Showing and hiding tracks

Large sessions can quickly become cluttered, especially when working with dozens of tracks. Pro Tools lets you hide tracks that you don’t need to see while still keeping them active in the session. Hidden tracks continue to play back and process audio — they’re simply removed from view. You can easily bring hidden tracks back at any time using the Track List.

Hide a Track

Step 1. Select the track

In the Edit Window or Mix Window, right-click directly on the track name.

Step 2. Hide the track

Choose Hide from the context menu.
The track is removed from view but remains active in your session.

Show Hidden Tracks

Step 1. Open the Track List

The Track List is located on the left side of the Edit or Mix Window.
If it’s not visible, go to View > Other Displays > Track List.

Step 2. Toggle track visibility

Tracks with a dark gray dot next to their name are hidden.
Click the dot to turn it light gray, making the track visible again.

Manage Multiple Tracks

Step 1. Select multiple tracks in the Track List

Use Shift-click to select a range.
Use Command-click (Mac) or Ctrl-click (Windows) to select non-adjacent tracks.

Step 2. Show or hide selected tracks

Right-click on one of the selected tracks.
Choose Show or Hide to apply the action to all selected tracks.

Tips for Organizing with Hidden Tracks

Hide inactive tracks: Clean up your session view without muting or deleting.
Use with groups: Hide entire instrument groups (like background vocals or extra percussion) when you don’t need to see them.
Stay organized in big sessions: Combine color coding with track hiding for even clearer navigation.
Remember playback continues: Hiding doesn’t disable the track — it only removes it from sight.

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