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= Main Screen =
= Introduction To Renoise =


Welcome to Renoise. This small overview of the Renoise interface will guide you visually through the rest of the Renoise user manual by showing you the main components of Renoises interface at a glace.  
Welcome to Renoise, an audio creation package that is significantly different from most of the others. This means the interface may look unusual or a bit complex, but this introduction will familiarise you with its main components and explain their basic functions. If you haven't already [[Setting Up Audio Devices|set up audio]] and [[Setting Up MIDI Devices|MIDI devices]], then it's recommended to move on to those sections of the manual after reading through this page.


If you're new to Renoise and would like to get an overview, then this is a good place to start and to dig deeper.


== Main Screen Overview ==


== Beginners Video Tutorial ==
When you launch Renoise for the first time you will be presented with something similar to the image below:


If you're more into videos, and never have used Renoise or music composing tools before, then you should have a look at the [http://cdn.renoise.com/RenoiseBeginnersTutorial.mp4 Beginners Tutorial Video]. There you will see step by step how a song is created in Renoise, how Renoise works.
[[Image:3.4_mainscreen.png]]


You should also see the Welcome panel, but if you've disabled or dismissed it, just click on the Renoise logo at the bottom-right corner to bring it back. The panel provides links to this manual, the user forum and the official website. There are also tabs which show the files that have been recently loaded and saved, as well as quick access to the demo and tutorial songs. Looking at how these songs play can be a great way to learn about how Renoise works, so just double click on one to load it in and hit the [[#Global Song Control|Play button at the top-left]] or press the space-bar on your computer keyboard.


== Quickstart Guide ==
[[Image:3.4_welcome.png]]


Alternatively you could have a look at the [http://www.renoise.com/download/Quickstart_2.5.pdf Quickstart Tutorial] This PDF explains Renoises main concepts briefly, and helps you to start discovering and composing on the go. This is especially recommended for those who already are familiar with other music applications.


== Main Screen Overview ==
----
 
Renoise is different. If you see Renoise for the first time, it will greet you like this:
 
[[Image:vvoois_renoise_first_look.png]]


'''We will now briefly go through the main areas of the Renoise interface. Note the links in blue, which you can click on for more detailed information about the various components.'''


----
----


We're now going quickly through the main parts of the interface. Note the links for the different components. If you want to know more about a specific part simply follow them and come back to this guide later.
----


=== Upper Status Bar ===
=== Upper Status Bar ===


At the top of the interface you will see Renoises main status bar.  
[[Image:3.4_upperstatusbar.png]]


[[Image:vvoois_renoise_first_look_status_indicators.png]]
Located at the very top of the interface is the Upper Status Bar. The left side offers a variety of menu options and just to the right of this is the Master volume slider, which controls the overall volume of the song. Next is the button to enable auto-adjusting of the Master volume level to avoid clipping (the volume will be automatically lowered when clipping occurs). Further right is the VU meter showing the current Master volume level, followed by the MIDI controls ([[MIDI Mapping]] button, MIDI I/O LEDs), Song Timer and the current CPU usage.


The main status bar offers a few menu options that you will know for every application (to open song, the preferences and so on). On the right of this a VU meter is shown. You will see your songs master signal here. On the right are some MID controls (a [[MIDI Mapping]] button, MIDI I/O LEDs), a Song Timer and Renoises current CPU utilization.
=== Global Song Control ===


=== Song Controls ===
[[Image:3.4_transportpanel.png]]


On the left, below the upper status bar bar, are the basic [[Song Controls]].
Just below the Upper Status Bar on the left-hand side are the basic [[Transport Panel]] controls. From here you can start/stop the song and access basic editing features such as Edit Mode (record) and the metronome.


[[Image:vvoois_renoise_first_look_song_controls.png]]
=== Song Visualisation ===


This is where you start/stop the song and set up some basic song editing features like the edit mode or metronome.
[[Image:3.2_scopes-full.png]]


=== Disk Browser / Scopes ===
Below the Transport Panel are the [[Track Scopes]], which provide visual feedback and can help you to analyse the song as it is playing.


To the right of the Song Controls, you have the [[Disk Browser]] / [[Scopes]] Pane.
=== Loading & Saving Files ===


[[Image:vvoois_renoise_first_look_diskop_scopes.png]]
[[Image:3.3_diskbrowser.png]]


With the [[Disk Browser]], you load your songs, instruments, samples, Dsp chains, and skins / themes. There will also be some demo songs. Double click them and press play to see and hear Renoise in action.
At the bottom right corner of the interface is the [[Disk Browser]], which is used to load or save songs, instruments, samples, effect chains etc. Upon first loading Renoise you will see a list of demo songs here. Double click on a song to load it, then press play to see and hear Renoise in action.


The [[Scopes]] help you to navigate quickly in your song or to analyze the song.
=== Selecting Instruments ===


=== Instrument Selector ===
[[Image:3.2_instrumentselector.png]]


To the right of the Disk Browser / Scopes, you’ll find the [[Instrument Selector]].  
Just above the Disk Browser is the [[Instrument Selector]], where you choose the current instrument that you wish to play or record with using either the [[Playing_Notes_with_the_Computer_Keyboard|computer keyboard]] or an [[Recording_and_Editing_Notes|external MIDI keyboard]].


[[Image:vvoois_renoise_first_look_instrument_table.png]]
=== Editing View ===


With the  [[Instrument Selector]] you do select the instrument you currently want to [[Playing_Notes_with_the_Computer_Keyboard|play or record with the computer keyboard]] or your [[Recording_Notes_into_Patterns|record what you play on your external MIDI keyboard]]. Here will also [[Instrument_Settings|VST/AU or external MIDI instruments]] show up once they are loaded. Renoise is strongly focused on samples, so below the divider line you will see one or multiple audio samples that the instruments use.
[[Image:3.2_tab-edit.png]]


=== GUI presets/switching ===
Selecting one of these tabs will change the content of the large central section of the interface. By default it will be set to Edit, displaying the [[Pattern Editor]] where you record notes and effect commands. Selecting [[Mixer]] will open the mixer view, which is more efficient for monitoring and editing the song's various tracks and effect devices. The next three tabs deal with different aspects of the currently selected [[Instruments|Instrument]], which in Renoise may contain any combination of [[Sampler|samples]], [[Plugin|plugins]] and [[MIDI]].


Above the Instrument Selector, you have a set of eight global preset buttons for the whole Renoise GUI.
=== GUI Presets ===


[[Image:vvoois_renoise_first_look_gui_controls.png]]
[[Image:3.2_guipresets.png]]


There is a lot to discover in Renoise, while Renoise avoids cluttering your desktop with windows, so combination of GUI layouts can be stored and recalled with those preset. By default we have set up some presets for you. You can access them by clicking F1 to F8 on your keyboard.
Directly above the Instrument Selector are a set of eight global preset buttons used to switch between various sections of the interface and are accessed by either left-clicking on them or pressing ''F1'' - ''F8'' on the keyboard. Renoise comes with eight presets already stored by default, but you can create your own by right-clicking a button to save the current GUI setup.


Next to the presets are two buttons to show or hide the upper and lower part of the interface. This way you can make room for whats in the middle. And finally a button to run Renoise in full screen, hiding everything else you have on your desktop to concentrate on composing.
=== Sequencing Patterns ===


=== Pattern Sequencer ===
[[Image:3.2_sequencer.png]]


On the left, you see the [[Pattern Sequencer]].  
Located at the far left of the screen is the [[Pattern Sequencer]]. Renoise uses a sequence of patterns to arrange the structure of a song and the [[Pattern Sequencer]] is used to create, copy and organise your patterns.


[[Image:vvoois_renoise_first_look_sequencer_editor.png]]
=== Creating Patterns ===


Renoise uses patterns as the main song structure. The [[Pattern Sequencer]] allows you to create / copy and sort your patterns, so you can create a song out of patterns.
[[Image:3.2_patterneditor.png]]


To the right of the Pattern Sequencer and occupying the large central space is the [[Pattern Editor]], which is the main tool for composing and editing within Renoise. Although it may look intimidating to beginners, the [[Recording_and_Editing_Notes|method of adding/recording notes]] into tracks using the [[Pattern Editor]] is actually incredibly simple.


=== Pattern Editor ===
=== Applying Effects ===


On the right side of the [Pattern Sequencer, you will find the [[Pattern Editor]]. This is Renoises main composing and editing tool.
[[Image:3.2_trackeffects.png]]


[[Image:vvoois_renoise_first_look_pattern_editor.png]]
Beneath the central area is the panel for [[Effect Chains|Track Effects]]. This displays and controls all of the effects that are being applied to the current [[Pattern_Editor#Track_Types|track]] (the track which the cursor is in). Besides the typical [[Audio Effects]] (native/VST/AU/LADSPA/DSSI) you can also assign [[Routing Devices]] to send/receive audio, and [[Meta Devices]] such as LFOs that do not directly affect audio, but are instead used to alter parameters through automation.
 
Here is where you will start writing your songs, adding/recording notes automation, ordering tracks and much more. Basically everything in Renoise is built around this editor. Get customized with it. It will look the more friendlier the more you've used it ;)
 
=== Track DSPs ===
 
In the lower area of the interface you will find the [[DSP Effects|Track DSPs]] tab (beside of others):
 
[[Image:vvoois_renoise_first_look_dsp_property_pane.png]]
 
The Track DSP tab shows and controls all effects that are applied to the current track. The current track is the one which is highlighted in blue in the Pattern Editor. Besides DSP effects and VST/AU or LADSPA effects, you can also assign meta devices (such as LFOs) and routing devices (such as sends) in Renoise. Meta Devices are special effects that do not deal with audio, but with parameters and automation. You can do crazy stuff with this, but lets keep this for later.


=== Lower Status Bar ===
=== Lower Status Bar ===


Finally, below that, you can find another status bar.  
[[Image:3.2_lowerstatusbar.png]]


[[Image:vvoois_renoise_first_look_status_info_bar.png]]
Finally, at the very bottom is the Lower Status Bar. The icons at the left allow you switch between the [[Effect Chains|Track Effects]] and [[Graphical Automation]] panels or hide them completely. At significant points, Renoise will display information regarding its status and current operations here. If you wish to see the [[#Main Screen Overview|Welcome panel]] again, click on the Renoise logo at the right.


Renoise will print out some info about what its doing here. Clicking on the Renoise logo will bring up the Tip of the Day dialog again.


== Guide yourself through the interface: Tooltips ==
== Guide Yourself Through the Interface: ''Tooltips'' ==


If you prefer exploring things by your own, then watch out for tool tips. Nearly every button in Renoise will provide you a small tip about what its for, what it does. To see those tips, hover a button or a part of the interface and rest the mouse pointer for a short while.
As you are using Renoise, watch out for Tooltips, which can be seen by hovering the mouse pointer over a button or part of the interface for a second. Almost every button in Renoise will provide you with a small tip about its function.


[[Image:3.2_tooltip.png]]


== Renoise Workflow: Learning the Keys ==


While also supporting drag and drop and other mouse based gestures, Renoise is a keyboard based application. There are lots of shortcuts available for everything. Thats what what makes it so fast and at the end so comfortable to use. The more you are getting used to them, the more quickly you will be able to write songs and get in touch with the Renoise workflow.
== Renoise Work-flow: ''Learning the Keys'' ==


To get an overview about all shortcuts, you can view and print them by clicking on “Help->List Keyboard Shortcuts...”. If you are interested in specific shortcuts, then try right clicking a component to open up a context menu. There many shortcuts are noted as well. All keyboard shortcuts can of course also be customized in the preferences.
While Renoise supports drag'n'drop and mouse gestures, it is primarily a keyboard-based application. As such, there are keyboard shortcuts for practically every function. To view the available shortcuts, select ''"Help->List Keyboard Shortcuts..."'' from the Upper Status Bar. If you are interested in a shortcut specific to an interface area, you can right-click to open a context menu. Additionally, the keyboard shortcuts can be customised in the ''"Edit->Preferences->Keys"'' menu.
 
 
----


Happy discovering of Renoise and thanks for reading this manual!
A list of most important shortcuts can also be found in the [[Keyboard Shortcuts]] section of this manual.

Latest revision as of 19:34, 4 July 2023

Introduction To Renoise

Welcome to Renoise, an audio creation package that is significantly different from most of the others. This means the interface may look unusual or a bit complex, but this introduction will familiarise you with its main components and explain their basic functions. If you haven't already set up audio and MIDI devices, then it's recommended to move on to those sections of the manual after reading through this page.


Main Screen Overview

When you launch Renoise for the first time you will be presented with something similar to the image below:

3.4 mainscreen.png

You should also see the Welcome panel, but if you've disabled or dismissed it, just click on the Renoise logo at the bottom-right corner to bring it back. The panel provides links to this manual, the user forum and the official website. There are also tabs which show the files that have been recently loaded and saved, as well as quick access to the demo and tutorial songs. Looking at how these songs play can be a great way to learn about how Renoise works, so just double click on one to load it in and hit the Play button at the top-left or press the space-bar on your computer keyboard.

3.4 welcome.png


We will now briefly go through the main areas of the Renoise interface. Note the links in blue, which you can click on for more detailed information about the various components.


Upper Status Bar

3.4 upperstatusbar.png

Located at the very top of the interface is the Upper Status Bar. The left side offers a variety of menu options and just to the right of this is the Master volume slider, which controls the overall volume of the song. Next is the button to enable auto-adjusting of the Master volume level to avoid clipping (the volume will be automatically lowered when clipping occurs). Further right is the VU meter showing the current Master volume level, followed by the MIDI controls (MIDI Mapping button, MIDI I/O LEDs), Song Timer and the current CPU usage.

Global Song Control

3.4 transportpanel.png

Just below the Upper Status Bar on the left-hand side are the basic Transport Panel controls. From here you can start/stop the song and access basic editing features such as Edit Mode (record) and the metronome.

Song Visualisation

3.2 scopes-full.png

Below the Transport Panel are the Track Scopes, which provide visual feedback and can help you to analyse the song as it is playing.

Loading & Saving Files

3.3 diskbrowser.png

At the bottom right corner of the interface is the Disk Browser, which is used to load or save songs, instruments, samples, effect chains etc. Upon first loading Renoise you will see a list of demo songs here. Double click on a song to load it, then press play to see and hear Renoise in action.

Selecting Instruments

3.2 instrumentselector.png

Just above the Disk Browser is the Instrument Selector, where you choose the current instrument that you wish to play or record with using either the computer keyboard or an external MIDI keyboard.

Editing View

3.2 tab-edit.png

Selecting one of these tabs will change the content of the large central section of the interface. By default it will be set to Edit, displaying the Pattern Editor where you record notes and effect commands. Selecting Mixer will open the mixer view, which is more efficient for monitoring and editing the song's various tracks and effect devices. The next three tabs deal with different aspects of the currently selected Instrument, which in Renoise may contain any combination of samples, plugins and MIDI.

GUI Presets

3.2 guipresets.png

Directly above the Instrument Selector are a set of eight global preset buttons used to switch between various sections of the interface and are accessed by either left-clicking on them or pressing F1 - F8 on the keyboard. Renoise comes with eight presets already stored by default, but you can create your own by right-clicking a button to save the current GUI setup.

Sequencing Patterns

3.2 sequencer.png

Located at the far left of the screen is the Pattern Sequencer. Renoise uses a sequence of patterns to arrange the structure of a song and the Pattern Sequencer is used to create, copy and organise your patterns.

Creating Patterns

3.2 patterneditor.png

To the right of the Pattern Sequencer and occupying the large central space is the Pattern Editor, which is the main tool for composing and editing within Renoise. Although it may look intimidating to beginners, the method of adding/recording notes into tracks using the Pattern Editor is actually incredibly simple.

Applying Effects

3.2 trackeffects.png

Beneath the central area is the panel for Track Effects. This displays and controls all of the effects that are being applied to the current track (the track which the cursor is in). Besides the typical Audio Effects (native/VST/AU/LADSPA/DSSI) you can also assign Routing Devices to send/receive audio, and Meta Devices such as LFOs that do not directly affect audio, but are instead used to alter parameters through automation.

Lower Status Bar

3.2 lowerstatusbar.png

Finally, at the very bottom is the Lower Status Bar. The icons at the left allow you switch between the Track Effects and Graphical Automation panels or hide them completely. At significant points, Renoise will display information regarding its status and current operations here. If you wish to see the Welcome panel again, click on the Renoise logo at the right.


Guide Yourself Through the Interface: Tooltips

As you are using Renoise, watch out for Tooltips, which can be seen by hovering the mouse pointer over a button or part of the interface for a second. Almost every button in Renoise will provide you with a small tip about its function.

3.2 tooltip.png


Renoise Work-flow: Learning the Keys

While Renoise supports drag'n'drop and mouse gestures, it is primarily a keyboard-based application. As such, there are keyboard shortcuts for practically every function. To view the available shortcuts, select "Help->List Keyboard Shortcuts..." from the Upper Status Bar. If you are interested in a shortcut specific to an interface area, you can right-click to open a context menu. Additionally, the keyboard shortcuts can be customised in the "Edit->Preferences->Keys" menu.

A list of most important shortcuts can also be found in the Keyboard Shortcuts section of this manual.

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