiple recording takes.
Crossfade	A smooth transition between two overlapping clips.
DAW	Digital Audio Workstation. Software for recording, editing, and mixing.
dB (Decibel)	Unit of measurement for audio level.
dBFS	Decibels relative to full scale. 0 dBFS is the maximum digital level.
Dither	Low-level noise added when reducing bit depth to mask quantization.
Fade In/Out	Gradual volume increase at clip start / decrease at clip end.
Fader	Volume control slider in the mixer.
Freeze	Render a track's FX chain to audio to save CPU.
Grid	Visual and snap alignment points on the timeline.
Input Monitoring	Hearing the live input signal through the track's processing chain.
Latency	Delay between input and output, primarily determined by buffer size.
Loop	Repeating playback of a specific time range.
LUFS	Loudness Units Full Scale. Standardized loudness measurement.
MIDI	Musical Instrument Digital Interface. Protocol for note/control data.
Normalize	Adjusting audio level so the peak reaches a target (usually 0 dBFS).
Nudge	Moving a clip by a small, precise amount.
Offline Render	Bouncing/exporting audio faster than real-time.
Pan	Stereo positioning of a signal between left and right.
Peak Cache	Pre-computed waveform data stored in `.ospeaks` files.
Playhead	The vertical line indicating the current position in time.
Punch In/Out	Recording only within a specific time range.
Quantize	Aligning MIDI notes or clips to the grid.
Razor Edit	Selecting a time range on specific tracks for precise editing.
Region	A named time range on the timeline.
Render	Exporting the project (or portions) to an audio file.
Ripple Edit	Automatic shifting of subsequent clips when content is inserted/removed.
Sample Rate	Number of audio samples per second (e.g., 44100 Hz, 48000 Hz).
Screenset	A saved window layout configuration.
Send	A signal routing from a track to a bus, used for effects returns.
Slip Edit	Moving audio content within a clip without moving the clip itself.
SMPTE	Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. Timecode format.
Snap	Automatic alignment of clips and edits to grid positions.
Solo	Isolating one or more tracks by muting all others.
Stem	An individual track or group of tracks rendered as a separate file.
Take	One recording pass. Multiple takes can be stored and comped.
TCP	Track Control Panel. The area showing track headers on the left.
Tempo Map	A series of tempo changes over time (variable BPM).
Transient	A sharp, short-lived peak in an audio signal (e.g., drum hit).
VCA	Voltage Controlled Amplifier. A fader that controls linked track volumes.
VST3	Virtual Studio Technology 3. A plugin format for audio effects and instruments.
WASAPI	Windows Audio Session API. Windows built-in audio driver system.

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OpenStudio User Manual

Table of Contents

1. Getting Started

1.1 System Requirements

1.2 Installation

1.3 First Launch and Audio Setup

1.4 Creating Your First Project

1.5 Project File Format

2. Interface Overview

2.1 Menu Bar

2.2 Main Toolbar

2.3 Track Control Panel (TCP)

2.4 Timeline / Arrange View

2.5 Transport Bar

2.6 Mixer Panel

2.7 Additional Panels

3. Working with Tracks

3.1 Track Types

3.2 Creating Tracks

3.3 Selecting Tracks

3.4 Renaming Tracks

3.5 Reordering Tracks

3.6 Track Colors

3.7 Track Properties

3.8 Track Context Menu

3.9 Deleting Tracks

3.10 Folder Tracks

3.11 Track Groups

3.12 VCA Faders

3.13 Track Freeze

3.14 Track Spacers

4. Recording Audio

4.1 Setting Up Inputs

4.2 Arming Tracks for Recording

4.3 Input Monitoring

4.4 Recording

4.5 Record Modes

4.6 Punch In/Out

4.7 Takes and Comping

5. Recording MIDI

5.1 MIDI Device Setup

5.2 Recording MIDI

5.3 Step Input

5.4 Virtual MIDI Keyboard

5.5 MIDI Learn

6. Editing

6.1 Selection

6.2 Moving Clips

6.3 Splitting Clips

6.4 Trimming Clips

6.5 Slip Editing

6.6 Fade In/Fade Out

6.7 Undo and Redo

6.8 Clipboard Operations

6.9 Nudging Clips

6.10 Time Selection Operations

6.11 Razor Editing

6.12 Ripple Editing

6.13 Clip Properties

6.14 Grouping Clips

6.15 Quantize Clips

6.16 Dynamic Split

6.17 Transient Navigation

6.18 Free Item Positioning

7. MIDI Editing

7.1 Opening the Piano Roll

7.2 Piano Roll Layout

7.3 Drawing Notes

7.4 Selecting Notes

7.5 Editing Notes

7.6 Velocity Editing

7.7 CC Lanes

7.8 Quantize

7.9 MIDI Transform Operations