Changing Edit Modes

We have already learned a bit about the Select/Move and Range tools. In this chapter we will get an overview of all the Edit Modes and Cursor Modes available on that part of the Editor Window.

Edit Modes and Cursor Modes

These controls define the behavior of the main canvas and the different functions of the cursor.

The drop-down Edit Mode menu contains three options. Slide Edit is the standard mode. It allows you to drag regions around horizontally (within the same track) and vertically (between tracks). Slice Edit does not allow dragging regions, but still allows you to perform slice operations (such as cut, paste, and split). Space between regions will be kept constant after any edit operation that affects it. If you delete the second half of a region, for example, any subsequent regions on the same track will automatically move back in the time grid. Lock Edit is similar to Slice Edit, but regions will remain at their original positions regardless of any edit operation performed.

Select/Move Object (shortcut "O")

This Cursor Mode allows you to select or move objects such as regions and breakpoints (in an automation curve). When this Cursor Mode is selected, your cursor pointer will look like this:

Range (shortcut "R")

This Cursor Mode allows you to click and drag to define or resize Ranges.  When this Cursor Mode is selected, your cursor pointer will look like this:

Zoom Range (shortcut "Z")

This Cursor Mode provides a box which can be dragged around an area of the Main Canvas. When the mouse is released, the view of the Canvas will Zoom to that selection. When this Cursor Mode is selected, your cursor pointer will look like this:

Draw Gain Automation (shortcut "G")

Use this Cursor Mode if you want to draw Region-specific volume Automation. The automation curve created this way will stick to the region on which it was created, even when the Region is moved around. This type of gain Automation is drawn directly on the Region itself, which makes it different from the Automation used in the drop-down Automation region (see chapter on Automation). When this Cursor Mode is selected, your cursor pointer will look like this:

 

Stretch/Shrink Region (shortcut "T")

This Cursor Mode allows you to drag and resize the duration of an entire Region without changing the Pitch. This is sometimes called 'Timestretching', hence the shortcut "T". Please see the chapter on Stretching/Shrinking Regions for more details. When this Cursor Mode is selected, your cursor pointer will look like this:

Listen to Specific Regions

This Cursor Mode allows you to click on any existing Region on any track and have it immediately played back. Playback stops at the end of the Region. When this Cursor Mode is selected, your cursor pointer will look like this:

Continuing

In the following chapter, we will see how to take the Regions we have edited and Create Looping Sections from them.