im tired of finger gymnastics 🫠

Ever feel like your fingers are constantly sprinting across the keyboard while editing in Pro Tools?

You're not alone.

The default shortcut layout, while functional, doesn't prioritize the most used commands for editing efficiency.

Here's one simple keyboard remap that boosted my editing speed – and how you can do the same!

Your Shortcut Arsenal: A Custom Guide

The Keyboard Shortcuts menu in Pro Tools is your gateway to customization. Dive into Setup > Keyboard Preferences... and get ready to unleash your inner editing ninja.

One of the first things I did was remap the navigation shortcuts.

The default "P" and ";" for moving up and down a track felt awkward and required a bit of a reach.

So, I swapped them with "E" and "W" respectively. This mirroring of gaming controls (think WASD) felt more natural and intuitive.

This is my shortcut philosophy: use the left hand as much as possible. I’m shaving valuable seconds by not switching to the right side of the keyboard and looking for the correct key, or having a really awkward hand position to make a shortcut with a modifier work.

Since I’m constantly moving up and down tracks, it makes a lot of sense for me to commit to remapping the navigation keys.

It only takes you a day or two to adjust. Now, I can’t imagine going back!

Don't forget to adjust the modifier keys as well! For example, Shift + P becomes Shift + E to extend the edit insertion up.

Now, you might be wondering, "What about the shortcuts I already use?"

Fear not! Pro Tools allows you to remap existing shortcuts to less-used keys. This is where your editing style comes into play.

As a post-production editor, I rarely use shortcuts like "Set Loop Start/End" (originally Ctrl + B/Ctrl + E).

These can be safely remapped to something you use more often.

Remember, you can also create custom shortcut profiles to switch between your personalized layout and the default setup.

This is especially helpful if you're working on a variety of projects that require different editing styles.

At work, I share stations with different editors so I have a “PT Custom Default”, which means there are added shortcut mappings that are not created by default, but no overwriting. This allows us all to enjoy without having to learn the other’s workflows.

But my personal one is just my name so I can have all my specialized workflow remappings that allows me to speed through a mix/edit.

The Benefits of a Customized Workflow

By remapping your shortcuts, you'll experience a significant boost in efficiency and reduce the amount of time you spend hunting through menus.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

• Faster Editing: When your most-used commands are at your fingertips, you can fly through your edits without breaking stride.

• Reduced Frustration: A well-organized shortcut layout can help prevent frustration and improve your overall editing experience.

• Increased Focus: When you're not constantly searching for the right shortcut, you can stay focused on the task at hand.

• Customization for Your Style: Tailor your shortcuts to your specific editing preferences and workflow. This ensures that your setup is optimized for your unique needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the Keyboard Shortcuts menu and start customizing your Pro Tools experience.

Remember, the goal is to create a workflow that feels natural and intuitive.

Experiment, try different layouts, and find what works best for you.

With a little time and effort, you'll be amazed at how much faster and more efficient you become. Happy editing!