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Window Configurations – How to
So I am off to the NAMM show this week to check out all the new goodies and gadgets of the New Year (be sure to look for NAMM show coverage in next week’s PT Corner). But before I head out to L.A. I wanted to leave you with a cool tutorial on a brand new feature in 7.3 called Window Configurations.
Total Recall
One of the biggest reasons I chose to move my workflow entirely into “the box” was the promise of total recall. Plug-in settings, instrument patches, automation, you name it Pro Tools allows you to save that data within the session and recall it with the click of a mouse. But did you ever wish you could save the actual placement and size of elements on your screen? Maybe you have a set of plug-in windows placed just so, or some effects sends called up into a perfect view and wish you had a way of taking a snapshot of your screen to recall at any time. Pro Tools 7.3 introduced a very cool new feature called Window Configurations that allow you to save and instantly recall window placement, size and configuration in your session.
Getting Started
Pro Tools allows the creation of up to 99 window configurations, which are stored and saved within the session file.
A Window Configuration can store the location and size of the following windows:
- Edit window
- Mix window
- Workspace browser
- Project browser
- Digibase browser
- Session Setup window
- Time, Tempo, and MIDI operations window
- MIDI event list
- Real-time MIDI Properties window
- Beat Detective window
- Plug-in windows
- Panner windows
- All Floating windows listed in the Window menu: Task Manager, Transport, Big Counter, Automation, Memory Locations, Machine Track Arming, Universe, Video, Color Palette, Undo History, and System Usage window.
Window configurations can also store display settings for the Edit, Mix and Transport Windows.
Creating a window set:
Let’s say that I want to store two window configurations or “states” for my edit window. One showing the Instruments, Inserts, Sends, I/O and Real-time properties view and another showing just the tracks with no extra view parameters. This way I can toggle between a “utility view” where I am able to add plug-ins and make I/O assignments, and an “edit only” view where I can maximize the space of my playlist across the screen.
To start, Select Window>Configurations>Window Configuration List
Now set up your screen to look exactly as you want to save within your configuration. In this case I want to show my Instruments, Inserts, Sends A-E, I/O and Real-time properties views in the Edit window. I also want to show my Big Counter (Window>Big Counter) and my Transport (Window>Transport).
Once you have your window set up just how you like it choose: Window>Configurations>New Configuration. The ”New Window Configuration” window will pop-up allowing you to name your configuration and add comments.
After clicking OK, you should now see your new window state in the window configurations list.
Now configure your second window state and follow the same steps as above to save it. In this case, I have hidden all of the extra edit window track views to allow myself plenty of editing space with no distractions.
To recall the window configuration you can click on it in the list or use the shortcut: Period (.), Window Configuration #, Asterisk (*) from the numeric keypad. So to recall window configuration number two you would type Period (.), 2, Asterisk (*) on the numeric keypad. (Note: you can set the window configuration number when you create a new window state, pick numbers that you can easily remember to recall states without bringing up the configurations list.)
Any changes you make will not automatically stick so If you ever need to change or resize an element of your window configuration, simply recall the configuration, make any changes, and choose Window>Configurations>Update “configuration name.”
To remove a window configuration: Option-Click (Mac) or Alt-Click (PC) on the configuration you wish delete in the window configurations list.
Tips and Considerations:
- Save window configurations of your mix window showing specific sends views, this way you can quickly access a set of reverb or delay sends quickly when mixing.
- Window Configurations do not store: track show/hide, track size, zoom, selection, insertion point, or pre/post roll times. Use Memory Locations to save those elements.
- Create templates of Window Configurations to import into new or existing sessions using File>Import Session Data.
- Save window configurations of plug-ins for a specific track or group of tracks. For example, you could create a configuration that quickly calls up the EQ, dynamics, and other plug-ins relating to your lead vocal.
- Add comments to your window configurations so that anyone else working on the session knows what they relate to.
- You can chain window configurations to memory locations to create powerful mix and edit “scenes.”
Pro Tools Tidbits:
• Digidesign released Pro Tools 7.3.1 a recommended update to 7.3
If you have a Pro Tools related question that you would like me to take a shot at answering or have any feedback, please send it to brian@audioMIDI.com. I will do my best to select the questions that seem to stump the most people.
As always, stay tuned to the audioMIDI.com eNews for the latest reviews and new product info.
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