The Playlist features in Pro Tools are indispensable when tracking. The ability to collect alternative takes in the same track and comp a perfect take from the results is one of the reasons why virtually everyone who cut their teeth on tape wouldn’t go back.

To get the most out of Playlists there are a few shortcuts it’s useful to have under your fingers. Here are our top three:

New Playlist

Ctrl+\ (Start+\ on Windows)

Super-useful when tracking, A new, blank, numbered playlist in less time than it takes the guitarist to say “can I try my solo one more time?”…

Display Playlist View (from Waveform View)

CMD+Ctrl+← (Start+Ctrl+← on Windows)

You can use these modifiers to cycle around all the alternative track views using the left or right arrows, just click on the disclosure triangle next to “Waveform” in the track header to see the available views. If you are currently in Waveform view then holding CMD+Ctrl and pressing left arrow once will take you straight to playlists view where you can dive deep into comping.

Cycle Through Playlists

Shift+↑ or ↓

If you have several alternative takes you can switch between them without interrupting playback using this shortcut. Good hands-on stuff which can really help you get inspired through quick experimentation and using your ears rather than your eyes.