Last Updated: November 21, 2025
Project Basics
Cmd + N
Create new project
Cmd + S
Save project
Cmd + O
Open project
Spacebar
Play/Pause
Return
Return to beginning
R
Toggle record
C
Toggle cycle region (loop)
Cmd + ,
Open preferences
Track Controls
Cmd + Opt + N
Create new track
Cmd + Delete
Delete selected track
Cmd + D
Duplicate track or region
M
Mute selected track
S
Solo selected track
X
Enable/disable track
Cmd + L
Toggle loop browser
Cmd + I
Show track info
Software Instruments
Piano/Keyboard
Classic pianos, electric pianos, organs
Synthesizer
Analog, digital, and FM synths
Drums
Drum kits and electronic drums
Bass
Electric and synth bass
Strings
Orchestral string sections
Guitar
Virtual guitars and amps
Drummer Track
AI-powered virtual drummer
Sampler (Quick Sampler)
Sample and play custom sounds
Recording
Cmd + K
Toggle metronome/click
Cmd + U
Toggle count-in
R
Start recording
Opt + Cmd + R
Record with count-in
Merge Recording
Combine takes into one
Cycle Recording
Record multiple takes in loop
Input Monitoring
Hear input while recording
Editing Regions
Cmd + T
Split region at playhead
Cmd + J
Join selected regions
Cmd + C / Cmd + V
Copy and paste regions
Cmd + Opt + Drag
Duplicate region by dragging
Opt + Drag edge
Loop/repeat region
E
Open editor
Cmd + E
Toggle automation
Quantize
Snap notes to grid (timing correction)
Mixing
Volume Slider
Adjust track volume
Pan Knob
Position in stereo field (L/R)
EQ (Equalizer)
Adjust frequency balance
Compressor
Control dynamic range
Reverb
Add spatial depth
Delay/Echo
Repeating echoes
Cmd + B
Show smart controls
Master Track
Final mix output controls
Loops & Apple Loops
Loop Browser
Browse Apple Loops library
Drag & Drop
Add loops to tracks
Filter by Genre/Instrument
Find specific loop types
Favorites
Save favorite loops
Auto-tempo Match
Loops match project tempo
Blue Loops (Audio)
Audio recordings that time-stretch
Green Loops (MIDI)
MIDI patterns (editable notes)
Effects & Plug-ins
Amps (Guitar/Bass)
Virtual amplifier simulation
Pedalboard
Guitar effects pedals
Distortion
Overdrive, fuzz, distortion
Modulation
Chorus, flanger, phaser
Pitch Correction
Auto-tune vocals
Vocal Transformer
Change voice characteristics
Visual EQ
Graphic frequency analyzer
Limiter
Prevent clipping/distortion
Piano Roll Editor
Double-click region
Open piano roll
Click to add notes
Create MIDI notes
Drag note length
Adjust note duration
Velocity slider
Adjust note volume/intensity
Cmd + A
Select all notes
Transpose
Shift pitch up/down
Exporting
Share > Export Song to Disk
Export final mix
AIFF
Uncompressed audio (high quality)
MP3
Compressed audio (smaller file)
WAV
Uncompressed (Windows compatible)
AAC
Apple compressed format
Share to Music
Add to Apple Music library
Share to SoundCloud
Upload directly to SoundCloud
Time & Tempo
LCD Display
Shows tempo, time signature, key
Click tempo value
Change project tempo (BPM)
Time Signature
Beats per measure (4/4, 3/4, etc)
Key Signature
Musical key (C major, A minor, etc)
Flex Time
Time-stretch audio regions
Tempo Automation
Change tempo over time
Best Practices
Save Often
Cmd + S regularly
Set Project Tempo First
Before adding loops/recording
Use Headphones
Avoid feedback when recording
Leave Headroom
Keep master volume below 0dB
Color Code Tracks
Organize by instrument type
💡 Pro Tip:
Use Drummer tracks for quick, realistic drum parts. Apply compression to vocals and bass. Keep your master level below 0dB to prevent clipping!