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Getting started

Install, first launch, audio device, plugin scan, first project.

Last updated 24 Oct 2026Development build referenceSource on GitHub
Development checkout: first-session keys

Unreleased development changes reviewed October 24, 2026 at app commit 1b5ba4b7 make R the OpenStudio default Record key; Ctrl/Cmd+R and numpad * remain aliases. Press Record again to finish. 1 or Home seeks to the absolute beginning and reveals it. + or = zooms in, - zooms out, with numpad + / - and the existing Ctrl/Cmd zoom aliases. Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+R arms/disarms selected tracks in track controls or the mixer, and selects Range in the Piano Roll outside step input. Bare keys still type normally in text fields. Vendor profiles and explicit custom bindings retain their maps. These additions are not shipped-release claims.

OpenStudio is a desktop DAW with a JUCE C++ audio engine and a React front end. This page takes you from the download to a saved project with one track on it. Budget about ten minutes.

Download and install

Grab the build for your platform from the download page. Signing and notarization depend on the build, so your OS may warn or block first launch. Follow the release notes for that download.

WindowsRun the installer. If SmartScreen appears, choose More info → Run anyway. The installer owns the WebView2 and VC++ prerequisites.
macOSOpen the .dmg and drag OpenStudio to Applications. Right-click the app, choose Open, then allow it under System Settings → Privacy & Security if asked.
LinuxOn x86-64 Ubuntu 22.04+ (including 24.04) or Ubuntu-based Linux Mint, download the .deb. Open it with Ubuntu App Center or Software, or Linux Mint’s package installer, install it, then launch OpenStudio from the application menu. If Archive Manager opens, use Open With to select the package installer.

Linux package guidance is checked against the published v0.1.05 release, app commit 649012c. The optional AppImage remains available for compatible hosts: make it executable with chmod +x OpenStudio-*.AppImage and launch the AppImage itself. It needs host GTK/WebKit and FFmpeg libraries. Native desktop installation through every Ubuntu/Mint graphical package installer is not part of the automated qualification.

First-launch warnings

The first-launch approval path is documented, not warning-free. Compare the SHA-256 on the download page to check file integrity; a matching checksum does not guarantee OS approval.

On first launch OpenStudio creates its configuration files, scans your audio devices and drivers, and opens an empty project. Updates are announced in-app; you can also check manually from Help → Check for Updates….

First launch

Shortcuts below use the OpenStudio keyboard profile; Ctrl means Cmd on macOS. The layout follows the usual DAW pattern: menu bar and main toolbar on top, the track control panel on the left, the timeline in the centre, the mixer below when you toggle it with Ctrl+M, and the transport bar along the bottom with the time display, BPM, and time signature.

The default OpenStudio layout on first launch
The default layout: track headers left, arrangement centre, mixer docked below.

Press F1 at any time for the searchable Help Reference, and Ctrl+Shift+P for the Command Palette, which searches registered app actions without you having to remember a menu location.

Audio device and buffer size

Open View → Audio Settings… or click the gear icon in the main toolbar. Pick your audio system and device, choose a sample rate (44.1 or 48 kHz are standard), and start with a 256-sample buffer. Drop to 128 once you know the machine keeps up; lower buffers mean less latency and more CPU.

macOSCoreAudio, using your interface or the built-in output.
WindowsASIO if your interface ships a driver, otherwise WASAPI. DirectSound works but adds latency.
LinuxALSA or JACK, depending on your audio setup.

Latency, crackle, and driver choice get their own page: Audio setup.

Scan your plugins

Open the FX chain panel on any track (the FX button on the track header) or the Plugin Browser and click Scan. Standard VST3, CLAP, and LV2 directories are scanned and the results are grouped by manufacturer and category.

~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3
C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3
/usr/lib/lv2

VST3 is the most mature path; CLAP and LV2 compatibility varies more by plugin. Nothing showing up? See Plugins & scanning.

Create a project and arm a track

  1. Press Ctrl+T to add an audio track, or Ctrl+Shift+T for a MIDI track.
  2. Pick the input on the track header and choose stereo or mono.
  3. Click the record-arm circle. Toggle Monitor to hear the live input through the track's FX chain.
  4. Add OpenStudio NAM Rack to the FX chain if you are recording guitar or bass, so you hear the tone while you play.
  5. Press R to record and Record again or Space to finish. Ctrl+R and numpad * are aliases. The take lands as a clip on the timeline.
  6. Save with Ctrl+S. Projects use the .osproj extension. Back up older sessions and keep the older app for projects that need conversion.
Importing instead

Prefer to start from a file? Insert → Media file… (or the Insert key) places WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, or OGG audio at the playhead on the selected track.