Your first project

This walkthrough gets sound through YADAW and saves a small session.

1. Check the audio device

Open Settings, then choose Audio → Devices.

1. Select the output device connected to your speakers or headphones.
2. Select an input device if you plan to record.
3. Choose a buffer size. Start with the device default or a moderate value.
4. Select Apply audio.

The status bar reports the active sample rate, buffer, round-trip latency, and XRUN count. If the audio engine does not start, see Settings and audio devices.

2. Create the project

On the welcome screen, select Create project and choose where to save the .yadaw archive.

A new project starts at:

• 48 kHz session sample rate;
• 4/4 meter;
• 120 BPM on the Tempo Track.

You can change the project name, sample rate, meter, and waveform display later in File → Project Settings.

3. Add something to play

Open the Mixer from the top bar.

• Choose Instrument to add an instrument track, then assign a VST3 instrument from the input slot or Sound Browser.
• Choose Audio to add an audio track. Select its hardware input before recording.

For an instrument track, double-click an empty point in its timeline lane to create a MIDI clip. Select the clip and open Piano Roll to draw notes.

4. Use the transport

Select Play or press Space. The playhead moves through the arrangement and the master meter shows output activity. Press Home to return to the beginning.

Double-click the tempo value in the musical display to edit the Tempo Track event at the current position.

5. Save

Choose File → Save Project or press Ctrl/Cmd + S. The unsaved indicator beside the project name disappears after the archive has been written.

Working copy and archive

YADAW keeps an active working copy while the project is open. Saving writes that state and its media into the .yadaw archive. If the application closes unexpectedly, YADAW can offer to recover a newer working copy next time.