iii. Playlist
The playlist is the tool in FL Studio where you’ll combine your created patterns into a complete song. It uses a grid, similar to the piano roll, but instead the labels on the left represent each pattern you created with the step sequencer, piano roll, or both. The grid represents the moment in time in the complete song and is labeled on top by the bar number, indicating the bar position from the beginning of the song. Like the piano roll, the patterns can be placed in the playlist simply by left clicking where you want it and right-clicking to remove it. Similar to the piano roll, the playlist features editing tools on the top-left hand of the window and are explained in greater detail in the FL Studio reference manual. In addition to adding patterns, newer versions of FL Studio allow you to input audio tracks and automation clips into the bottom section of the window. Whether you want to place a singer’s vocals in there, or perhaps a guitar solo you’ve recorded, the bottom portion of the playlist is reserved for just that. Audio tracks and automation clips are also explained in detail in the FL Studio reference manual.