Assign tools

Assign tools

You can assign tools to the Left-click and Command-click Tool menus. The pointer adopts the shape of the active tool, allowing you to identify it by looking at the pointer graphic.

Figure. Left-click and Command-click Tool menus in the Arrange area.

The Command-click Tool menu is located on the right, by default, but is located in the middle when a third (Right-click) tool is assigned. You can assign the Right-click tool in the Logic Pro General > Editing preferences pane. See Editing preferences.

If you have a suitable mouse, you can also assign the right mouse button to any of the following:

  • A third tool (Right-click tool)

  • Tool menu

  • Shortcut menu (default setting)

You can set two different behaviors for the Pointer tool when using it in the Tracks area.

Assign the Left-click tool

  • Click the Left-click Tool menu to open it, then choose a tool.

Press the "T” key twice to return to the default Pointer tool.

Assign the Command-click tool

  • Click the Command-click Tool menu, then choose a tool.

Releasing the Command key reverts to the Left-click tool.

Set the behavior of the right mouse button

  1. Choose Logic Pro > Preferences > General (or use the corresponding key command).

  2. Click Editing, then choose a setting from the Right Mouse Button pop-up menu.

    Figure. Right Mouse Button menu in the Editing pane in the General preferences.

    • Is Assignable to a Tool: When this option is chosen, a third Tool menu (Right-click Tool menu) appears to the right of the Left-click and Command-click Tool menus. Choose the appropriate menu item to assign the tool, which is available when the right mouse button is pressed while editing.

      Figure. Left-click, Command-click, and Right-click Tool menus in the Arrange area.

    • Opens Tool Menu: Right-clicking in the working area of the active window opens the Tool menu with the Pointer tool (and not the currently selected tool) located under the pointer position. Choose a tool by clicking it. When the Tool menu is open, you can also use the key shown next to a tool to select it.

      Figure. Open Tool menu.

      Note: When you choose a tool from the Tool menu by right-clicking, the tool is assigned to the left mouse button. Right-double-clicking in the working area of the active window resets the assigned tool to the Pointer tool.

    • Opens Shortcut Menu: Right-clicking in the working area of the active window displays a menu that contains a number of area-specific selection and editing commands.

      Figure. Arrange area with open shortcut menu.

Set the behavior of the Pointer tool in the Tracks area

  1. Choose Logic Pro > Preferences > General (or use the corresponding key command).

  2. Click Editing, then select the behavior you want for the Pointer tool.

    Figure. Pointer Tool checkboxes in the Editing pane in the General preferences.

    • Fade Tool Click Zones: When selected, placing the pointer over the upper-left and upper-right edges of a region activates the Fade pointer and behavior. The Loop pointer and behavior can still be accessed in these click zones by holding down Option.

    • Marquee Tool Click Zones: When selected, placing the pointer over the lower half of a region (with the exception of the lower-left and lower-right edges) activates the Marquee pointer and behavior.