FL Studio 20 Getting Started Manual

THE PLAYLIST - FROM PATTERNS TO SONGS

Now you've seen the basics of what can be done with a single pattern, we'll show you how to

program more than one pattern and link them together into a complete song.

1. The Pattern Selector & Picker Panel. FL Studio lets you create 999 different patterns of any

length. You can access the other patterns by changing the number in the Pattern Number box

or use the Picker Panel located on the left side of the Playlist (see next page). Use your mouse

to drag in the Pattern Selector. You’ll find it on the tool bar at the top of the main FL Studio

window. Right-click the pattern selector to show all patterns with data in them.

2. Check out the Playlist (next page). This screen can be opened either using the button under

the hint bar, by hitting F5, or by right-clicking the song/pat button on the main screen (see

above). Try it, and you should get a new window that looks something like the one shown

below. The Playlist sequences (plays) Pattern, Audio and Automation Clips. Unlike most other

sequencers, the Playlist tracks are not bound to a single instrument, audio recording or even

Clip type. You can put any Clip type anywhere and even overlay Clips. Think of Clips as a

little like notes in the Piano roll. When the play-position reaches a Clip, FL Studio plays

whatever the Clip instructs it to do. This also means Playlist Clip tracks are not bound to

Mixer tracks, rather Channel Rack to Mixer routing of instruments decides the Mixer track/s

that are used. Try it - Make sure Song is selected and press Play. You should see the Play

Indicator on the Playlist start to move, and hear the patterns it is playing (use the NewStuff.flp).

When the indicator reaches the end of the Clips, it will jump back to the start of the song or

Song loop point and continue playing. If you switch to Pattern mode, FL Studio will just

repeatedly play the current pattern in the Channel Rack.

The Playlist can hold notes (Pattern Clips), automation or

‘remote control’ (Automation Clips) and audio (Audio Clips).

It’s all about CLIPS! What’s cool is that any track can hold any

Clip type. The Picker Panel holds all these Clip types.

Pattern selector

Pattern/Song mode