Workspace Browsers
Pro Tools | First provides a database of your media files and system directories using Workspace browsers. Browsers provide an intuitive user interface within Pro Tools | First to quickly access both online and offline media files.
Browsers in Pro Tools | First are analogous to windows in your computer’s operating system (such as Windows Explorer or the Mac Finder), but are specially designed for working in Pro Tools | First. Multiple browsers can be displayed simultaneously, and arranged independently with custom display settings for each.
Browsers let you search and sort media files. These files are displayed in browsers and can be dragged directly into the current project.
When offline items are needed, Pro Tools | First lets you find the correct matching files, then relink to online media.
To open a Workspace browser, press Option+; (Mac) or Alt+; (Windows).
To bring all browsers to the front, press Option+J (Mac) or Alt+J (Windows).
To send all browsers to the back, press Option+Shift+J (Mac) or Alt+Shift+J (Windows).
The main elements of a Workspace browser (see the figure below) include the following:
• View Presets
Let you store up to 5 different browser views.
• Preview Controls
Provide tools for auditioning audio files from the browser.
• Search Tools
Let you search your system for files and folders by simple or advanced search criteria.
• Browser Menu
Provides commands for file management.
• Column Headers
Display the type of metadata displayed in the Items List. Column Headers can be:
- Resized by dragging the column border, or rearranged by dragging the Column headers.
- Dragged to either of two available panes, the Fixed or Scrolling panes.
• Locations Pane
Provides a view of Volumes (and folders and files), Catalogs, and the currently open Project for your system.
• Browser Pane
Provides a view of items on your system contained within the Volume (or folder), Catalog, or open project that is selected in the Locations pane. Alternatively, the Browser pane displays search results.