Avid have shared a preview of Pro Tools Sketch, a new feature, being introduced as part of the larger Pro Tools 2023.9 software release in September. We have the details.

What Is Pro Tools Sketch?

Pro Tools Sketch introduces a non-linear, clip-based workflow which can be accessed from a new window which will be available in all versions of Pro Tools, including the free Pro Tools Intro, and also via a free iPad App, and there are plans to introduce an iPhone and Android version at a later date. Sketch allows audio and MIDI clips to be tempo synced, looped, and freely combined and assembled into arrangements in a non-linear workflow without leaving Pro Tools.

Sketches are created from individual audio or MIDI clips which loop and tempo sync with your song. Designed to be used on the fly, you can import, record, and rearrange clips during playback, encouraging experimentation.

The Sketch window presents a grid of Cells into which Audio or MIDI clips can be imported or recorded. Vertical Tracks host either audio clips or MIDI which triggers sounds from PlayCell or SynthCell.

Horizontal rows can be triggered together as scenes using the Scene play buttons on the left and Scenes can be assembled together into an arrangement  at the top of the Sketch window where Scenes can be sequenced and repeated, much like Song Mode in old drum machines and hardware sequencers.

The completed song can be exported as a .wav. However there is deeper integration into Pro Tools available. Rather than exporting ideas created in a non-linear environment into Pro Tools, Sketches can be played back in in sync with a conventional linear Pro Tools session, combining the best of both linear and non-linear workflows. For more detailed work Sketch clips, scenes, or entire arrangements can be dragged and dropped into the Pro Tools Edit page, where the full capabilities of Pro Tools can be accessed.

In the short video below we demonstrate the workflow, from triggering Cells, to triggering Scenes or combining Scenes into an arrangement.

How Sketch Files Work

Pro Tools Sketches use the file extension .ptsketch. Unlike Pro Tools .PTX sessions which reference their media (i.e. the .PTX file ‘points to’ media which are contained in content folders Sketch files are monolithic (i.e. they are self-contained, including all content. This makes file exchange simpler. They can be saved to the cloud or transferred via email if you are transferring between a computer and an iPad. For archiving the .ptsketch file can be saved with the session folder. Although Sketch files are separate from .PTX sessions, they can be “pinned” to one or more Pro Tools sessions, which will result in Sketch automatically opening with the Pro Tools session.

Pro Tools Sketch Features

• Supports up to 16 tracks and virtually unlimited scenes 

• Includes a 1GB+ loop and sample library

• PlayCell and SynthCell software instruments featuring dozens of instrument sounds and presets 

• Collection of 9 effects processors 

• Onboard Audio and MIDI editing tools and integrated mixer

Why Is Pro Tools Sketch Significant?

In over 30 years the Pro Tools user interface has remained essentially unchanged, with an Edit and a Mix window in which the majority of work is done. The linear timeline of the Edit window allowing the content to be created on something analogous to a multitrack tape of virtually unlimited width and length. This linear format is common to the majority of DAWs and is ideal for the kind of tasks which suit it.

When it comes to music creation, experimentation is key. A linear approach can encourage users to start arranging and mixing before their ideas are fully formed and the flexibility of a non-linear approach has proved popular with producers, beat-makers and live electronic artists. Ableton Live is extremely popular and is the software most strongly associated with this approach but Bitwig’s approach to combining linear and non-linear workflows is innovative and with Logic Pro, introducing a Live Loops feature to what had previously been a strictly linear DAW, the value of nonlinear and linear workflows in combination in a single DAW is undeniable.

There are several ways to access this loop-based, time-stretched, clip-based workflow but increasingly the the model of using one DAW for music creation and a different DAW for editing and mixing seems complex and unnecessary, and for the many Pro Tools users who prefer to stay entirely in a single DAW (I count myself in this camp), being able to create, edit and mix entirely within Pro Tools is more valuable than any individual feature found outside of Pro Tools. This is why Pro Tools Sketch is a big deal. It’s the biggest addition to the familiar Pro Tools workflow in years.

Avid have been accused in the past of focusing on professional users at the expense of independent artists, and next gen producers. Avid’s intention to serve and grow this area of the market is apparent in the restructure of the product line last year, which introduced both the free Pro Tools Intro and the accessibly priced Pro Tools Artist. The introduction of Pro Tools Sketch is an important part of improving the core Pro Tools functionality to better serve this important user group who create their music in their DAW as opposed to recording a linear performance.