FL Studio Getting Started Manual

Important Information

• Software subject to change; license agreement applies.
• Illegal to copy software unless specified.
• FL Studio is a trademark of Image Line Software.

Table of Contents Overview

• Installation
• Introduction and First Run
• Using FL Studio: Channel Rack, Sampler Channels, Mixer
• Playlist and Performance Mode
• Instruments and Plugins
• Mixing, Effects, and Recording
• Exporting Audio
• Controllers

Installation

Online Installation

1. Download FL Studio from install.image-line.com.
2. Register the code at boxregistration.image-line.com using your real name.
3. Test your account at my.image-line.com.
4. Install FL Studio with default settings.
5. Unlock with account credentials under HELP > About.
6. For offline unlocking, download FLRegkey from UNLOCK PRODUCTS.
7. Restart FL Studio to verify registration.

Offline Installation

• Similar steps as online, but involves downloading FLRegkey.reg file.

Welcome to FL Studio

• FL Studio guide for all editions.
• Lifetime free updates for registered users.
• Key features include Recording, Piano Roll, Channel Rack, Edison wave editor, Performance mode, and various sharing options.

First Run

• System Settings: Press F10 for Audio Settings.
• Use FL Studio ASIO for lower CPU load and short buffer lengths.
• Smart Disable can reduce CPU usage.

Making Music

The Channel Rack

• Holds instruments and controls automation.
• Patterns are created in Channel Rack and arranged in Playlist.

Using Sampler Channels

• Modify samples with Sampler Channels.
• Load samples from the Browser.

Mixer Track Routing

• Route Channels to Mixer Tracks for effects.

Step Sequencer and Piano Roll

• Step sequencer ideal for loops and basic melodies.
• Piano Roll used for complex melodies and chords.

Playlist

• Arrange patterns into songs.
• Supports audio, pattern, and automation clips.

Performance Mode

• Triggers Clips for live performance.

Instruments

Types

• Includes samplers and synthesizers like MiniSynth, GMS, and 3xOSC.
• Preset sounds available for many instruments.

Adding Synthesizers

• Use Add menu or Plugin database.

Mixing & Effects

Mixer

• Central to channel routing and effects application.
• 125 Insert tracks and multiple effect options per track.

Effects

• Includes compression, delay, distortion, EQ, and more.
• Automation generates control data for dynamic effects.

Recording & Editing

Automation

• Record movements of knobs and sliders.
• Use Event Editor for detailed control.

Audio Recording

• Producer Edition required.
• Select inputs from Mixer Input menus.

Edison Wave Editor

• Integrated audio editor and recorder.

Exporting Audio

• Supports Wav, Ogg, and MP3 formats.
• Background rendering available.

Controllers

• External devices like MIDI keyboards can be used to control FL Studio.
• Link external knobs to FL Studio controls.

Credits

• Developed by Didier Dambrin and Image-Line team.