# Interface Overview

There are 11 main parts to the LMMS interface. These are described in detail in the following chapter. This section gives a brief description of each part of the interface. It also lists the sections of this guide in which each part of the interface is explained in greater detail.

{% hint style="info" %}
For information on the Settings window, refer to [this page](/user-manual/en/getting-started/settings.md).
{% endhint %}

## Menus

The [**Main Menu Bar**](/user-manual/en/navigation/menu-bar.md) serves as a general menu for LMMS.

![Main Menu Bar](/files/-MPtvQqnRxuJDBtv2vNM)

The [**Toolbar**](/user-manual/en/navigation/toolbar.md) contains options for managing project files, showing/hiding interface windows, and altering master controls for projects.

![Tool Bar](/files/-MPtvwkepXa0eGLzqtLt)

The [**Sidebar**](/user-manual/en/navigation/sidebar.md) is used to introduce resources to a project.

![Sidebar (Instrument Plugins tab)](/files/-MPtwXzodu_tZiIuNZOd)

## Windows

Most of the work you do creating songs in LMMS will be done in the program's windowed GUI. Each type of window has a specific purpose.

The [**Instrument Window**](/user-manual/en/navigation/instrument-window.md) contains settings for an instrument.

![Instrument Window (AudioFileProcessor)](/files/-MPu26AUgmno5QZmp_9y)

The [**Song Editor**](/user-manual/en/navigation/song-editor.md) contains all the different sound-generating elements and automation segments in a project file.

![Song Editor](/files/-MPu2WmisJL26a7AE5YK)

The [**Pattern Editor**](/user-manual/en/navigation/3.8.md) is where repetitive loops, such as drum or basslines, can be created and contained.

![Beat+Baseline Editor](/files/-MPu3mPV4rZUyrcDFsR4)

The [**Piano Roll**](/user-manual/en/navigation/piano-roll.md) allows you to create and edit note sequences.

![Piano Roll](/files/-MPu40mxOUtkMc9lygB3)

The [**Automation Editor**](/user-manual/en/navigation/automation.md) allows you to control and change any connected parameter over time automatically.

<figure><img src="/files/4hReLczU6qxuT4wQkGcp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The [**Mixer**](/user-manual/en/navigation/mixer.md) is where FX channel routing and manipulation takes place.

<figure><img src="/files/3UPldzMPChoAvadKdc7z" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The [**Project Notes**](/user-manual/en/navigation/project-notes.md) window allows you to create notes for yourself in a project file It is a simple text editor.

![Project Notes](/files/-MPu79-Fw3UfaBnJIu_u)

The [**Controller Rack**](/user-manual/en/navigation/controller-rack.md) is where controllers are added and configured. These controllers allow you to make alterations to connected parameters, much like an automation segment would.

![](/files/-MPu7O0b4m-7jR14MUe-)

## Parameters

LMMS has many types of common parameters. Most parameters have a similar type of right-click context menu with some common options.

<figure><img src="/files/1OUc3nIldM6ekuB1zZf0" alt=""><figcaption><p>Parameter right-click context menu</p></figcaption></figure>

Most parameters can be controlled by scrolling over them with the scroll wheel, and by double-clicking them to set their exact value.

<figure><img src="/files/4d2CDOUhGPfsweNJmRVi" alt=""><figcaption><p>Knob</p></figcaption></figure>

A knob can also be controlled by holding down the left-mouse-button and dragging up and down.

<figure><img src="/files/h70QMWnwf3WfzLzmpw1c" alt=""><figcaption><p>Slider</p></figcaption></figure>

A slider can also be controlled by holding down the left-mouse button and dragging in either direction along the slider groove.

<figure><img src="/files/fXyQxOwiOUWR5FqjtQWy" alt=""><figcaption><p>Drop-down</p></figcaption></figure>

A drop-down can also be controlled by right-clicking or left-clicking to go down or up the list of options. The entire drop-down itself can be accessed by clicking the ◁ (left-pointing triangle) symbol.

<figure><img src="/files/yLAXJDfRGEqYmteXq4CU" alt=""><figcaption><p>Spinbox / LCD Readout</p></figcaption></figure>

A spinbox can also be controlled by holding down the left-mouse-button and dragging it up and down.

<figure><img src="/files/22L12QsGBpBq6iwiX03a" alt=""><figcaption><p>Toggle</p></figcaption></figure>

A toggle can only be controlled by clicking it so it is in either of its two states.

<figure><img src="/files/AKSK71ObmBgSYyKqs1K1" alt=""><figcaption><p>Radio Toggle</p></figcaption></figure>

A radio toggle can only be controlled by clicking on any of its tabs.

Most of the parameters in LMMS can be automated by dragging with Ctrl-drag. There are some more convenient shortcuts that can be used without the hassle of navigating through a right-click menu.

* Double-click a parameter to edit its value
* Middle-mouse click on a parameter to reset its value
* Shift-drag one knob onto another to copy the value of the first knob to the second
* Ctrl-scroll on a knob for more fine scrolling (minute changes, slower scroll)
* Shift-scroll on a knob for more coarse scrolling (larger changes, faster scroll)


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