Exploring the Edit Window in Pro Tools

In this video, we're going to take a look around the Edit Window in Pro Tools. I've opened up a different Pro Tools project, specifically, a version of the project you're using for your third challenge, where you're mixing a track. It makes more sense to show you around the Edit Window while there's something in it to actually see.

Understanding the Main Windows

There are two main windows in Pro Tools. While there are lots of them, the two main ones are:

1. Edit Window:

   • You can tell we're in the Edit Window partly because of how it looks, and also because it says the word "Edit" next to the actual project name.

2. Mix Window:

   • As the name suggests, this is where you go for a lot of your mixing. You can switch to the Mix Window via the Window Menu.

Shortcut to Switch Between Windows

• Notice the shortcut:
  • Command + Equals (it will be Control + Equals on a PC).
  • This shortcut is crucial for improving your efficiency in Pro Tools.

Getting to Know the Toolbar

Let's take a good look around.

• At the top, we have the Toolbar, which includes the transport controls. You'll find:
  • Play, Rewind, and Fast-Forward controls.
  • Tool selections.
  • Edit Modes on the left.
  • Zoom options on the right.

View Options in Pro Tools

• Look for circles with triangles in them; they usually indicate view options. Triangles give you menu options.

  • For example, clicking on the triangle here allows you to change your Time Counter.

• Over at the top right, there's another circle with a triangle. For instance, you can choose to see the Synchronization Controls.

Customizing Your View

If you prefer not to mouse all the way to the right side of the screen, you can access many of these options by right-clicking.

To customize the order of items in your Toolbar:

• Hold the Command Key (or Control on PC) and click and drag to rearrange them.

Tip: I tend to leave things in the default layout, as I've been using Pro Tools for over 20 years now.

The Universe View

Just underneath the Toolbar, we have the Universe, a zoomed-out view of the entire project.

• You'll see many purple lines representing the drum tracks, with the audio waveforms colored purple.
• The lighter box shows what is currently visible in the main Edit Window.
• You can navigate this by clicking and dragging.

Clip Capabilities

Next to the Universe display, we have our Clip Edit capabilities:

• You can now apply EQ and Dynamics to individual clips instead of entire tracks.

For example, if I decide I want to EQ a reverse guitar part, I can toggle that option easily.

To free up screen space, you can turn off the Universe by clicking the relevant option.

Exploring Timelines and Rulers

• Currently, we're in Bars and Beats mode for our time rulers.
• This means values in the transport controls are shown in bars and beats, which is typically preferred in music.

Displaying Multiple Time Formats

• You can also change to Minutes and Seconds as needed.

• For enhanced clarity, you can have both timelines visible by selecting Show Sub Counter.

• Remember, triangles are generally menu options. You can display Timecode, Feet and Frames, or Samples, depending on your requirements.

Tempo and Markers

• We can see Tempo and Markers.
• Tempo mapping is useful, especially if the band didn't play to a click track. Thus, it records how they sped up or slowed down.

Markers allow you to navigate to specific parts of the song easily, and there are more in-depth videos on markers coming up later.

Clip List and Audio Files

At the bottom right, you'll find a triangle with a line next door. Clicking this reveals the Clip List, showing all audio files in your track.

• For example, you might see the Guitar Reverse selected here.
• You can drag and drop audio clips or clear them as needed.

Groups and Click Tracks

On the left side, there's a button for Tracks and Groups.

• For instance, if I have a Click Track in my session that I want to hide or show, I can click here, or use 7 on the numeric keypad.

Final Thoughts

As a quick introduction, I think that'll do for now.

We'll revisit most of what I've covered later on, but in the next video, I'll show you how to zoom through your tracks and adjust your track heights.

See you in a minute!