Beta Testing of Bitwig Studio 6.0

Bitwig Studio 6.0 is now in beta testing for users with an active Upgrade Plan. It comprises editing improvements, musical options, good looks, and a whole lot more. This is not your grandfather's DAW. Try it now.

NOTE: Do not use a beta version to work on important projects! Project files created or saved with the beta cannot be opened in previous versions of Bitwig Studio. So if you are opening working projects, save copies of them for beta testing (instead of saving over your original files).

If you get a crash report dialog from the program, please click Send Report. Adding a comment is most helpful, but this can still be useful to us regardless.

If you think you have found a bug, please drop us a line at beta@bitwig.com. Please be sure to include:

A helpful report contains only one issue. Submit multiple reports, if necessary.

System Requirements

Windows - Windows 10, or 11 (all in 64-bit), and DirectX 11 or higher
Mac - macOS 12 ("Monterey") or above
Linux - For installing the DEB file, Ubuntu 24.04 or later. For installing the Flatpak file, any modern distribution with Flatpak installed (more information here). And a Vulkan- or GL-compatible video driver is required.
a CPU capable of AVX2

Jump down to New Feature information

Changes in Bitwig Studio 6.0, Beta 9 [released 12 December 2025]

Improvements

Audition tool: Now respects the Solo as Cue setting
Plug-ins: It is now possible to enter point automation values when using plug-ins [39379]:
- For CLAP and VST3, actual parameter values are used.
- For VST 2, values of 0 to 100 % are used in the Bitwig interface.

Fixes

Playback of crossfades between audio clips is working again, but correctly
Convolution (Reverb) device: It is possible to drag clips onto the device again (a regression) [40403]
Detail Editor Panel fixes:
- Dragging time selections in the Piano Roll Editor shows a preview again for the cleared area [40297]
- Dragging audio time selections in the with Track context no longer cuts the wrong area
- Duplicating time selections in the Automation Editor uses the correct time offset [40309]
- Layered-editing operations affect all relevant layers now
ALS import fixes:
- Notes are no longer wrongly muted [39684]
- Automation is imported correctly again [39604]

Crashes Fixed

Fixed crash when clicking the Return to Arrangement button or launching from an Arranger cue marker, etc. [40381]

Changes in Bitwig Studio 6.0, Beta 8 [released 10 December 2025]

Improvements

Added a preference for style of Arranger Volume Control:
- When set to Numeric (the default), the volume level is shown as a number beneath the record/solo/mute block — or below the panning fader when the track is big enough. And the volume meter offers an integrated, vertical fader.
- When set to Slider, the volume level is shown as a slider beneath the record/solo/mute block — with slightly different tinting than panning. And the volume meter is only a meter.
- Arranger Volume Control can be found in the Dashboard under Settings > User Interface > View.
Added a preference to Automatically open new clips in Detail Editor Panel (on by default), under Dashboard > Settings > Behavior > Defaults.
Automation points can now snap to their Relative beat position, clip boundaries, and other points [39838]
Added default shortcuts:
- Toggle Arranger Loop function is now [SHIFT]-[L]
- Jump to Previous Cue Marker function is now [SHIFT]-[ALT]-[,] (comma)
- Jump to Next Cue Marker function is now [SHIFT]-[ALT]-[.] (period)

Fixes

Fixed the playback of audio fades (a regression in beta 7) [40351]
Audio recording now works in mono again (a regression in beta 7)
Linux: Displays knobs again, etc. etc. (a regression in beta 7)
Clip Launcher automation can now be recorded in projects saved in previous versions [40371]
Arranger Headers: Volume faders are shown during controller interaction [39689]
Notes and automation points now snap correctly to Other Events, in other layers [39838]
Tempo-related fixes:
- Recording tempo automation is no longer constrained by the lane's graphical range settings [40206]
- Tempo automation uses the correct default value again [39261]
- Spray Can tool now creates hold points when used on the tempo automation lane [40239]
- Tempo automation no longer skips the last value in some cases [39638]
- Automation is properly converted again when changing modules (a regression) [39482]
Arranger beat grid is correct again with various non-4/4 cases [40354]
Global time selections are visualized in the ruler area again [40359]
Time selection on a single track no longer shows resize handles on other tracks [40361]
Bounce, Bounce In Place: New clips now take the original clip's looping settings [39359]
Zoom to Fit Selection or Previous function works again in the Arranger [40355]
Tempo display is no longer cropped when using external MIDI clock [40295]
Onsets are displayed again in older projects, when using Raw [39913]
Pitch, Pitch Scaler (Pitch) and Value Readout (Display) Grid modules: Always display correct octaves now [40367]
Controller API: All Track property values are properly updated again [40360]

Crashes Fixed

Fixed crash when duplicating meta clips [40325]
Fixed rare crash when dragging a Launcher clip [40334]
Fixed crash when trying to add a MIDI automation lane with the same CC as an existing one [40318]
macOS: Fixed crash when inserting note using Force click [40338]

Changes in Bitwig Studio 6.0, Beta 7 [released 05 December 2025]

Improvements

Automation editing: A new Toggle Hold [H] action is now available:
- When an automation point is selected, Toggle Hold (default mapping: just [H]) will flip its current hold state.
- When multiple points are selected with mixed states, Toggle Hold initially triggers them all on, then off.
Layered editing improvements in the Detail Editor Panel:
- When multiple clips/tracks are selected, a filter toggle is available directly in the panel.
- Clicking the filter toggles the Edit only selected layers option and exposes the Layer List, letting you clearly switch the focused clip/track.
  - When lanes can be shared (like Piano Roll Editor or Drum/Hybrid Editor), the current target layer will appear in focus with the other layers dimmed.
  - When in discrete lane modes (like Waveform Editor or Automation Editor), only the selected layer will be shown.
- This header area can also be clicked to expose additional settings, such as Editor Timeline options and Layer Grouping choices, when available.
Preferences for when to Move the Play Start Marker have been improved:
- Separate checkboxes still exist for whether the Play Start Marker should be updated when working on the Arranger and for working in the Detail Editor Panel
- When edits Via the Arranger are enabled, you can specify whether:
  - Clips or Time (the default) selections move the playhead, or
  - Clips, Time, or Automation Points selections move the playhead
- When edits Via the Detail Editor Panel are enabled, you can specify whether:
  - Time (the default) selections move the playhead, or
  - Events or Time selections move the playhead
- Note: the Detail Editor Panel settings only apply when working with Arranger content.
- These editing behaviors are still in the Dashboard under Settings > Behavior > Move the Play Start Marker
Audio- and fade-editing refinements:
- Fade edit handles are now more consistently available across the fade area.
- Editing the curvature of a fade now requires [ALT]-dragging on the fade area.
- In the Waveform Editor (within the Detail Editor Panel), event boundaries are now shown with thin lines using the clip color.
  - A dotted line is shown on a boundary with no fade.
  - A solid line is shown on a boundary that is faded.
  - A gray line is shown in Track context for clip boundaries that crop event material.
Audition tool now works to audition individual lanes in the Comping Editor as well
Detail Editor Panel beat grid improvements when working with Launcher clips:
- Global time alignment improvements, considering time signatures and restarting measure counts for each scene.
- When editing a single clip per scene, the clip's time signature is displayed.
Note Grid (The Grid): Now works with the Voice Stack Solo option in the Inspector Panel:
- When an individual voice within a stack is soloed, current notes from other voices (created via Note Out modules) will be ended, and any CC messages (via CC Out modules) will be suspended.
- Disabling solo for one or all voices within a stack will also restore any currently active notes.
Mixer Panel: Meters of unfolded child chains (such as Drum Machine) and layers (like Instrument Layer or FX Selector) no longer cut off too quickly when the device is not visible [39836]
The tools of the Curve Editor now supports temporary switching via number keys, just as the program's editing tools do: [39893]
- A short press of any shortcut switches to that tool.
- Holding the shortcut will temporarily switch to that tool, returning to the previous tool when the key is released.
- The Curve Editor is used by various "curve" devices that use interchangeable BWCURVE files, including:
  - Segments (Envelope), a modulator & Polymer/Grid module
  - Curves (LFO), a modulator & Grid module
  - Scrawl (Oscillator), a Polymer/Grid module
  - Slopes (Data), a Grid module
  - Transfer (Shaper), a Grid module
  - Keytrack+ (Note-driven), a modulator

Fixes

Vulkan graphics backend: Performance and initialization improvements (a regression)
Linux: Performance improvements, related to refresh rate with multiple windows (with OpenGL and Vulkan)
Overdub recording works again, including for automation cases:
- When Arranger Overdub is enabled (on by default), recording onto the Arranger will add additional notes to passing clips, and new comping takes to existing audio clips.
  - With track automation and automation clips, points will added based on the Automation Write Mode (Latch, Touch, or Write).
- When Launcher Overdub is enabled, playing Launcher note clips will add additional notes.
  - Any playing Launcher note/audio clips will also:
    - Record automation to empty slots with a matching clip start time and length.
    - Add automation to existing clips, based on the Automation Write Mode (Latch, Touch, or Write).
    - When looping automation clips reach their end, they begin replaying their data on the next loop.
    - All Launcher clips that are overdubbing data show a white plus icon (+) where the play or record button normally is.
Automation-related fixes:
- The first point added to an automation lane is now a normal (read: non-hold) point.
- Automation smoothing is no longer so drastic on MPE recordings [39578]
- Creating initial automation with the Spray Can tool now preserves the base (starting) value [39274]
- Automation point tool tips are back in the right place on hover, draw (a regression)
- Automation Shear functions (via Time Selection) behave correctly in the Detail Editor Panel when using Track context [39983, 39584]
- Reverse function with automation clips now preserves the shape's curvature [39304]
- Playing tempo automation clips are respected again (a regression) [39970]
- Drawing tempo automation with Pencil tool always creates events in order [40273]
- Time Signature events in clips no longer cause faulty display in the ruler [40069]
- Transport automation clips can now be selected together with track clips [39905]
- Transport automation slot displays correctly after undo now
- Select All now includes transport automation clips [39906]
- Creating automation clips for indexed parameters (like global Scale) writes the data correctly in all cases [40188]
- Dragging a track automation time range no longer offers an option to Insert alias [40158]
- Wrap as Automation Clip no longer produces the wrong result, in certain cases [40186]
Audition tool no longer updates Launcher clip's Start position [39872]
Step Input: Now consistently auto-advances when using triplet grid values [40302]
Recording audio between tracks is now properly compensated as well [40240]
Quantize function using Editor beat grid works in the Arranger again [38599]
Dragging a raw audio event on the Arranger to the device chain works again in all cases [39354]
Select All in filtered layered editor on acts on the target layer now [39478]
Meta clips are now duplicated when part of a time selection again (a regression) [40123]
Sampler (Synth) device: Dragging in multiple audio samples now creates a multisample again [39740]
Instrument Selector, FX Selector, and Note FX Selector (Container) devices: Modulation of the Index parameter now happens immediately again [40117]
Note Transpose (Note FX) device: Changes to the Semitone Shift and Octave Shift parameters are applied to active notes again [39567]
Compressor+ (Compressor): Saturation knob is oversized, impractical (a regression)
Modulators now work correctly on first playback/loop iteration, even when hidden [39774]
Detail Editor Panel: Copy and paste work correctly when layered in Clip context [39975]
Overdub recording into Arranger clips no longer trims the notes [40121]
Copying aliased clips with copy modifier now consistently created a new aliased set of clips [40238]
Post Recording Actions: Play Recorded now works with audio clips [39581]
Enabling Looping for a playing Launcher clip no longer cancels the scheduled stop [39581]
Changing an audio event's parameters can no longer cause playback stop [40122]
Changing an audio clip's parameters can no longer cause audio dropouts [40124]
It is possible to drag an audio sample into an existing audio clip again (a regression) [40164]
Dragging time selections before bar 1 beat 1 on the Arranger is better prohibited now [40191]
Bounce action: The Real-time toggle is better respected in all cases now [39891]
Graphical fixes:
- Fixed occasional glitches when dragging automation points [40127]
- Fixed cases where Detail Editor Panel scrollbar could occasionally flash [40140]
- Clip progress indicators now better show the recording of fixed-length clips [40161]
- Mixer: Unfolding nested chains on the master track no longer makes the scene section wider
- Filter+ and Sweep (Filter) devices: Correct GUI icon shown now, even when loading a project/preset with user device names [40088]
- A project with many Clip Launcher slots have a correct layout now [40179]
- Fixed a diagonal shading graphics glitch that occurred in some time selection cases, sometimes [40120]
CLAP plug-ins: Automation recording from plug-in GUIs works again (a regression)
Touch displays: Clip Launcher's track and global Stop buttons react to touch again (a regression) [40236]
Windows: Fixed limited cases where the application wouldn't start [39306]
Controller scripts: Fixed some rare, persistent irregularities after closing a project and opening a new one [40230]
1 kHz gaming mouse: Zooming out while holding the middle button no longer gets stuck, at any dragging speed [40177]
1 kHz gaming mouse: Drawing automation with the Pencil tool works at a good speed now [39331]
Internal event timing improvements

Crashes Fixed

Fixed crash when using Retrigger playing Launcher clips action [40106]
Fixed crash when recording automation [40100]
Fixed crash when stretching meta clips (of group tracks) [40108]
Fixed crash when dragging automation lane into another track [40092]
Fixed crash when track tracks from one project to another sometimes [40112]

Changes in Bitwig Studio 6.0, Beta 6 [released 07 November 2025]

Improvements

Clip Launcher refinements:
- The relative phase of playing clips is now preserved. (It was working in some cases in previous releases, but with some bugs.)
- For example, if you trigger one Launcher clip and then starting another two bars later:
  - Stopping and starting the transport will resume playback of the clips just as they were originally aligned.
  - If the Arranger play position is moved, clip playback is also moved relatively with the original alignment.
  - Operators and seeded Spread settings are taken into account, so the current loop iteration will be calculated.
  - When the Arranger loop is enabled, automatic loop jumps do not update Launcher clip positions.
- A new action to Retrigger playing Launcher clips is now available:
  - From transport stop, this action retriggers all clips that were playing, thereby re-aligning them from their start.
  - If the transport is playing, this action queues the retrigger using the largest Main Launch Quantize setting of the playing clips.
  - Holding [ALT] transforms the Launcher's Return playback to Arranger Timeline buttons into clickable Retrigger playing Launcher clips buttons.
    - Both project- and track-level actions are available in this case.
  - You can also assign a keyboard or MIDI shortcut to this action.
Audio playback now uses short anti-click fades on transport stop
Dragging the start or end of Arranger clips now snaps to various content snap points (such as onsets), when snapping is enabled [39023]
Toggle In and Toggle Out (Mix) Grid modules: Active ports are now visualized based on the modulated value
macOS: Added camera permission to the audio engine, in case plug-ins want to, um, use the camera

Fixes

MIDI notes are no longer recorded into Launcher clips too early (a regression) [40070]
Audio clip fade-outs are not preserved thru to next transport start anymore (a regression) [39960]
Fixed a performance regression with device sleeping rules [40065]
Dragging parameter values clamps at the extremes again (a regression) [40067]
Tracks with monitoring set to On now display input when record armed again [40017]
Fixed slow painting performance with zoomed-in waveforms [40049]
Group track remote macro automation is played back at the proper speed again [40058]
Creating a point on the Flying Automation Lane no longer adds an additional point at time zero
Note clips recorded with pre-roll are no longer late (a regression) [40068]
Audio events no longer crackle when adjusting their Gain expression during playback (a regression) [40015]
Muted arranger clips no longer report a note at the beginning (a regression) [39939]
Split is now in Arrange context menus for clip and time selections[40029]
Expand action can apply spread and chance settings again[39982]
Newly created notes are auto-selected more consistently now [39032]
Relative snapping works again [39023]
FX Grid (The Grid) device: Voice stack solo (in the Inspector Panel) now works for True Mono cases as well
Dragging an Arranger time selection no longer leaves clearing preview decorations behind
Time scrollbars properly show muted clips in their visualization
Pencil tool now erases notes when double-clicked [39029]
Clicking one Arranger clip of a multiselection now selects it as the new target clip [39441]
Duplicating a scene no longer creates alias clips [38990]
When dragging from the Browser Panel to the Arranger, holding [SHIFT] toggles the snapping behavior again [39302]
Automation Follow now works when dragging a time selection on the Arranger [40061]
Moving a playing Launcher clip to another scene keeps it playing again [39881]
Reverse and various Scaling functions no longer misbehave in certain multiselection cases [39894]
Using Split on an Arranger time selection returns a time selection [40030]
VST3 plug-ins: Better handling of the restart component [39935]

Crashes Fixed

Fixed crash when changing Detail Editor Panel time grid settings [40031]
Fixed audio engine crash when using Arpeggiator to transpose steps with Use Global Key enabled [39722]
Fixed occasional crash when automation recording starts [40042]
Fixed crash when unfolding chains for the master track in Mix view [39125]
Fixed crashes when using time selections with the Detail Editor Panel in Track context [40039, 40043]
Fixed crash when saving a clip with automation, but excluding devices [39958]
Fixed crash when recording MIDI automation in a loop [40042]
Fixed crash when copying a group track to another project [39422]
Fixed audio engine crash when deleting a muted clip whilst it was playing
Fixed crash when selecting a Launcher clip, in some cases [40033]
Fixed crash when dragging a clip's start to erase other clips in Arranger [39943]

Changes in Bitwig Studio 6.0, Beta 5 [released 31 October 2025]

New Features

Controller script added for Neuzeit Instruments's Drop

Improvements

Unfolded automation lanes can include a Flying Automation Lane, for drawing automation onto the last clicked parameter:
- A button to Toggle Flying Automation Lane [SHIFT]-[ALT]-[A] is beside the Automation Mode [A] button (above the Arranger track headers).
- When enabled, any track (with its automation lanes unfolded) offers a preview lane for the last parameter touched, so you can directly insert or draw automation.
- This doesn't affect Automation Mode, where each track is overlayed with its own "flying" lane.
Group tracks now been improved in their display and workflow:
- A summary of the child track's contents is visible on the group lane/slot.
- Audio clips placed on the group lane/slot will override the group track's master output for the duration of those clips.
  - You can select meta clips (or make a time selection in the group lane) and then Bounce in Place to capture the group output without altering the children.
  - When meta clips are selected, most editing functions (Transpose, Quantize, Auto-Fade, etc.) are applied to the child tracks' clips.
  - Note clips are sent to the group tracks chain, but otherwise allow audio to play normally.
- On the Arranger Timeline:
  - Interactive meta clips are shown on the group track lane. They are placed into blocks where child clip's line up.
    - Their header color is a blend of the present child clips, relative to their lengths.
- In the Clip Launcher:
  - A special sub scene is always available, for triggering all slots within that group.
  - When the clip height is tall enough, a visualization of the present child clips is shown just below the sub scene, in the clip slot.
    - In the Arranger Timeline Panel view, the clip slot also has its own Stop clip and Return playback to Arranger Timeline buttons, which apply only to the group's child tracks.
- If you navigate into a group (for example, by choosing Enter Group with the track selected), the child tracks are show at top with the group master shown on bottom.
- The older toggle to either Show Master Track Content or Show Group Track Content has been removed.
The Detail Editor Panel in Clip context now can adjust the Editor Timeline being used:
- A Layered Editing submenu now appears in the Editor Settings of the Detail Editor Panel, when applicable.
  - The new Editor Timeline setting lets you choose between:
    - Global Arranger/Launcher Time, showing all clips against the project timeline, and only showing events within the clip bounds.
    - Clip Content Time (aligned to play start), lining up clips from their set start times, and showing all clip events.
    - Clip Content Time (ignoring play start), lining up clips from their internal 1.1 position, and showing all clip events.
  - The Layer Grouping setting now only affects the layout of tracks/clips. It is also in Layered Editing menu, when applicable.
Automation recording has been simplified & improved:
- To record automation while a note/audio clip is playing back, enable the Automation Write button.
  - During playback, you can simply click this button to capture incoming automation without affecting note/audio data.
  - There is now only one Automation Write button, which applies to both the Arranger and the Launcher.
  - Automation Write is pinned by default, and located in the Automation section of the Play menu.
  - Launcher slots on automation lanes no longer have individual record buttons.
  - Automation Write now supports recording Launcher automation clips at different lengths from the original note/audio clip.
- General automation recording has been overhauled with several structural improvements.
  - Clips being recorded are now painted more smoothly.
  - Delay compensation for recording has been improved, no longer being affected by latency of other tracks and with improved timing precision.ea
  - Arranger automation recording within the active Arranger loop now writes your entire performance into the clip, and then sets the clip start time appropriately when finished.
  - Punch-In and Punch-Out now limits Arranger recording for both note/audio clips, as well as automation recording.
    - Interacting with either button no longer starts recording.
    - Additional visual feedback is offered on the Arranger Loop Selector.
- Automation is automatically recorded when note/audio clips are being recorded.
  - This is controlled by two settings, under Dashboard > Settings > Recording > Recording.
  - Write automation when recording Arranger clips automatically enables the Automation Write button when the global record is active.
  - Write automation when recording Launcher clips (on by default) will also capture automation on any slot where audio or note/CC recording is triggered.
  - Both settings are on by default.
- Automation lanes now show the device name, when space allows.
When using the Knife and Eraser tools in an editor's top ruler area, both tools zoom & pan. Or you can:
- [ALT]-click with the Knife tool to apply a cut to all tracks/visible events.
- [ALT]-drag with the Eraser tool to delete the selected area of all tracks/visible events.
The clip's Pattern chooser menu now shows the current pattern with a white frame around its square.
The Arranger's timeline scrollbar will now show both visible clips and Arranger cue markers together.
There is now a window option to Center transport display (on by default), under Dashboard > Settings > User Interface > Transport.
- Disabling this setting can leave more space for pinned editing actions.
- You can also right-click within the transport display area to toggle both this setting and the Show loop region option.
Clip's now have a time Signature override parameter again:
- As in v5.x, this setting is for display purposes and editing.
- When multiple clips are shown in the Detail Editor Panel in Clip context, the target clip's time signature is shown.
Controller script for NI Komplete Kontrol Mk3: Plug-in Bypass added

Fixes

Bounce in Place with delay compensation no longer results in bad playback timing [39835]
Paste as Alias works again (a regression)
Fixed an issue where projects couldn't be saved after undoing a device swap [39752]
Windows ARM: Bitwig starts again [39820]
Windows ARM: Intel plug-ins are supported again [39708]
Fixed bad mouse interaction on knobs and integer controls [39815, 39824]
Moving/copying automation between lanes no longer loses Spread values [39945]
Audition tool fixes:
- Works on the Arranger again while playback is active [39748]
- Soloes targeted clip again while transport is stopped [39730]
- No longer sticks to one Launcher clip when transport is stopped [39882]
ParSeq-8 and Steps (Sequence) modulators: Now shows the correct active step, even when in Hold mode, etc. [39907]
Average (Level) Grid module: No longer resets directly to 0 at note on when polyphonic [40002]
Various automation fixes:
- Write automation mode didn't work
- Touch automation mode never creates data beyond the "touch off" event [39087]
- Automation curves are shown more consistently, strong in the Detail Editor Panel [39047]
- Fixed an automation playback issue, where certain parameters weren't always woken up [40022]
- Loading existing projects (from version 5) no longer inserts new automation, sometimes [39968]
- Automation/expressions editing: [ALT]-double-clicking on curved segments resets the curve again (a regression) [39053]
- Dragging automation (or copy–pasting) from one lane to another no longer loses the Spread values [39945]
- Insert Silence now moves project automation as well [39660]
- Fixed an incomplete display of layered automation clips (with certain settings)
- Creating matching automation clips on group masters now takes meta clips into account [39772]
- Delete Automation Lane and Clear Arranger Automation functions now work for multi-selections of automation lanes [39733]
- Return playback to Arrangement while the audio engine is disconnected now includes automation lanes
Recording Launcher clips with all manner of pad / grid controllers works again [39750]
Double-clicking an Arranger clip in Track context on a hybrid track now respects its previous setting (instead of always opening the Drum/Hybrid Editor) [39323]
Operations on a multi-selection of alias clips are no longer repeated for each instance [39625]
Time display in Clip context of Detail Editor Panel is correct again (a regression)
Duplicating a time selection of notes now does a time duplication (not an object duplication) [39484]
Copy and paste works again when layered editing with Clip context [39975]
Moving notes from multiple Arranger clips in Track context no longer disappears some of them [39964]
Dragging the end time of a multi-selection of clips now avoids overlapping/overwriting other selected clips [39760]
It is no longer possible to drag a time selection to the left of bar 1, beat 1 in the Arranger [39773]
It is possible to scroll to negative time in the Detail Editor Panel in Clip context [39298]
Notes before 1.1 in a clip can be shifted with the arrow keys [39889]
Arranger overdub recording works again (a regression) [39821]
DAWproject: Files can be opened again by dragging them into the app [39769]
Comping colors pop again [39701]
Overdubbing audio clips no longer leaves comping in a weird state
Many and various fixes related to automation recording
Punch-In/Punch-Out no longer results in a clip that is too short [39501]
Fixed a GUI performance regression when zooming [39642]
Audio input level is shown again for tracks set to monitor On (a regression) [39706]
Fixed various playback issues with muted clips [39296, 39707, 39839]
Controller integration for Derivative Touch Designer: Application performance no longer slows when using certain multi-monitor setups [38234]
Controller script for Arturia KeyLab Essential Mk3: Minor fixes for quantization focus, track bank selection, and browser selection

Crashes Fixed

Fixed crash on Save clip to Library, when Save devices in clip was disabled [39958]
Fixed crash when transposing notes of multiple selected clips in Inspector Panel [39786]
Fixed crash when moving clip loop or start/end marker using arrows keys [39802]
Fixed crash when selecting or copying Arranger automation event in some cases [39777, 39796]
Fixed crash when dropping an automation clip onto a Drum Machine cell [39491]
Fixed crash or unexpected result when using Quantizing Audio features [39533, 39743]

Changes in Bitwig Studio 6.0, Beta 4 [released 02 October 2025]

New Features

Detail Editor Panel: The last ten editor states are now remembered and can be navigated:
- Once multiple selections have been made in the open project, a back arrow is now shown in bottom left corner of the Detail Editor Panel.
- Clicking this arrow will Navigate to Previous Editor Content.
- Holding [ALT] flips the arrow to a forward arrow, allowing you to Navigate to Next Editor Content (if you had navigated backwards already).
  - Both actions can be assigned keyboard or controller shortcuts (from the Dashboard under Settings > Shortcuts).
- Each time the clip selection is changed in the Arranger / Launcher, and toggles between the Clip and Track contexts are stored as individual events.
- This works both in the Detail Editor Panel and its fullscreen Edit View.
  - This allows you to switch between recent content without leaving the editor.
  - It can be particularly useful for restoring a layered selection of clips/tracks after doing edits on the Arranger, etc.

Certain parameters (such as phase and pitch classes) now wrap when modulated:

Most parameters clip when modulated to their maximum (or minimum) values. This is still true.
A few parameters are more circular, like phase and pitch class. These parameters are no longer clipped, but rather wrap to the other side of the parameter range (from maximum around to minimum, or from minimum value around to maximum).
In the Interactive Help, each parameter with this behavior shows its range with a wrapping modulation annotation.
Wrapped pitch-class parameters (notes lists from C to B) include:
- The Root Key transport parameter (when modulated from the project level)
- Key Filter+ (Note FX) device's Local Key parameter
- Key Filter (Note FX) device's Key parameter
- Harmonize (Note FX) device's Key of Incoming Notes parameter
- Transpose Map (Note FX) device's Transform Root parameter
- Pitch Class (Pitch) module's Pitch Class and Wrapping Key parameters
- Root Key (I/O) module's Wrapping Key parameter
Wrapped phase and phase-like parameters on devices include:
- Chorus (Modulation) device's LFO Right Phase Offset parameter
- Freq Shifter+ (Audio FX) device's Phase and Phase Offset (R) parameters
- Freq Split (Spectral) device's Split Nudge and Split Spin parameters
- Ladder (Filter) device's LFO Phase parameter
- Note Repeats (Note FX) device's Rotate parameter
- Phase-4 (Synth) device's R Phase, B Phase, Y Phase, and M Phase parameters
- Ricochet (Note FX) device's Room Rotation and Ball Launch Angle parameters
- v0 Zap Kick (Kick) device's Phase Modulation Target parameter
Wrapped phase and phase-like parameters on modulators include:
- Classic LFO (LFO) modulators's Phase parameter
- Curves (LFO) modulators's Phase parameter
- LFO (LFO) modulators's Phase parameter
- ParSeq-8 (Sequence) modulators's Phase Modulation parameter
- Steps (Sequence) modulators's Phase Modulation parameter
- Wavetable LFO (LFO) modulators's Phase parameter
Wrapped phase and phase-like parameters on modules include:
- Curves (LFO) module's Phase and Phase Offset (R) parameters
- Freq Shifter+ (Delay/Audio FX) module's Phase and Phase Offset (R) parameters
- LFO (LFO) module's Phase and Phase Offset (R) parameters
- Ø Shift (Phase) module's Shift parameter
- S/H LFO (Random) module's Phase and Phase Offset (R) parameters
- Wavetable LFO (LFO) module's Phase and Phase Offset (R) parameters

Improvements

Detail Editor Panel: Better at maintaining your current editor choice when selecting other content (as possible)
[ALT]-drag gestures for automation time selections (more info) now work with expressions in both the Waveform Editor and the Drum/Hybrid Editor

Fixes

Controller Scripts: Some scripts written in Javascript (such as those from Nektar) now work again [39233]
Navigating by time selection with arrow keys no longer ignores audio onsets
Moving a selection of notes with arrow keys no longer deletes notes [39527]
Automation fixes:
- It is possible to stretch a time selection of track automation again [39623]
- Pasting clips with child automation no longer ignores automation lock settings [39603]
- Instrument Selector, FX Selector, and Note FX Selector devices (Container): Reordering a device's layers now correctly updates Index parameter automation again [39731]
- Copying a device (via [ALT]-drag or copy–paste) now brings automation [39528]
- Dragging an automation time selection up or down no longer creates empty automation [39589]
- Delete All Project Automation action works again [39587]
Audition tool now launches dependent launcher clip with the correct offset
Duplicating a time selection of notes now does a time duplication again (not an object duplication) [39484]
Modules dragged in (from the Grid Editor's module palette or the Browser Panel) are now selected [39512]
Clicking on the ruler of the Detail Editor Panel in Clip context no longer results in a wrong play position in the Arranger [39529]
Transposing notes via the Inspector Panels now works correctly [39499]
Time functions (such as Insert Silence) can move Arranger cue markers again [39591]
Can now drag clip length, even if a meta clip is part of the selection [39580]
Dragging a scene or meta clip to new track area now creates a group track again [39364]
Dragging a preset file onto a device now assigns the preset again [39661]
Shortcut for Toggle Track-timeline vs. Clip-content Editing action works again [39590]
Snap to Key (in Piano Roll Editor) now applies the correct scale immediately on scale changes [39497]
Selecting time on the Arranger now longer sets the play start marker in the Detail Editor Panel [39477]
Zoom in Detail Editor Lane Height applies to the Detail Editor Panel again [39442]
Dragging a preset with embedded samples now adds the files to the project folder on release (not hover) [39659]
Record on Scene Launch works again [39671]
Wavetable Grid and Polymer module (Oscillator): Fixed a unison initialization issue [39693]
Visual fixes:
- [SHIFT]-[ALT]-hovering over any automation lane (to Wrap Related Automation as Clips) now previews the action in all automation lanes [39621]
- Drawing expressions with the Pencil tool is now previewed at the right time position [39500]
- Using the Eraser tool on the Arranger no longer leaves behind preview areas [39358]
- Waveform of crossfaded raw audio events is no longer painted at the wrong time [39506]
- Segments modulator / module (Envelope): Indicates the sustain level in Hold mode again [39526]
Controller Scripts: Track select works again (a regression on several controllers since v6) [39673]

Crashes Fixed

Fixed crash when copying or duplicating clip automation events on the Arranger [39493]
Fixed crash when switching off Adaptive Beat Grid [39514]
Fixed crash when extending an automation lane selection with arrow keys [39246]
Fixed an audio engine crash when deleting the second audio clip during crossfade playback [39511, 39489]
Fixed crash when dropping a sample onto a Drum Machine slot [39337]
Fixed crash when drawing time signature events using the Pencil tool [39516]
Fixed crash when adjusting a comping region's length [39543]
Fixed crash when deleting notes using Eraser tool [39652]
Fixed crash when adjusting a clip's loop region [39685]
Fixed crash when stretching a time selection of an automation clip [39427]
Fixed rare crash when changing scaling factor inside The Grid [39616]
Fixed crash when opening some projects made in a previous version [39643]
Fixed crash when sometimes dragging over a parameter [36005]
Fixed crash when dropping a clip onto another track, in some cases [39675]
Fixed crash when transposing notes in the Piano Roll Editor… while audio events were still invisibly selected [39557]
Fixed various rare crashes

Changes in Bitwig Studio 6.0, Beta 3 [released 10 September 2025]

Fixes

DAWproject files open again (a regression from v5.x) [39435]
Dragging an automated device now brings the automation with it [39463]
Double-click to delete a clip automation point is possible on the Arranger
Correct automation value is always displayed when hovering over a Hold point [39439]
The Detail Editor Panel no longer updates the play start marker when working with Launcher clips
Dragging Launcher clips to the Arranger no longer gets the length wrong [39445]
Drawing automation from the track area into a clip no longer messes the clip [39448]
Editing automation events while they were being recorded now avoids crashes and other reasonable mayhem [39152]
Curve Editor: Tool names in the context menu are no longer so long

Crashes Fixed

Fixed crash when editing a clip automation point on the Arranger [39402]
Fixed crash when navigating time selection cursor in Track context of the Detail Editor Panel [39412, 39423]
Fixed crash when copying a time range of clip automation [39443]
Fixed crash when dragging an Arranger time selection past multiple tracks, automation lanes [39388]
Fixed crash when deselecting audio clips [39390]
Fixed crash when double-clicking into a note editor with the Time Selection tool [39462]
Fixed crash when slicing a sample with multiple takes at onsets [39406]

Changes in Bitwig Studio 6.0, Beta 2 [released 05 September 2025]

Improvements

Making a time selection can now move the play start marker in the Detail Editor Panel
- There is a new preference under Dashboard > Settings > Behavior > Set play start marker when > Selecting events / time in Detail Editor Panel
- Its partner function (Selecting clips / time on Arranger) has become more robust as well

Fixes

Fixed a case were projects couldn't be saved in beta 1 [39220]
Drum / Hybrid Editor: Notes are now selectable in all cases [38969]
Some older projects/templates now load again (a regression from v5.x) [39217]
Pinning the Quantize to Key action no longer doubles it after restarting the application) [39356]
Recording Launcher clips with pre-roll no longer starts other clips out of time [39231]
Automation/expression editing fixes:
- Automation detail editor, Clip mode: now provides visual feedback while creating initial point [38987]
- [CTRL]-drag ([CMD]-drag on macOS) on points still allows fine editing, but no longer disables time snapping [39117]
- When editing Transpose and Formant expressions [CTRL]-drag ([CMD]-drag on macOS) now disable the value grid instead of [SHIFT]
- Single-click on a flat segments no longer inserts two points (particularly with expressions)
- Automation can be deleted by double-click, at smaller lane heights [39332]
- Nudging Arranger clips ([ALT]-[←] and [ALT]-[→]) now uses the Automation Lock status [39297]
- Fixed height mismatch between audio-lane expression ruler and content
- Points in Expression Overlay mode are now painted better, and faster
Assorted editing fixes:
- Drum/Hybrid Editor: Duplicating time-selected notes no longer erases, overwrites unselected notes in other lanes [39330]
- Knife and Eraser tools now work thru out a Launcher clip (not just in the loop region) [39341]
- Knife tool now works notes when in Track context [39291]
- Time-selection navigation was now works correctly in the Detail Editor Panel
- Clip stretch mouse interaction now works with automation clips following [39228]
- [CTRL]-drag ([ALT]-drag on macOS) of Arranger time selection now works again whether the modifier is held before or after clicking [39254]
- Dragging a mixture of clips and automation clips of different lengths now previews correctly [39372]
- Clips can be moved, even after doing a time selection on the Arranger ruler [39293]
- Clicking in the Detail Editor Panel below the time ruler in Track context no longer resets zoom and playback settings [39162]
- Duplicating a time selection from automation clips now works [39116]
- Dragging a clip to the timeline no longer suddenly, erroneously makes it appear on the master track [39259]
- Duplicating a master group track now duplicates its contents [39292]
Graphical fixes:
- Default height of Automation lane now displays the full parameter path at all scaling factors [39043]
- Minimum scene width no longer truncates clip content, etc.
- Fixed long audio lane titles not fitting on screen (and how that broke the GUI)
- Better visual distinction between active and inactive groups [39151]
Dragging an audio file to a track header loads it into a Sampler device (a regression from v5.x) [39227]
[SHIFT]-dragging multiple audio files to a Drum Machine properly layers them (a regression from v5.x) [39106]
Dragging from the Browser Panel to replace a device works (a regression from v5.x) [39305]
A scene header can be dragged onto another scene, in order to move or copy scene contents (a regression from v5.x) [39378]
Files copied to the clipboard can now be pasted [39346]
Fixed some data-source conversions to be more robust [39355]
Application no longer freezes when selecting audio input or output for devices… that have at least 1,024 ports [39351]

Crashes Fixed

Fixed crash when moving an Arranger automation event beyond existing points [39077]
Fixed crash when dropping devices/modulators onto a transport automation lane [39129]
Fixed an occasional crash when using the Eraser tool [39285]
Fixed crash when adding MIDI automation lane from the transport automation area [39131]
Fixed crash when drawing notes via touch [39124]
Fixed crash when dragging Arranger clip with following automation clips to the Launcher, in some cases [39119]
Fixed crash when clicking in Detail Editor Panel, in some cases [39118]
Fixed crash when using Audition tool [39141, 39130]
Fixed crash when adjusting note length with keyboard shortcuts [39122]
Fixed crash when renaming a clip [39190]
Fixed crash when using Expand… action on a Launcher automation clip [39154]
Fixed crash when deleting launcher slots [39197]
Fixed crash using Gain ±6 dB and Gain ±1 dB actions on an automation clip [39158]
Fixed crash when dragging a combination of notes and audio in the Drum/Hybrid Editor [39050]
Fixed crash when using Fold to Takes… action [39193]
Fixed crash when dropping an Arranger automation time selection onto another lane, in some cases [39136]
Fixed crash when copying automation [39138]
Fixed crash when double-clicking onset events [39168]
Fixed crash during stretch mouse interaction in Arranger track Piano Roll Editor [39200]
Fixed crash when bouncing a mixed selection of Launcher note and automation clips [39264]
Fixed crash when opening old projects [39232]
Fixed crash when using Set Clip Start action [39205]
Fixed crash when dragging part of a raw audio event to the Device Panel [39266]
Fixed occasional crash when deleting shortcuts [39258]
Fixed crash when erasing beat markers [39225]
Fixed crash when exporting MIDI file [39247]
Fixed crash when renaming an audio event in the Detail Editor Panel [38006]
Fixed crash when recording notes in the Arranger loop [39166, 37957, 37945]
Fixed crash when opening a specific project [39120]

What's New in Bitwig Studio 6.0, Beta 1 [released 27 August 2025]

Jump to: Alias Clips Automation Clips Automation Editing Key Signature Support Editing Improvements Spray Can tool Step Input tool Audition tool Clip Launcher status displays General Improvements

Alias Clips

Alias clips support sharing content across a single track.
Note, audio, and automation clips each reference a pattern on that track.
Clips that use the same Pattern are alias clips, marked with a little paper clip icon.
When any clip using a Pattern is edited, the Pattern changes everywhere it is used.
Beside the clip's name and color in the Inspector is a Pattern chooser, showing each Pattern available on that track as well as a visualization of each Pattern and the number of clips using each one.
Switching a clip to a different Pattern simply switches out the content being played back.
While the content, color, and clip name are shared, other parameters (such as each clip's start, length, looping, and more) remain independent.
'Unique' clips are the only ones using that particular pattern.
- In the Pattern chooser, these unique clips show the fingerprint icon instead of a count.
You can Paste [CTRL]-[V] ([CMD]-[V] on macOS) to create a unique clip, or Paste as Alias [CTRL]-[ALT]-[V] ([CMD]-[ALT]-[V] on macOS) to connect the clips' content.
Similarly, [CTRL]-dragging ([ALT]-dragging on macOS) will Copy a clip, or [ALT]-drag ([CMD]-drag on macOS) to Copy as Alias.
- Related, you can Duplicate [CTRL]-[D] ([CMD]-[D] on macOS) to create a unique clip, or Duplicate as Alias [CTRL]-[ALT]-[D] ([CMD]-[ALT]-[D] on macOS) as a way to create aliases.
When capturing a Launcher performance into the Arranger, alias clips can be written to the Arranger with the Record to Arranger as Alias Clips option (in Play menu's Clip Launcher section).
- The function can be pinned in the window (via the thumbtack icon).
The Make Unique function duplicates the pattern for the selected clip, making it independent.
The Merge Duplicate Patterns function removes matching patterns, turning any unique clips that were sharing identical content into alias clips.
There is also a Merge Duplicate Patterns for Project function, for linking duplicate clips on any note track, audio track, and automation lane.
The Merge Duplicate Patterns functions are great for:
1. Opening previous projects and immediately taking advantage of alias clips.
2. Working in your normal copy/duplicate way, and then linking duplicate material afterward.
3. And so on.

Automation Clips

Record, edit, and create automation in meaningful, musical blocks.
Use familiar clip workflows on automation, including content scaling/stretching (from functions or mouse interaction).
Clips will follow the parent note/audio clip boundaries while editing, but you can freely edit the automation clips at any time to make them independent.
- This follow behavior can be broken globally (by enabling Global Automation Lock [0] in the transport, beside the Restore Automation Control [R] button) or for individual lanes (by selecting an automation lane and enabling Automation Lock in its Inspector).
Simply select an automation clip to then adjust, spread, or randomize its points together.
Easily adjust note/audio clips and automation loops to use different lengths, etc. etc.
In the Arranger, you are free to use track automation and/or automation clips.
- To turn track automation beneath a note/audio clip into an automation clip of the same length: [ALT]-click the lane above or below the automation curve.
  - To make matching automation clips for all lanes, you can either[SHIFT]-[ALT]-click in any automation lane, or select the top-level note/audio clip, and then choose Wrap Related Automation as Clips [CTRL]-[G] ([CMD]-[G] on macOS). Or
- To create an automation clip where there is no note/audio clip above: [ALT]-click in an Arranger lane above or below the automation curve. An automation clip will be created at the length of the current beat grid interval. Dragging to the left or right will elongate the clip by an additional grid length.
  - This also works with the Pencil tool.
  - [SHIFT]-[ALT]-click in any automation lane will create automation clips for all lanes.
- To turn a time selection of track automation into an automation clip: use the Time > Wrap as Automation Clip function, which is mapped like "group" to [CTRL]-[G] ([CMD-[G] on macOS).
- To turn an Arranger automation clip into track automation: use the Clip > Flatten as Track Automation function, which is mapped like "ungroup" to [SHIFT]-[CTRL]-[G] ([SHIFT]-[CMD-[G] on macOS).
Preferences are available for how Arranger automation is recorded in different context, in the Dashboard under Settings > Recording > Arranger Parameter Recording.
- When Note recording, create: Automation Clips (the default, creating matching clips) or Track Automation.
- When Audio recording, create: Automation Clips (the default, creating matching clips) or Track Automation
- When writing automation, create: Automation Clips or Track Automation (the default).
Automation clips on the Clip Launcher will follow their parent note/audio clip. So:
- Automation clips can always be triggered (and stopped) directly.
- Triggering a note/audio Launcher clip (including via Next Action) will also launch its automation clips.
- When Launcher automation clips are below a normal, empty note/audio slot, a play button is available in the empty slot for triggering all automation clips beneath.
- For scene launches:
  - For empty note/audio slots that have a stop button (a normal clip slot), automation clips below will fire.
    - Note: An empty note/audio slot with a stop button will display a convenient trigger to Launch automation clips, letting you trigger all automation clips at once.
  - For empty note/audio slots that do not have a stop button, automation clips below will not fire on scene launch. These automation clips must be launched manually.
- Temporary actions (like ALT-trigger of clips or scenes) will take each playing clip's position on takeover and accordingly return on release.
- Track stop messages will apply to its automation lanes too.
Automation clips can be saved to your library.
- Automation clips can be found alongside BWCURVE files.
- Both can be loaded as automation clips, either by dragging them in to a clip lane/slot from the Browser Panel.
- Clicking plus in an empty automation clip slot loads the visual curve browser, offering automation clips and BWCURVE files for insertion.
- Dragging an automation clip from the current project into a device's Modulator Panel loads the shape into a Segments (Envelope) modulator — or [ALT]-drag to load the shape into a Curves (LFO) modulator.
  - The same is true for dragging an automation clip from the current project into a Grid device's Grid editor, loading the shape into a Segments (Envelope) module — or [ALT]-drag to load the shape into a Curves (LFO) module.
- Dragging an automation clip from the current project onto any curve-based device simply replaces the device's loaded content with the curve.
You can also use alias clips to link automation patterns across an automation lane, both in the Arranger and in various Launcher slots.
Automation clips can be used:
1. As an arrangement unit, either for repeating directly or reusing in other sections (including as alias clips).
2. As a performance gesture.
3. As a selection group, so that one click selects a block of points that can be edited together.
4. Etc. etc.

Automation Editing

There are two new ways to access automation.
- A new Automation Mode is available in the Arranger:
  - This mode keeps the current track layout of the Arranger Timeline Panel, and then transforms their clips to an "x-ray" style and overlays one automating onto each track.
  - Enable/disable it either by clicking the filled Automation Mode button (up by the Launcher and Arranger toggles), or by simply pressing [A].
  - The lane has a "flying" behavior, following the parameter you last touched automatically, or any other single lane you choose.
  - From the Mixer level of any track, each entry (such as Volume) ends with an asterisk icon [٭]. Selecting this icon points all available tracks to that same mixer parameter.
- Any/all automations lanes can now be edited in the Detail Editor Panel:
  - Selecting an automation clip (or a point within it) on the Arranger loads it directly. Or when a parent note/audio clip is open, switching to the Automation Editor shows all coincident automation clips.
  - From the Track context mode, the Automation Editor will show all automation clips and Arranger automation lanes together.
    - When the Detail Editor Panel is in Track view, selecting any track automation point on the Arranger will focus the editor panel on that automation lane.
- Both new modes can keep the Arranger as you had it, or just give you a new perspective on how different tracks relate to one another.
- You can still unfold all automation lanes for any track in the Arranger.
  - When hovering any Arranger track header, the bottom of the track's color stripe will show various icons:
    - A plus sign [+] is shown when no automation is present. Clicking the plus offers the menu to add an automation lane.
    - A greater-than chevron [>] is shown when track automation is present but folded away. Clicking the chevron unfolds all automation lanes for this track.
    - A downward-facing chevron [V] is shown when track automation is present and visible. Clicking the chevron folds up all automation lanes.
  - When not hovering, tracks that have hidden automation show a blended circle, hinting that this is a clickable area.
  - For any track selected, [SHIFT]-[A] toggles between showing and hiding all automation for that track.
  - Lanes can get smaller now, fitting more on screen.
    - When lanes are too small for point selection and editing, only the curve is shown. Other, meaningful gestures — like segment adjustment, Pencil and Spray Can drawing, Time Selection gestures, and Slide Content (for automation clips) — are still available (see just below for details).
    - The Arranger's new Auto-zoom [SHIFT]-[Z] option (details below) is a good compliment when working with small lanes.
Wherever you work with automation, editing workflows have been greatly improved:
- Automation points can be freely dragged, even past other points.
- Clicking just off the curve drags the nearest two-point segment.
- [SHIFT]-[CMD]-dragging moves an entire automation curve up and down.
- With the Time Selection tool, various editing functions are available with [ALT]-drag to move points up and down:
  - [ALT]-drag in the center will Offset Time Range moves only the time selection.
  - [ALT]-drag from the top to Scale from Maximum, preserving the minimum value.
  - [ALT]-drag from the bottom to Scale from Minimum, preserving the maximum value.
  - [ALT]-drag on the left edge to Shear Start of Time Range, bending the start of any time range.
  - [ALT]-drag on the right edge to Shear End of Time Range, bending the end of any time range.
  - These functions are also available when working with expressions in both the Waveform Editor and the Drum/Hybrid Editor.
- The Pencil tool transforms shapes you draw into accurate, simple curves.
- The Spray Can tool draws stepped automation at the current beat grid interval (read: techno).
  - [ALT]-drag with Spray Can to create a longer held automation point, good for creating alternating rhythms.
- After any edits, high-fidelity thinning is applied.
New features are also available for all automation points:
- Each point can have Hold behavior, staying at the current value until the next point is reached.
- Each point can have randomized Spread, setting a range where the point will land on each pass.
  - Spread can be set from the Inspector, or by [CTRL]-[ALT]-dragging ([CMD]-[ALT]-dragging on macOS) up and down on a selected.
  - For reproducible Spread results, automation clips have a Seed setting, as do automation lanes (for Arranger automation).
- Each point's Curvature (the slope on the way to the next point) is now shown in the Inspector.
  - This allows text entry for precise values.
  - When multiple points are selected, this allows for group editing of the values, including use of the Histogram interface (with its Mean, Scale, and Chaos controls).
- Polyphonic event expressions and automation both have these new features.

Key Signature Support

The key can be defined for your project, set by the twin Root Note and Scale parameters.
23 Scale choices are available, including:
- Classic modes:
  - Major (Ionian)
  - Minor (Aeolian)
  - Dorian
  - Phrygian
  - Mixolydian
  - Locrian
- Compositional scales, in major–minor pairs:
  - Harmonic Major
  - Harmonic Minor
  - Overtone Scale
  - Jazz Minor (the descending scale for melodic minor)
  - Blues Major [6 notes]
  - Blues Minor [6 notes]
  - Double Harmonic Major
  - Double Harmonic Minor
- Alternate patterns:
  - Whole Tone [6 notes]
  - Half-diminished [7 notes]
  - Diminished WH [8 notes] (whole-, then half-steps alternating)
  - Diminished HW [8 notes] (half-, then whole-steps alternating)
  - Major Pentatonic [5 notes]
  - Minor Pentatonic [5 notes]
  - Major Triad [3 notes]
  - Minor Triad [3 notes]
The Piano Roll Editor can Snap to Key, by clicking the sharp–flat icon or pressing [K]. When active:
- The Pencil and Spray Can tools will only preview and create in-key notes.
- The arrow up and down keys will nudge by scale degrees (instead of half steps).
- The note background can either Adapt to Key (using colored lanes for in-key notes and dark lanes for 'out' notes), or to show the traditional Piano Pattern of white/black keys.
When notes or clips are selected, the Transpose > Quantize to Key function will push all notes into the current key.
Six note FX devices have an option to Use Global Key (by clicking the same sharp–flat button in their device header), allowing the current global key to affect note transposition:
- The Arpeggiator device's per-step Transposition parameters will switch from semitones to scale degrees when Use Global Key is enabled.
- The Echo device's Feedback Transpose parameter will switch from semitones to scale degrees when Use Global Key is enabled.
- The Multi-note device's Pitch Offset parameters will switch from semitones to scale degrees when Use Global Key is enabled. (The Learn Chord function is also disabled in this mode.)
- The Note Transpose device's Semitone Shift parameter is swapped out for a Step Shift parameter when Use Global Key is enabled.
- If the Randomize device's Pitch Randomize function is enabled in the Quanitized mode (to land on exact semitone steps), enabling the Use Global Key will randomize by the set number of scale degrees.
- The new Key Filter+ device includes the 23 global scales. The device has Local Key and Local Mode/Scale parameters, or it will follow the project when Use Global Key is enabled.
  - Pitch Offset defines how many scale steps to move notes.
  - The Foreign Note Handling parameter sets how to handle out-of-key notes:
    - Filter removes foreign notes, only passing "in" notes.
    - Keep preserves foreign notes as played (only applying Pitch Offset to "in" notes).
    - Constrain corrects foreign notes to current scale, based on the Constrain Mode Inspector setting:
      - Quantize Up corrects foreign notes up to the next "in" note.
        
        Smart Quantize makes a musical, scale-specific choice for which foreign notes should go up and which should go down.
        
        Quantize Down corrects foreign notes down to the next "in" note.
    - Solo only outputs the foreign notes (with no Pitch Offset applied).
  - The original Key Filter device is now in legacy status. It will still load and work when requested, and you can right-click in the device header to Upgrade to Key Filter+.
- When Use Global Key is enabled with Arpeggiator, Echo, Multi-note, Note Transpose, or Randomize, a pitch shift of 0 (zero) scale degrees passing thru whatever note came in (including out-of-key pitches). When pitch shift is enabled, notes are corrected with the same Smart Constrain logic as Key Filter+.
- When Use Global Key is enabled, relevant parameters are tinted in blue (and unused parameters appear disabled).
Four new Grid modules, three of which use the current global key signature:
- by Scale (Pitch) corrects incoming signals to land on pitches within the current key, with a definable Constrain Mode Inspector setting.
- Scale Steps (Pitch) shifts incoming signals by a set number of scale degrees, with a definable Constrain Mode Inspector setting.
- Root Key (I/O) provides the root note of the current global key signature, formatting it as pitch within a set MIDI Octave and with optional octave wrapping.
  - New Pitch Class (Pitch) Grid module: Manually controlled constant module, offering the 12 pitches and using the same MIDI Octave and optional octave wrapping options as Root Key.
Both Root Note and Scale parameters have transport lanes, which can be automated from the Arranger or by Launcher clips.
Both Root Note and Scale parameters can be added to project remote controls, or controlled by modulators from the master track.

Editing Improvements

The Detail Editor Panel now offers note, audio, and automation editing, both of single clips, whole Arranger tracks, or any layered combination based on your current selection. (The dedicated Automation Editor Panel has been removed.)
- The fullscreen Edit View ([SHIFT]-[TAB]) offers the same Detail Editor Panel functionality, putting clip- or track-based editing into the center of your screen.
- In either panel, you can press [F] to toggle to the following available editor and cycle thru them all.
Both the Detail Editor Panel and the Arranger Timeline Panel have been generally improved, both visually and for streamlined workflows.
- All available editing tools appear on the right top edge of each panel.
  - Right-clicking within the full palette area shows a menu with all tool icons, names, and their assigned shortcuts:
    - Pointer tool [1], for object selection and general editing.
    - Time Selection tool [2], for time selection and navigation.
    - Pencil tool [3], for inserting events and drawing automation.
    - Spray Can tool [4], for inserting multiple events (more info).
    - Knife tool [5], for cutting events once or at intervals.
    - Eraser tool [6], for erasing events or time regions.
    - Audition tool [7], for previewing events in isolation (more info).
    - Step Input tool [8], for entering individual notes and chords via MIDI in the Detail Editor Panel (more info).
  - A short press of any shortcut switches to that tool.
  - Holding the shortcut will temporarily switch to that tool, returning to the previous tool when the key is released.
  - When the panel is resized to be shorter, only the active tool is shown, which can be clicked to switch tools via menu.
- The bottom-right corner has a "control panel" icon. When clicked, an Editor Settings menu appears.
  - This includes the Timeline Snapping options and Beat Grid settings.
  - Interactive Appearance settings relevant to the current panel are also available:
    - Dark Grid Linespaints black beat grid lines when enabled (the default), or white lines when disabled.
    - Grid Intensity adjusts the opacity of the beat grid lines, with 0 hiding the lines altogether.
      - Note that beat grid lines appear sharp when an editor's Time Snapping is enabled, and slightly blurry when Time Snapping is disabled.
    - Timeline Background Level adjusts the brightness of empty timeline areas.
  - At the top are editing specifics, such as the current tool for this panel, and editing-specific preferences when in the Arranger (such as whether the Pointer tool supports Time Selection, when mousing below the clip header), for note editing (such as the Color Notes by: option [like Pitch Class or Velocity] and the Insert Channel for new notes), and so on.
  - Several toggle controls that have icons on the editor itself are also listed here, for textual clarity and to display assigned shortcut keys.
The Arranger Timeline Panel now has an Auto-zoom [SHIFT]-[Z] option (also available by clicking the braced ↕︎ icon in the lower left).
- When enabled, the selected track or automation lane will change to the zoom size.
- To change the zoom size, simply resize the currently auto-zoomed track/lane.
- Selection is easiest done by clicking a track or lane header.
The Detail Editor Panel always shows a top-level switch for the editing context:
- Clip editing shows the full clip contents with the clip's timeline. Headers are available for adjusting the Start position, Stop position (when not looping), and a loop control bar (double-click to toggle Looping, drag or edge-drag to adjust the looping region). And when working with a single clip, any events outside of the current clip bounds are also shown.
- Track editing shows the current Arranger contents with the project's timeline. Each clip shows an interactive header, allowing you to select (click), move (drag), change the length (edge drag), or stretch ([ALT]-edge drag) any clip.
  - When working with the Clip Launcher, the Track context is not available.

Drum/Hybrid Editor revamp

The Drum/Hybrid Editor (previously the Drum Editor) has received significant improvements.
The lanes now automatically resize to fit everything on the screen, when possible. (Small lanes can also be zoomed in, when desired.)
It is now possible to see notes and audio side-by-side in this editor, with a combination of lanes for individual notes and audio.
- When working in Track context, selecting a note or audio clip on a hybrid track will default to the Drum/Hybrid Editor.
Pitch / Transpose, Velocity, and other expressions can be viewed on top of events with the Expression Overlay [X] mode (explained below).
- Using the Expression Overlay mode with notes in the Drum/Hybrid editor supports drawing with the Pencil and Spray Can tools as well.
- When working with Pitch / Transpose [P] (or Formant), right-clicking on the vertical axis offers a pop-up menu with a couple of settings:
  - View Range sets the visible semitone range, for comfortable editing in different situations. Options include ±1 (one half-step up and down), ±7 (a perfect fifth up and down), ±12 (one octave up and down; the default), ±24 (two octaves up and down), etc.
  - Snap to semitones, when on (the default), will make vertical edits stick to each nearby semitone.
    - When Snap to semitones is on, holding [CTRL]-drag ([CMD]-drag on macOS) temporarily disables snapping.

Note Editing updates & improvements

The left top edge allows switching between the Piano Roll Editor (showing all notes) and the Drum/Hybrid Editor (showing only used notes, or if a Drum Machine device or similar plug-in is present, all notes with active chains).
Whenever using the Piano Roll Editor, an option to Show Audio in Background is available, using any track containing audio as a background reference for note editing.
- Clicking on the Show Audio in Background button toggles the function on and off.
- Long-clicking or right-clicking on the Show Audio in Background button offers a menu for selecting which audio-containing track to display in the background.
- By default, the first audio-containing track in your project will be selected.
On hover, the Pencil and Spray Can tools previews the note that will be created if you click.
The Spray Can tool creates a row of notes at the current beat grid interval (read: hi-hats), using vertical mouse position for the velocity of all notes.
- Holding [ALT] with the Spray Can tool works the same, except dragging the mouse vertically moves the current step to a different note (read: step sequencing).
The Knife tool can be dragged over various notes. When the mouse is released, all event will be cut in the same place.
The Eraser tool can be dragged freely to delete any note passed over.
The Note Expression Lane [V] below can show any single expression (including Velocity, Chance, and now Release Velocity).
A new Expression Overlay mode allows viewing and editing any continuous expression on top of note events.
- Clicking on the Expression Overlay button (or pressing [X]) toggles between viewing the current expression or editing it (visualizing notes in an "x-ray" style with expression curves on top).
- Long-clicking or right-clicking on the Expression Overlay button offers a menu for switching from Pitch / Transpose [P] to Gain [G] or other expressions.
- In the Drum/Hybrid Editor, non-continuous expressions (Velocity, Release Velocity, and Chance) can also be edited as overlays.
The Edit by MIDI Channel icon is bright and available for clips containing multiple channels (or the icon is dim and available for adding channel diversity to an existing clip).
- By default, notes are colored by Channel in this mode.

Audio Editing updates & improvements

The Waveform Editor allows focusing on audio events and fades (as gestures to gain and timing at the top and bottom of each audio event).
The Comping Editor icon is bright and available for clips containing take lanes (or the icon is dim and available for adding take lanes to an existing clip).
An Expression Overlay mode [X] allows viewing and editing any expression data on top of audio events.
- Clicking on the Expression Overlay button toggles between viewing the current expression or editing it (visualizing notes in an "x-ray" style with expression curves on top).
- Long-clicking or right-clicking on the Expression Overlay button offers a menu for switching from Stretch markers to a different expression.
- When working with Transpose [T] (or Formant), right-clicking on the vertical axis offers a pop-up menu with a couple of settings:
  - View Range sets the visible semitone range, for comfortable editing in different situations. Options include ±1 (one half-step up and down), ±7 (a perfect fifth up and down), ±12 (one octave up and down; the default), ±24 (two octaves up and down), etc.
  - Snap to semitones, when on (the default), will make vertical edits stick to each nearby semitone.
    - When Snap to semitones is on, holding [CTRL]-drag ([CMD]-drag on macOS) temporarily disables snapping.

Bringing It All Together

For all editing cases:
- Selecting any clip will show that clip's contents (whether note, audio, or automation) in the Detail Editor Panel.
- Selecting any track will show its primary content in the Detail Editor Panel.
- For note and audio clips, the lower Automation Lane [A] area can show any single automation lane, with a "flying" behavior of following the last clicked parameter.
When multiple clips/tracks are selected, all selected clips will be loaded in the Detail Editor Panel:
- By default, notes are colored by Clip in this mode.
- The header of the window shows the available clip headers.
- All clip headers are slightly dimmed, except for the target clip (where new notes will be inserted):
  - Clicking a dim clip header makes it the target clip.
  - Selecting/editing notes also switches the target clip.
- For the target clip/layer, background areas of the editor are painted with the clip's color to show its current bounds.
- When both note and audio clips are selected, the Drum/Hybrid Editor is loaded to show both types together.
When working with multiple clips, a Layered Editing submenu may appear within the Editor Settings menu. Depending on your material and editor, additional options may appear here.
- The Editor Timeline setting, determining the timebase and events shown:
  - Global Arranger/Launcher Time shows all clips against the project timeline, and only shows events within the clip bounds.
  - Clip Content Time (aligned to play start) lines up clips from their set start times, and shows all clip events.
  - Clip Content Time (ignoring play start) lines up clips from their internal 1.1 position, and shows all clip events.
- The Layer Grouping setting, offering different ways to group the layers being shown:
  - by Note Lane shows the minimum number of lanes, with one note lane for each used pitch and audio grouped by track.
  - by Track shows one lane for each audio track, and one group of note lanes for each instrument track.
  - by Clip shows one lane (or group of note lanes) for each clip.
Selecting a Launcher scene when the Detail Editor Panel is open displays all contents of that scene together.
Selecting an Arranger cue marker when the Detail Editor Panel is open (and in Track context mode) displays all contents of the Arranger together, focusing on the selected cue marker.

Spray Can tool

The Pencil tool makes single events, and the Spray Can paints multiple events.
In the Arranger Timeline Panel, clicking the Spray Can tool creates a looping clip.
- Clicking and dragging extends the new clip with additional loop iterations.
When working with notes in the Detail Editor Panel, clicking and dragging the Spray Can tool creates a series of notes at the current beat grid interval (read: hi-hats).
- Dragging up or down adjusts the velocity of new all notes.
- Holding [ALT] while dragging the Spray Can tool works the same, except dragging up and down can move each step to a different note (read: step sequencing).
- In the Piano Roll Editor with Snap to Key enabled (either by clicking the sharp–flat icon or pressing [K]), only in-key notes will preview and be created.
- Clicking on an existing note erases that note (just as the Pencil tool does).
- When working with clips or notes, hovering with the Spray Can (and Pencil) tool previews the first object it will create.
When editing automation, the Spray Can tool draws stepped automation at the current beat grid interval (read: techno).
- [ALT]-dragging with Spray Can creates a single, flat automation segment for the full length of your drag, for an easy way to create alternating rhythms or longer holds.
- Each point created uses the Hold behavior.
- This also works for drawing expressions, when using the lane-based Drum/Hybrid Editor with Expression Overlay mode (or theWaveform Editor )
When working with notes, the Spray Can tool can be used to draw velocity ramps, etc., for successive notes
- This is available with notes in the lower Note Expression Lane [V] for any non-continuous expression (Velocity, Release Velocity, and Chance).
- Once you click with the Spray Can tool (showing a pointed crosshair cursor in this area), dragging the mouse will show a line and preview all note expressions to land on this line.
- When you are happy with the previewed result, you can either click and release to commit the events. Or you can click and drag up or down, to bend the shape.

Step Input tool

When the Detail Editor Panel is showing a note clip, the Step Input tool is available for entering notes at the current beat grid interval with MIDI.
When using the Step Input tool, a glowing white line (not unlike a laser sword) appears, showing the current insertion point. Click at the desired location to place this laser sword.
The right arrow key [→] moved the insertion point to the next step.
When a key is played, the note will be previewed on screen.
- To commit the note at the current length: release the key.
- To make the note longer: press [→] as many times as you like.
  - The first press commits the previewed note and moves the insertion point to the next step; all subsequent presses of [→] lengthen the note.
- To insert a rest: press [→] while no MIDI keys are being held.
These rules work for polyphonic note entry as well. For example:
- As long as at least one key is being held, the insertion point remains on the current step. Additional notes can be previewed by playing them.
- Releasing a key in its preview state (while other notes are being held) cancels that one note.
- If a key is being held when [→] is pressed, that key is now "committed" and will create a note whenever the key is released.
- Pressing [←] shortens any notes that were being held and moves previewing notes to that point.
  - You can also hold notes and then use [←] to delete as a "musical backspace", shortening or deleting the held notes within that time.
When all playing notes are released together, they all end at the same time. This works for simple chords of fixed length, or when committed notes of various lengths are released together.

Audition tool

Allows previewing any clip or track content by clicking on it.
When the transport is stopped:
- Clicking into the Arranger previews that track from the click location.
- Clicking into the Detail Editor Panel previews visible tracks/clips from the click location.
- Clicking a Launcher clip/scene previews that content from the beginning.
- On release, the transport is stopped and restored to its state before auditioning.
When the transport is playing:
- Clicking into the Arranger previews that track from the current playback position.
- Clicking into the Detail Editor Panel previews visible tracks/clips from the current playback position.
- Clicking a Launcher clip/scene previews that content from the calculated playback position.
- On release, playback continues in its previous state.

Clip Launcher status displays

Clip Launcher running status is now nicely visualized on each track.
The last row of the Clip Launcher visualizes the running status of that track.
In the vertical Mixer View, this appears at bottom. Within the Arrange View, this last row is shown on the right.
When the transport is stopped but the Launcher is in control, a circle is painted here in the active clip's color.
When the transport is running, the circle is painted over clockwise, indicating the playback position within the current clip.
If it's a looping clip, a play count will show in the center of the clip, starting on the second play (2).
- From the 100ᵗʰ clip loop and beyond, the play count attains infinity status (∞).
When the playing clip has a Next Action enabled, the playback indicator is ringed by a blue arc, showing the timer for the action. When the arc is completed, the Next Action fires.
When hovered over, this status display is swapped out for the Return playback to Arranger Timeline button for this track.
When any track's Launcher is active but only the Arranger Timeline Panel is on-screen, the Clip Launcher running status is shown on the left edge of the track content area — and still offers the Return playback to Arranger Timeline function when clicked.

General Improvements

Time scrollbars now display a visual overview of the timeline's content:
- For the Detail Editor Panel, the primary editor determines what is previewed (Waveform Editor or Comping Editor shows audio, Piano Roll Editor shows notes, Drum/Hybrid Editor shows both if present, and Automation Editor shows automation).
- For the Arranger Timeline Panel, visible Arranger clips are previewed. When present, Arranger cue markers are painted on top and are interactive:
  - [ALT]-clicking a cue marker in the Arranger's time scrollbar will zoom the Arranger Timeline Panel to fit the marker's content.
  - [ALT]-double-clicking a cue marker in the Arranger's time scrollbar will trigger playback from that start time.
Transport automation lanes are at the top of the Arranger now, by the transport section. (These tracks were previously part of the master track.)
- The transport automation lanes will stay visible on the Arranger, unless you fold the area.
- Transport parameters include key signature elements (Root Key & Scale), Time Signature, Tempo, Crossfade position, global Fill status, and various global shuffle elements (Groove on/off, Shuffle amount, Shuffle rate, Accent amount, Accent phase, and Accent rate).
- Each element can be controlled with Arranger automation, or with automation clips (either in the Arranger or on Launcher).
- Each element can be assigned to a project remotes page.
- Each element can be modulated with project-level modulators loaded on the master track.
Generated names for clips are now more helpful, suggesting where each clip is located:
- As alias clips share a clip name, clips referencing the same pattern can now appear at various locations.
- If a clip is used in the Launcher, the generated name uses the first scene number where it is found (e.g., S4 for scene four, or S4 + if the clip also appears in future Launcher scenes).
- If a clip is used in the Arranger, the generated name uses the first bar number where it is found (e.g., 17 for a clip starting in bar 17, or 17 + if the clip also appears in future Arranger locations).
- So an example of a clip appearing in both the Launcher and various Arranger positions could read as: S4 17 +.
- When space is available in the Arranger, clips with generated names will show the track name as well.
- User provided names will always take priority.
In the Arranger Timeline Panel, hovering with the Pencil and Spray Can tools previews the clip that will be created if you click:
- Clicking with Pencil tool creates a clip, and dragging will extend its length.
- Clicking with Spray Can tool creates a looping clip, and dragging will extend its length.
Right-clicking the top of the application window offers interactive controls for adjusting the Midtone and Black Level used throughout the interface.
Clip headers are now smaller so that content can always be shown (even with tiny slot/lane heights).
- The text and headers can be adjusted with the Arranger Clip Header Size and Launcher Clip Header Size settings (from the Dashboard under Settings > User Interface > View).
Arranger clips are now given a light gradient for each loop iteration, letting you see the patterns of your music.
- Looping clips tint the start of each loop slightly lighter (and the end slightly darker).
- Dragging the end of the first loop adjusts the Length of the looping region.
- Non-looping clips are shown in their solid color.
Arranger track headers have been redesigned and improved.
- Volume meters are shown vertically, along with an integrated slider.
- As lanes can get smaller than before, headers can flatten to a single line showing essential controls.
- When space is available, also shown are:
  - Volume as a numeric readout/control.
  - A panning control.
  - Track input and output choosers.
- Track names can now use multiple lines when needed (as can long paths in automation lanes).
- Clear VU Meter Peaks & Clipping [ALT]-[C] can be used to clear the status of all meters. (They are also cleared each time the transport starts.)
- Default key commands are also provided for Toggle Track Solo / Cue [SHIFT]-[S] and Toggle Track Mute [SHIFT]-[M].
Mixer channels can now be resized even smaller.
The Browser Panel now offers visual previews of selected Curve and Wavetable files.
When a group track is unfolded, child track backgrounds in the Arranger are tinted with the group color.
Improved audio painting, showing intensity better when zoomed out and stroke consistency better when zoomed in.
The current beat grid interval (used for snapping and other functions) is shown in the scrollbar, and displayed with brackets — like [1 / 4] — when Adapative Grid is automatically adjusted as you zoom in and out.
When you open a project made in a previous version, the original project file is automatically backed up.
- Within the current project's auto-backup folder, a folder called versions will be created.
- The backup will use the original project filename, plus the version it was saved with and the last modified date, such as: Dear Listener [4.4.8 2023-03-19 223323].bwproject
- While the top-level backup folder only keeps the ten most recently saved copies, backups in the versions folder will not be automatically erased.
Drag and drop logic across the program has been overhauled to automatically support more cases (such as dragging multiple devices or presets from the Browser Panel into the Device Panel, etc.).
Device help notes have been added for many convert / upgrade options, available by right-clicking these device's headers:
- Mid–Side Split (Container) offers a Convert to Stereo Split option.
- Stereo Split (Container) offers a Convert to Mid–Side Split option.
- FX Layer (Container) offers Convert to FX Selector and Convert to Instrument Layer options.
- FX Selector (Container) offers a Convert to FX Layer option.
- Instrument Layer (Container) offers Convert to Instrument Selector and Convert to FX Layer options.
- Instrument Selector (Container) offers a Convert to Instrument Layer option.
- Note FX Layer (Container) offers a Convert to Note FX Selector option.
- Note FX Selector (Container) offers a Convert to Note FX Layer option.
- Compressor (Dynamics) offers an Upgrade to Compressor+ option.
- EQ-2 (EQ) offers Upgrade to EQ-5 and Upgrade to EQ+ options.
- EQ-5 (EQ) offers an Upgrade to EQ+ option.
- Filter+ (Filter) offers Convert to Sweep and Convert to FX Grid options.
- Sweep (Filter) offers a Convert to FX Grid option.
- Key Filter (Note FX) offers an Upgrade to Key Filter+ option.
- Polymer (Synth) offers a Convert to Poly Grid option.
- Poly Grid (The Grid) offers Convert to Note Grid and Convert to FX Grid options.
- Note Grid (The Grid) offers Convert to Poly Grid and Convert to FX Grid options.
- FX Grid (The Grid) offers Convert to Poly Grid and Convert to FX Grid options.