Edit MIDI notes and performance

Open the intended part

Choose MIDI from the top bar or open a MIDI clip from Studio. Check the selected track name and instrument. To begin from scratch, choose New track, audition an instrument in the catalogue and add it.

Time runs left to right on the note grid, while pitch rises from bottom to top. A horizontal rectangle represents a note: its left edge is the start and its length is the duration. On a drum track, rows represent kit sounds rather than an ordinary melody.

Write a short phrase

1. Choose a comfortable note length and grid division. Avoid extremely short notes for your first attempt.
2. Click an empty part of the grid to add a note. Start with three or four notes, not an entire track.
3. Move a note vertically to change its pitch or horizontally to change its start. Drag its edge to change its duration.
4. Select several notes with a selection rectangle to edit them together. More actions are available from the right-click menu and the Notes ribbon tab.
5. Start playback and listen to the phrase as a whole. Use the ruler to choose a different starting point.

Use Undo if a change does not help. Before changing an entire part, consider making a clip variation or project copy.

Add expression

Velocity is the strength of an individual note. It may affect both loudness and character when an instrument has different recorded layers. Avoid setting every note to maximum: a main accent and a quieter reply often feel more natural.

Swing changes the timing relationship between neighbouring subdivisions. Humanize and groove can vary a performance. Apply them gently and compare with the original. Expression is not the same as randomly shifting every note.

Drum tracks offer a step view and a note grid. Hit styles, accents and quiet notes help shape a rhythm. Both views edit the musical events in the same clip, rather than two separate parts.

Import and export MIDI

Open the File tab, choose Import MIDI and select a .mid or .midi file. Check the imported track count, assigned instruments and any warnings. MIDI from another application may need an instrument replacement.

Export MIDI saves events for further editing. It does not include a finished recording of every instrument. To share a file that retains your mix's sound, export audio.

If the library preview plays but the project part does not, check the instrument, mute/solo and audio preparation rather than turning every level to maximum.