Getting started with pro tools
Welcome to Pro Tools, the powerful toolset for recording, editing, and creating. This quick guide walks you through setup, your first session, and the basics of recording. From here, you can dive deeper into tutorials, the User Guide, and community tips to keep growing.
activate and install Pro Tools
2 minutes
1. Activating Pro Tools
Begin your Pro Tools journey by activating your software after purchase.
1 minute
2. Setting up iLok
Make a new iLok account or connect an existing one to enable licensing.
2 minutes
3. Installing Pro Tools
Download Avid Link, access Pro Tools installers, and complete install.
Having trouble with activation?
Find activation help, installation docs, or open a support ticket.
Learn moreGet to Know the Pro Tools layout
4 minutes
1. Demo session tour
Before diving into your first project, take a quick look around. These short videos highlight the main areas of Pro Tools so you know where everything lives.
1 minute
2. Audio interface setup
Configure your audio interface and playback engine for optimal recording.
1 minute
3. Explore the Edit Window
Learn the workspace for arranging, editing, and shaping your audio and MIDI tracks
1 minute
4. Create a new track
Add audio, MIDI, or instrument tracks and start building your first session.
1 minute
5. Insert plugins
Add effects and instruments with plugins to shape your mix and recordings.
1 minute
6. Use Edit Tools
Learn about key tools for trimming, moving, and refining audio or MIDI content.
1 minute
7. Open the Mix Window
Take a quick tour of the Mix Window layout, controls, and console view.
Start Making Music in Pro Tools
60 min crash course
Record a track from start to finish
Follow along step by step to record, arrange, and mix your first track in Pro Tools—from blank session to finished demo.
10 minutes
Make a beat in 10 minutes
Follow along to learn the beat making basics using instrument plugins, MIDI, loops, and arrangement workflows.
20 minutes
Making beats with samples
Learn the sample-based workflow—audition loops, manage sounds, layer parts, and use FX to shape your beat.
10 minutes
Creating an Acoustic Track in 10 Minutes
Learn how to create a lo-fi acoustic track in Pro Tools using loops, virtual instruments, and acoustic instruments
18 minutes
Learn Drum Programming with GrooveCell
Explore drum kits, pads, sequencer tools, and onboard effects to start building your own drum patterns.
10 minutes
Learn how to use PlayCell
Explore PlayCell’s synth, bass, and keys sounds, plus macros and tools for shaping your own instrument tones.
5 minutes
How to Use Native Instruments Kontakt 8
Explore the Kontakt 8 Player and curated instruments included with every Pro Tools Subscription.
22 minutes
Learn synthesis with SynthCell
Explore drum kits, pads, sequencer tools, and onboard effects to start building your own drum patterns.
Explore Audio Post Features
8 minutes
Speed up editing with Speech-to-Text
Convert speech to text in your session to speed up editing, search vocal takes, and navigate fast.
3 minutes
Use track markers for notes and collaboration
Add color-coded notes in tracks to guide editing, improve workflows, and sync with Media Composer.
2 minutes
Display timecode with video playback
Learn how to overlay timecode in the video window or on a client monitor to ensure accurate sync in post.
2 minutes
Export Sessions to Media Composer
Save a copy of your Pro Tools session as a Media Composer–compatible file to simplify audio and picture workflows.
10 minutes
Use the Internal Dolby Atmos Renderer
Learn how to render and monitor Dolby Atmos mixes directly in Pro Tools Studio or Ultimate for faster immersive workflows.
6 minutes
Fix Audio with RX Spectral Editor
Use iZotope RX Spectral Editor with ARA 2 to remove noise, clicks, and hum directly in Pro Tools without leaving your session.
Learn more in the user guide
Unlock tips, workflows, and best practices to get the most out of Pro Tools.
