Published 2020-03-01.
Last modified 2023-10-22.
Time to read: 2 minutes.
av_studio collection.
Keyboards
For best results, use a full-size keyboard with Pro Tools. Unlike most other programs, the numeric keypad is useful for Pro Tools.
However, when you use a laptop, you usually do not want to plug in an external keyboard. You can learn the key bindings for your keyboard by referring to Pro Tools Keyboard Shortcuts.
For a 10keyless keyboard with Windows, select the PC Generic keyboard.
Starting with Pro Tools 2022.4 you can create your own custom key map. For Windows, type Start-Shift-K to see and modify the key map. For Mac, type CTRL-Shift-K instead.
Windows Power Toys
Windows Power Toys allows you to remap keys. This is especially useful if you do not have a full-size keyboard.
Key Modifiers
You can use the keyboard to navigate when A/Z Edit Key is enabled.
P Up
; Down
L Left
, right
Track Volume
CTRL-= Maximize input level of the selected track.
ALT-click on the slider knob. Set input level of the selected track to 0 dB.
Misc
CTRL-= Toggle Mix sub-window on top
CTRL-D duplicate selection
CTRL-E Cut clip at selection
CTRL-G Group selected tracks
CTRL-N new session
CTRL-Shift-L Loop toggle
CTRL-Shift-N New track
CTRL-Shift-W Close session
CTRL-ALT-B Bounce mix (mixdown)
Win-P Select previous track
Win-; Select next track
ALT-Win-Shift-= Toggle MIDI Editor
Recording
Enter Return to start of session
CTRL-Space Start recording
Space Stop recording
CTRL-. Stop recording and discard take
ALT-L Loop record toggle
CTRL-ALT-L Loop record toggle
Tracks & Compositing
ALT-Shift-D Duplicate track
ALT-Shift-N Move selection to new playlist.
Shift-S Solo playlists with cursor.
Win-ALT-v copy selected portion of selected playlist to main playlist
CTRL-Win-\ duplicate selected track to playlist.
CTRL-Win-ALT-\ duplicate all tracks to playlists.
CTRL-Win-ALT-Shift-\ duplicate selected tracks to playlists.
Win-\ add a new playlist to a single selected track.
Win-ALT-\ creates a new Pro Tools playlist on all tracks (including inactive ones).
Win-ALT-Shift-\ creates new playlists only on selected tracks.
Grid Mode
CTRL-Mouse Slip tracksDuring Playback
Down arrow start selection
Up arrow extend selection
Transport
Enter Go to start of session
Space Start/stop playback / Record stop
CTRL-Space / F12 Record start
Shift-R Record enable selected tracks
Zoom
CTRL-[ horizontal zoom out
CTRL-] horizontal zoom in