The Toolbar
Lesson time: (4min 23sec)
Dov Waterman shows how Logic Pro's toolbar gives one-click access to the functions you reach for most, and how to customise it for a faster composing workflow.
Course preview
This lesson is part of the course Composition in Logic: Workflow & Templates
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
Recap on Template Building and Customization
Building a Template
- Building a template consists of:
- Getting your sounds correctly in place
- Loading them into folders
- Categorizing them for easier visibility
Customizing the Environment
- We looked at adding elements to:
- The control bar
- The toolbar
Control Bar Functions
- The control bar, located just beneath the toolbar, includes various functions that I frequently reference.
- Key Commandable Functions:
- Most functions here can be accessed via key commands.
- This includes:
- Editing MIDI
- Repeating sections
- Arranging
- Bouncing regions
- Splitting locators
Customizing Functions
- To customize the toolbar:
- Use Control + Click to add functions.
- I prefer seeing certain functions visually rather than relying solely on key commands to avoid accidental pressing.
Useful Functions to Add
- Bounce: I haven't assigned a key command for this, but I keep it visible in the control bar.
- Automatic Quick Assign: We'll discuss this further, particularly regarding automation.
- Import/Export Audio: Essential functions for workflow.
Bouncing Stems
- When creating stems or bouncing out audio, the process is as follows:
- It generates bounce folders (as opposed to "bounce in place," which we'll explore later).
- This feature helps in exporting selections of regions or tracks effectively.
Grouping Tracks for Post Production
- One critical aspect of post-production involves organizing your audio:
- Using folder tracks or summing buses (aux tracks) aids in managing audio when stemming.
- During final mix stages, mixers may need sections grouped (e.g., string sections, brass sections).
- To bounce a section, highlight it and:
- Click Bounce or go to Bounce Output (both perform the same action).
- We will cover more about bouncing and importing files in detail later on.
About the instructor

Dov Waterman is a composer, pianist and producer. He has written and designed sound for films including After Earth, Terminator Genisys, Transformers: The Last Knight and The Snowman, and works as a sample-library audio editor and sound designer with companies such as Native Instruments and SonoKinetic.His Composition in Logic series walks through building a track end to end in Logic Pro - from templates and workflow to synthesis and beat programming, MIDI effects, editing and the final mix - for producers who want to turn their ideas into finished records. read more




