As an audio editor, time is of the essence. The faster you can navigate your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), the more efficient your workflow becomes. Here are 10 essential shortcuts that every audio editor should know, regardless of the DAW you’re using.
1. Play/Pause (Spacebar)
The spacebar is universally used to play or pause your project. This simple shortcut is one you’ll use countless times in a session.
2. Undo/Redo (Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Y)
Made a mistake? Ctrl+Z (Cmd+Z on Mac) is your best friend. Need to redo that action? Use Ctrl+Y (Cmd+Shift+Z on Mac).
3. Save (Ctrl+S)
Get into the habit of regularly saving your work with Ctrl+S (Cmd+S on Mac). It can save you from losing hours of work in case of a crash.
4. Cut/Copy/Paste (Ctrl+X / Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V)
These universal shortcuts work in most DAWs for quick editing of audio regions.
5. Loop Selection (Ctrl+L)
Quickly loop a selected region to focus on a specific part of your audio.
Remember, while these shortcuts are common, they may vary slightly between different DAWs. It’s worth taking the time to learn the specific shortcuts for your preferred software.
6. Split Clip (Ctrl+E or S)
This shortcut (which may vary between DAWs) allows you to quickly split an audio clip at the playhead position.
7. Zoom In/Out (Ctrl++ / Ctrl+-)
Navigate your project easily by zooming in and out of your timeline.
8. Snap to Grid (N)
Toggle snap-to-grid on and off for precise editing or more freeform placement.
9. Solo/Mute (S / M)
Quickly solo or mute tracks to isolate or exclude certain elements of your mix.
10. Render/Bounce (Ctrl+R)
When you’re ready to export your project, this shortcut (often Ctrl+R or Cmd+R) will bring up the render or bounce dialog.
The time you invest in memorizing these shortcuts will pay off in increased productivity and a smoother workflow. Happy editing!