Work with Tracks
Work with Tracks
Every LiveEdit scene features a unique timeline that, much like in conventional editing software, organizes a series of events in a chronological sequence. Within this timeline, you can include one or multiple tracks, each serving a specialized purpose.
What are Tracks?
LiveEdit offers a variety of track types, each equipped with its own set of functionalities. These tracks can be added, removed, renamed, and arranged as necessary to tailor each scene to your specific needs.
Tracks Tailored for Every Need:
- Switcher: Edit and define your shots and their values.
- Switcher Effects: Handle advanced video mixer effects.
- Trigger: Control lighting, screens, and special effects.
- Media Player: Load and play media files.
- Camera Control: Automate camera movements and manage creative grading.
- Lyrics: Graphically display lyrics on the timeline.
- Cues: Keep individual notes and cues on separate tracks.
- Arrangement: Set up the structural layout of your song.
- Media: Insert audio and video files into the timeline.
How to Add a Track
- Click on the "+" icon in the Toolbar, then select "New Track…"
- The "Create New Track" dialog box will appear.
- Choose the type of track you wish to create from the available options.
- Click "OK" to confirm your selection.
- Your new track will now appear in the timeline, positioned below the last existing track of the same type.
Feel free to create as many tracks of the same type as you need; there are no restrictions.
Deleting a Track
- Select the track you want to remove by clicking its header in the timeline. A blue dot will appear, indicating the currently selected track.
- Go to the menu bar and select Track > Delete.
- A confirmation window will pop up.
- Click on Delete to confirm the removal.
Alternatively, you can right-click on the track header and choose Delete from the context menu. Confirm by clicking on Delete.
Sorting Tracks
In LiveEdit, tracks are initially grouped by type. However, you can freely rearrange their order to suit your workflow.
- Click and hold the header of the track you want to move.
- Drag it to the desired position; a purple bar will appear to indicate the target location.
- Release the mouse button to finalize the move.
Note: The Song Structure track is always placed first in the timeline
Renaming a Track
You can easily change the name of any track in LiveEdit to better organize your project.
- Click on the track header to select the track you want to rename.
- Navigate to the menu bar and choose
Track > Edit...
. - The track edit window will appear.
- Enter the new name for the track.
- Click
OK
to save the changes.
Alternatively, you can right-click on the track header and choose Edit...
from the context menu. For quicker access, you can also double-click on the track header to rename it directly.
Note: If you remove a custom name, the track will revert to its default name.
Locking a Track
Locking a track in LiveEdit prevents any modifications, helping you secure your scene.
- For quick access, click the open padlock icon located at the beginning of the track.
- Alternatively, right-click on the track header and choose
Lock
from the context menu. - You can also navigate to
Track > Lock
in the menu bar.
To unlock a track, simply click on the closed padlock icon or use the same menu options as above.
Note: Only an Admin or the User who originally locked the track can unlock it.
Duplicating a Track
Duplicating a track allows you to keep a specific version of your work on that track.
- For quick duplication, right-click on the track header and select
Duplicate
from the context menu. - Alternatively, navigate to
Track > Duplicate
in the menu bar.
Note: The Song Structure track cannot be duplicated.
Collapsing and Expanding Tracks
Collapsing a track minimizes its visual footprint, allowing you to see the track name without displaying its contents in the timeline.
To Collapse a Track:
- Right-click on the track header you wish to collapse.
- Select "Collapse."Alternatively, navigate to
Track > Collapse
in the Menu Bar.
To Expand a Track:
Follow the same steps as above, but select "Expand" instead.
Showing and Hiding Tracks
When working with numerous tracks in a scene, you may find it beneficial to hide some to declutter the timeline.
To Hide or Show Tracks:
- Click on the "Arrange Tracks" tool in the Toolbar.This will display checkboxes next to each track header in the timeline.
- All tracks, including hidden ones, will be displayed.
- Uncheck the boxes next to the tracks you want to hide.
- Keep the boxes checked next to the tracks you want to remain visible.
- Click the "Arrange Tracks" tool in the Toolbar again to confirm your selection.
Note: Tracks that are hidden are still active; they are not deleted from the timeline.
Overriding Track Actions
Sometimes, you may want to disable a track's actions while keeping it in the scene.
To Override a Track:
- Select the track in the timeline by clicking its header.
- In the menu bar, go to Track > Override. A crossed-out icon appears over the track type to indicate deactivation.
Alternatively, Right-Click on the track you wish to override and select 'Override' from the context menu.
To Reactivate the Track:
Follow the same steps and uncheck 'Override'. The track's icon will return to its normal state.